Commonly Used Prescription Abbreviations

provided by Karen Quatman

Printed with Permission ~ 22 May 2000

Have you ever wondered what those abbreviations on prescription labels stand for? Following is a handy reference guide with a listing of commonly used prescription abbreviations, with thanks to Karen Quatman.

s.i.d - once a day

b.i.d - twice a day

t.i.d. - three times a day

q.h. - every hour

q.d. - every day

ut.dict. - use as directed

cc - cubic centimeter

a.s. - left ear

a.d. - right ear

a.u. - each ear

p.o. - by mouth

q.o.d. - every other day

e - with

s - without

p.r.n. - as required

U or u - unit

o.s. - left eye

o.d. - right eye

o.u. - each eye