In , NPSG. In , a FAQ was developed to address the key concepts organizations need to understand regarding the use of terminology, definitions, abbreviations, acronyms, symbols and dose designations. Do Not Use List. This list is part of the Information Management standards. These are abbreviations for Latin phrases. Centuries ago, all prescriptions were written in Latin. Today these abbreviations are only used in the drug's directions. Your pharmacy will translate your healthcare provider's instructions on the medicine's label.
Sometimes, though, a mistake can happen. Many drugs, like arthritis medication or pain medication , can be dangerous if you take the wrong dose. Knowing how to read prescription abbreviations can protect you from dangerous errors.
This article will discuss the Latin abbreviations healthcare providers use on prescriptions and help you learn how to translate them.
It will also discuss steps you can take to protect yourself from prescribing errors. Rx is an abbreviation for "prescription. According to another theory, the Rx symbol is based on the Roman deity Jupiter.
Jupiter's symbol looked similar to the Rx symbol. The symbol may have been placed on a prescription to invoke Jupiter's blessing. Here is an example of what a healthcare provider might write on a prescription:. These abbreviations are instructions for taking the medication. The pharmacist will translate them for the medication label.
In this case, the instructions will read: "Take one tablet by mouth four times a day, after meals, and at bedtime. The abbreviations may be written in capital letters or small letters, and may or may not include periods. Some common Latin prescription abbreviations include:. The Latin terms are still in use, but some healthcare providers are retiring them.
It is becoming more common for healthcare providers to write prescription instructions in plain language. Readable prescriptions can help prevent medication errors. That is why many medical professionals think written instructions should be used instead of hard-to-read abbreviations. For example, the abbreviation qd, which means "daily," could be mistaken for qid, which means "four times a day.
E-prescribing, or electronic prescribing, can also help prevent medication errors. Instructions sent directly to the pharmacy electronically are less prone to human error.
If your healthcare provider uses electronic prescribing, you may never see the abbreviations. E-prescribing improves patient safety in a number of ways:. Healthcare providers sometimes use Latin abbreviations on prescriptions. Understanding these abbreviations can help you avoid a medication error. Some healthcare providers are moving away from Latin abbreviations and using plain language instead. Written instructions can help prevent medication errors. Electronic prescriptions can also reduce the chance of a mistake.
However it is written, it is one of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have been traditionally used in prescriptions to specify the frequency with which medicines should be taken. Other examples include: q. Subcutaneous SQ or Sub-Q injection means the injection is given in the fatty tissue, just under the skin.
A SQ injection is the best way to give yourself certain medicines, including: Insulin. Fertility drugs. List of medical abbreviations: P. Abbreviation Meaning PT prothrombin time physical therapy physiotherapy Pt. SID , also s. Medical professionals for humans instead use the term qd an abbreviation for quaque die. However, that term can be easily mistaken with the term qid an abbreviation for quarter in die , which means four times a day. The abbreviated P. Write Your Answer.
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