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Please wait while the page loadsMedication Safety · Free Resource
Essential abbreviations for prescriptions and drug charts — with clinical tips, warnings, and examples for safe medication practice.
Critical safety reminders
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Latin origin | Example | Clinical note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OD | Once daily | Omni die | Atorvastatin 20mg OD at night | — |
| BD / BID | Twice daily | Bis in die | Amoxicillin 500mg BD | — |
| TDS / TID | Three times daily | Ter die sumendum | Paracetamol 1g TDS | — |
| QDS / QID | Four times daily | Quater die sumendum | Ibuprofen 400mg QDS with food | Check if truly 6-hourly or with meals |
| PRN | As needed / when required | Pro re nata | Paracetamol 1g PRN (max 4g/24hrs) | Always check maximum daily dose & frequency |
| Stat | Immediately / at once | Statim | Adrenaline 0.5mg IM stat | Give as soon as possible — time critical! |
| Mane | In the morning | Mane | Prednisolone 40mg mane | — |
| Nocte | At night / bedtime | Nocte | Zopiclone 7.5mg nocte | — |
| AC | Before food | Ante cibum | Omeprazole 20mg AC | Usually 30–60 mins before meals |
| PC | After food | Post cibum | Ibuprofen 400mg PC | Usually within 30 mins of eating |
| OM | Every morning | Omni mane | Levothyroxine 50mcg OM | — |
| ON | Every night | Omni nocte | Simvastatin 40mg ON | — |
Before giving any medication
Check the 9 rights. Read the prescription carefully — if you can't read it, don't guess. Check allergies on the drug chart. Know why the patient is taking it. Document administration immediately after giving.