How to read your prescription

How to read your prescription

Dr Vernon Coleman

When writing out a prescription many doctors still use abbreviations derived from a rough and ready version of Latin. The abbreviations are used to give instructions to the pharmacist who will turn the prescription into a bottle of pills. Here are some of the commonest abbreviations - and their meanings:

ac - before meals
alt die - alternate days
bd (or bid) - twice a day
c - with
dol urg - when the pain is severe
gutt - drops
hs - at bedtime
m - mix
om - every morning
on - every evening
prn - when needed
qd (or qid) four times a day
r - take
sig - label
sos - if necessary
stat - immediately
td (or tid or tds) - three times a day
ung - ointment

From How to stop your doctor killing you, by Vernon Coleman. To purchase a copy of this book please visit the bookshop on www.vernoncoleman.com or CLICK HERE
Copyright Vernon Coleman December 2024

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