Dosage Calculations - Abbreviations

What does "PO" mean?

By mouth (oral)

What does "IV" mean?

Intravenous

What does "IM" mean?

Intramuscular

What does "SC" or "SubQ" mean?

Subcutaneous

What does "ID" mean?

Intradermal

What does "PR" mean?

Per rectum

What does "SL" mean?

Sublingual (under the tongue)

What does "Top" mean?

Topical (on the skin)

What does "INH" mean?

Inhalation

What does "q" mean in dosing?

Every (e.g., q4h = every 4 hours)

What does "b.i.d." mean?

Twice a day

What does "t.i.d." mean?

Three times a day

What does "q.i.d." mean?

Four times a day

What does "PRN" mean?

As needed

What does "STAT" mean?

Immediately

What does "a.c." mean?

Before meals

What does "p.c." mean?

After meals

What does "h.s." mean?

At bedtime

What does "NPO" mean?

Nothing by mouth

What does "tab" stand for?

Tablet

What does "cap" stand for?

Capsule

What does "susp" stand for?

Suspension

What does "sol" stand for?

Solution

What does "elix" stand for?

Elixir

What does "syr" stand for?

Syrup

What does "supp" stand for?

Suppository

What does "ung" or "oint" stand for?

Ointment

What does "gtt" stand for?

Drops