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Pharmacist FAQ

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Answers from
The Pharmacists
America TrustsSM

Topic: Drugs, Information and Directions
Question: I'd like to be able to understand the prescription slips I get from my doctor. Can you tell me the most common abbreviations and what they mean?

Answer:The Latin and English abbreviations on prescription slips are “shorthand” directions for how and when a medication is to be used, and other special directions for use (for example, at bedtime, the number of times a day, orally or topically, and so on) that are put on the container’s label prepared at the pharmacy. Reading a prescription slip may help you better understand the directions you were given by your doctor. As always, though, if you have questions on the directions, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are among the most common abbreviations:

§ Sig—write, or let it be labeled (Latin terms: signa or signetur)

§ qd—every day (Latin term: quaque die)

§ bid—twice a day (Latin term: bis in die)

§ tid—three times a day (Latin term: ter in die)

§ qid—four times a day (Latin term: quater in die)

§ qhs—each night (Latin term: quaque hora somni, meaning at bedtime)

§ pc—after meals or not on an empty stomach (Latin term: post cibum)

§ prn—as needed (Latin term: pro re nata, meaning as circumstances may require)

§ po—orally (by mouth) (Latin term: per os)

§ pr—rectally (meaning by suppository) (Latin term: per rectum)

§ sl—sublingually (under the tongue)

§ IM—intramuscularly (by needle, injected into a muscle)

§ IV—intravenously (by a needle in a vein)

§ SQ—subcutaneously (by needle, under the skin)

For example, a prescription slip for ibuprofen 600 mg, with these notations: Sig: 1 po qid pc prn is directing the patient to take 1 tablet by mouth, four times a day, after meals, as needed.

View the Walgreens.com Pharmacist FAQ Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.