In general abbreviations should not be used in prescription writing. However, it is recognized that at present some Latin abbreviations are used when prescribing. These should be limited to those listed here.

Abbreviations used in prescription writing

• a.c. Before meals
• ad. lib. At pleasure
• amp. Ampoule
• b.i.d. Twice a day
• cap. Capsule
• g Gram
• h Hour
• i.c. Intracoelomic
• i.m. Intramuscular
• i.p. Intraperitoneal
• i.v. Intravenous
• m2 Square metre
• mg Milligram
• ml Millilitre
• o.m. In the morning
• o.n. At night
• p.c. After meals
• prn As required
• q Every, e.g. q8h = every 8 hours
• q.i.d./q.d.s Four times a day
• q.s. A sufficient quantity
• s.c. Subcutaneous
• s.i.d. Once a day
• Sig: Directions/label
• stat Immediately
• susp. Suspension
• tab Tablet
• t.i.d./t.d.s. Three times a day

Other abbreviations used in this Formulary

• ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme
• ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone
• AV Atrioventricular
• CBC Complete blood count
• CHF Congestive heart failure
• CNS Central nervous system
• COX Cyclo-oxygenase
• CRI Continuous rate infusion
• CSF Cerebrospinal fluid
• d Day(s)
• DIC Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• ECG Electrocardiogram
• GI Gastrointestinal
• h Hour(s)
• Hb Haemoglobin
• MAOI Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
• min Minute
• p.o. By mouth, orally
• PU/PD Polyuria/polydipsia
• RBC Red blood cell
• SSRI Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
• STC Special Treatment Certificate
• VPC Ventricular premature contraction
• WBC White blood cell
• wk Week(s)