Commonly Used Prescription Abbreviations

This abbreviated list shows many of the commonly used abbreviations on prescriptions.
Most of these abbreviations originate from Latin roots. Often the abbreviation sig will
appear just before the directions on the prescription. Sig refers to the Latin, signetur,
or let it be labeled.
How Often to Take Your Medication
Abbreviation Meaning
ad lib freely, as needed
bid, BID twice a day
Prn, PRN as needed
q every
qh every hour
q4h every 4 hours
qd every day
Qid, QID four times a day
qod every other day
Tid, TID three times a day
When to Take Your Medication
Abbreviation Meaning
ac before meals
hs at bedtime
int between meals
pc after meals
How Much Medication to Take
Abbreviation Meaning
cap, caps capsule
i, ii, iii, or iiii The number of doses (1,2,3, or 4)
mg milligrams
ml milliliters
tab tablet
Tbsp Tablespoon (15ml)
Tsp Teaspoon (5ml)
How To Use Your Medication
Abbreviation Meaning
top topically
po, PO by mouth
IM intramuscular
inj, INJ injection
IV intravenous

2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Human Body Systems Activity 3.3.3 Commonly Used Abbreviations Page 1