Common Medical Abbreviations

Medical Abbreviations and Their Meanings

A

• a: before

• a.a. or aa: of each

C

• C: cubic centimeter (milliliter)

• c: with

• C::

  • Contextual meaning varies. Here used for cubic centimeter or as an abbreviation prompt for other meanings.

F

• F:

  • Contextual meaning varies; primarily signifies a term related previously defined or related derivatives.

• F a.s.: left ear

• F a.u.: each ear

• F b.i.d.: twice a day

• F disp.: dispense

• F non rep.: do not repeat

D

• D.A.W.: dispense as written

• D.C., dc, or disc.: discontinue

dx

• dx: diagnosis

g or gm or Gm

• g or gm: gram

gal.

• gal.: gallon

gr.

• gr.: grain

gtt.

• gtt.: drop

h.s.

• h.s.: at bedtime

IM

• IM: intramuscular

inj.

• inj.: injection

IV

• IV: intravenous

• IVP: intravenous push

• IVPB: intravenous piggyback

L

• L or l: liter

lb.

• lb.: pound

mcg or μg

• mcg or μg: microgram

mEq

• mEq: milliequivalent

mg

• mg: milligram

ml or mL

• ml or mL: milliliter

NPO

• NPO: nothing by mouth

s

• s or S: signifies 'without'; importantly used as a prefix to denote the absence or limitation of specific attributes.

t

• t:

  • Contextual meaning varies; generally used as a unit or time marker.

Examples of Usage

• b.i.d.: indicates a medication that must be taken twice daily.

• IVP: refers to the method of administering medication directly into a vein quickly.

Practical Implications

• Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for medical professionals to ensure accurate dispensing and administration of medication.

• Misinterpretation of abbreviations could lead to medication errors, emphasizing the need for clarity and standardization in medical communication.

Ethical Considerations

• The use of abbreviations dictates a level of trust and professionalism in medical settings; errors can lead to significant patient risk, highlighting the importance of accuracy in record-keeping and prescriptions.