Pharmacy Abbreviations Pharmacy Acronyms Pharmacy Sig Codes
If you are considering working as a pharmacy technician, you may want to get acquainted as much as possible with various abbreviations commonly used in most pharmacies across the nation. While many abbreviations are quite self explanatory, some on the contrary may appear quite peculiar at first because they mostly derive from the Latin language. Getting to know some of the most used abbreviations may help kick start your career in the pharmacy while impressing your staff.
Most of these abbreviations are found on prescriptions written by doctors. Do not be intimidated by written prescriptions, they may appear quite intimidating especially when written by a sloppy writing doctor. With time, and training you will get to decipher even the most unreadable graffiti.
Common Abbreviations of How Medications may Present
While people are used to thinking of medications mostly under the form of pills, by working in a pharmacy you will learn that medications may assume several other forms.
• cap abbreviation for capsules• tab abbreviation for tablets• sol abbreviation for solution• lot abbreviation for lotion• supp abbreviation for suppository• susp abbreviation for suspension• syr abbreviation for syrup• tinc abbreviation for tincture• elix abbreviation for elixir• cr abbreviation for cream• pulv abbreviation for powder• ung abbreviation for ointment
Common Abbreviations of How Medications are Measured
Medications come in different strengths and measurements. It may take some time to get accustomed to these, however, it does take some time to get accustomed to these.
• gtt(s) abbreviation for drops• cc abbreviation for cubic centimeter or ml• fl oz abbreviation for fluid ounce• g or gm abbreviation for grain (used seldom for specific medications)• gr abbreviation for grams• mcg abbreviation for micro-gram• mg abbreviation for milligram• kg abbreviation for kilogram• ml abbreviation for milliliter• mEq abbreviation for milliequivalent
Common Abbreviations of How Often and How Medications are Dispensed
Prescriptions also must note how many times they should be taken. These may be the most peculiar instructions found on a prescription, but with time, again you will get familiar with them.
• i abbreviation for one• ii abbreviation for two• iii abbreviation for three• iv abbreviation for four• v abbreviation for five• x abbreviation for ten• L abbreviation for fifty• C abbreviation for one hundred• M abbreviation for one thousand• q abbreviation for every• qd abbreviation for every day• bid abbreviation for twice a day• tid abbreviation for three times a day• qid abbreviation for four times a day• qod abbreviation for every other day• prn abbreviation for as needed• stat abbreviation for now• ac abbreviation for before meals• pc abbreviation for after meals• hs abbreviation for bedtime
Common Abbreviations of The Route of Administration
Prescriptions must specify the route of administration. Oral medications are taken, external medications are applied, suppositories are inserted, eye or ear drops are instilled and inhalers are inhaled.
• ad abbreviation for right ear• as abbreviation for left ear• au abbreviation for both ears• od abbreviation for right eye• os abbreviation for left eye• ou abbreviation for both eyes• po abbreviation for by mouth• pr abbreviation for rectally• vag abbreviation for vaginally• SL abbreviation for sublingual -under the tongue-• top abbreviation for topically• app abbreviation for apply• IM abbreviation for intramuscular• IV abbreviation for intravenous• SC, SubQ or SQ abbreviation for subcutaneous• UD abbreviation for as directed
As seen, there are several abbreviations used in the pharmacy department. Now try to translate the following: i cap tid c food and ii gtts os tid. Still seems complicated? You will eventually get there once you start seeing more and more prescriptions qd!
References and Further Reading:
Pharmacy Sig Codes and Abbreviations
