Prescription Basics: Practice & Apply
Translate a prescription into clear patient instructions, then classify real drug labels.
Quick reference: abbreviations & classifications
Write for the patient
Use this reference to interpret the abbreviations, then write the patient’s directions in complete words.
These exercises include legacy abbreviations to practice reading them. Write out directions clearly; clarify an ambiguous prescription with the prescriber.
Classify each dimension separately
Brand vs. generic: identify the product name, not the manufacturer’s logo. A brand label often also lists the generic ingredient.
Prescription vs. nonprescription: “Rx only” identifies a prescription product. Classify the specific formulation shown.
Controlled vs. noncontrolled: C-II through C-V identify federal controlled-substance schedules. “Legend” is often used to refer to prescription drugs that are noncontrolled.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a.c. | before meals |
| a.m. | morning |
| a.d. | right ear |
| a.s. | left ear |
| a.u. | both ears |
| b.i.d. | twice daily |
| B.S. | blood sugar |
| c̄ | with |
| Dx | diagnosis |
| g (gm) | gram |
| gr | grain |
| gtt(s) | drop(s) |
| h.s. | bedtime |
| inj. | injection |
| IV | intravenous |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IU | international units |
| kg | kilogram |
| L | liter |
| mcg | microgram |
| mEq | milliequivalents |
| mg | milligram |
| mL | milliliter |
| N/V, N&V | nausea and vomiting |
| non rep | do not repeat |
| o.d. | right eye |
| o.s. | left eye |
| o.u. | both eyes |
| p.c. | after meals |
| p.m. | evening |
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| p.o. | by mouth |
| p.r. | by rectum |
| p.r.n. | as needed |
| q | each/every |
| q.d. | daily/every day |
| q.h. | every hour |
| q.i.d. | four times a day |
| q.o.d. | every other day |
| q.s. | a sufficient quantity |
| s̄ | without |
| SC, SQ, SubQ | subcutaneous |
| sig/signa | write on label |
| SL | sublingual |
| S.O.B. | shortness of breath |
| soln. | solution |
| ss | one-half |
| stat | immediately |
| supp | suppository |
| susp | suspension |
| Sx | symptoms |
| syr | syrup |
| tab | tablet |
| Tbsp | tablespoon |
| t.i.d. | three times daily |
| t.i.w. | three times weekly |
| tsp | teaspoon |
| u.d. | as directed |
| ung. | ointment |
| ut dict. | as directed |
| O | hour(s) |