Pharmacy Abbreviations Reference Chart

Nursing in the USA

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Pharmacy Abbreviations

This webpage offers a valuable reference for commonly used pharmacy abbreviations, aiding healthcare professionals and patients in understanding prescription instructions and medication information. These abbreviations are essential for efficient communication in the field of pharmacy and healthcare. From understanding dosage instructions to deciphering prescription labels, these abbreviations are integral to ensuring safe and accurate medication management.

Definition	Abbreviation
After meals	PC
antibiotic	abx
As needed	PRN
aspirin	ASA
At bedtime	QHS
Before meals	AC
By mouth	PO
Every evening	QPM
Every hour	QH
Every morning	QAM
Every three hours	q3h
Every two hours	q2h
Four times a day	QID
Drip	gtt
Intramuscular	IM
Intravenous	IV
intravenous piggyback	IVPB
Intravenous push	IVP
normal saline	NS
Nothing by mouth	NPO
Over the counter	OTC
penicillin	PCN
prescription	Rx
subcutaneous	SQ / SC
sublingual	SL
Three times a day	TID
Two times a day	BID