Common Abbreviations
Always use with caution! Abbreviations may have multiple meanings.
a | before |
aa | of each |
ac, a.c. | before meals |
AD | right ear |
ad lib | as desired |
alt dieb | alternate days |
alt hr | alternate hours |
alt noc | alternate nights |
am, AM | morning |
amt | amount |
ante | before |
APAP | acetaminophen |
Aq | aqueous (water) |
AS | left ear |
AU | both ears |
Ba | barium |
bid, b.i.d. | two times a day |
bin | two times a night |
BMR | basal metabolism rate |
BP | blood pressure |
C | 100, Centigrade |
c, w/ | with |
Ca | calcium |
cap(s) | capsule(s) |
cc | cubic centimeter(s) |
CHF | congestive heart failure |
Chol | cholesterol |
Cl | chloride |
cm | centimeter(s) |
c/o | complains of |
comp | compounded of |
CV | cardiovascular |
d | day(s) |
D 5 W | 5% dextrose in water |
D/C, dc | discontinue |
dil | dilute |
disp | dispense |
DM | diabetes mellitus |
dr | dram(s) |
dro(s) | drop(s) |
Dx | diagnosis |
EENT | eye, ear, nose, and throat |
elix | elixir |
emul | emulsion |
et | and |
EtOH | alcohol |
exp | expired |
ext | extract/external |
FBS | fasting blood sugar |
FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
Fe | iron |
Fl | fluid |
fl oz | fluid ounce |
G | gauge |
g, GM, gm, gr | gram(s) |
gal | gallon(s) |
gt, gtt | drop(s) |
H | hour/hypodermic |
HRT | hormone replacement therapy |
Hs, h.s. | hour of sleep (bedtime) |
HTN | hypertension |
Hx | history |
IM | intramuscular |
inh | inhalation |
Inj | injection |
IPPV | intermittent positive pressure breathing |
IU | international units |
IV | intravenous |
IVPB | IV piggyback (2nd line) |
K | potassium |
kg | kilogram(s) |
L | liter(s) |
Lb | pound(s) |
Liq | liquid |
mcg | microgram(s) |
MDI | metered dose inhaler |
Mg | milligram(s) |
ml, mL | milliliter(s) |
mm | millimeter(s) |
Na | sodium |
NaCl 0.9% | normal saline |
neg | negative |
NKA | no known allergy |
NKDA | no known drug allergy |
no | number |
noc, noct | night |
non rep | do not repeat |
NPO | nothing by mouth |
NS | normal saline |
NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s) |
O | pint(s) |
Od | once day/daily |
OD | right eye |
om | every morning |
OS | left eye |
OTC | over the counter |
OU | each eye |
Oz, oz | ounce(s) |
P | pulse/pint(s) |
Pc, p.c. | after meals |
PCA | patient-controlled analgesia/patient-controlled administration |
PCN | penicillin |
PDR | Physician’s Desk Reference |
per | with |
PM, pm | evening |
PO, po, p.o. | by mouth |
PRN, prn | as needed/as necessary |
pt | pint(s)/patient |
pulv | powder |
Q, q | every |
q2h | every 2 hours |
qAM | every morning |
qd, q.d. | every day |
qh, q.h. | every hour |
q.h.s. | every bedtime |
qid, q.i.d. | four times a day |
qns | quantity not sufficient |
qPM | every evening |
qs, q.s. | as much as needed/sufficient quantity |
qt | quart(s) |
R/O | rule out |
Rx | prescription |
sat | saturated |
SC, sc, sq, subc, subq. | subcutaneous |
Sig, sig | let be labeled as follows/directions |
SL | sublingual |
SOB | shortness of breath |
stat | immediately |
susp | suspension |
T, tbsp | tablespoon(s) |
tab | tablet |
tid, t.i.d. | three times a day |
TO | telephone order |
Top, top | apply topically |
TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
tsp | teaspoon(s) |
TX | treatment |
ud | as directed |
UD | unit-dose package |
URI | upper respiratory infection |
ut, diet, UD | as directed |
UTI | urinary tract infection |
vag | vaginal |
VO | verbal order |
vol | volume |
VS | vital signs |
wa | while awake |
wt | weight |
x | times |