Making Sense of the Medical Record - Medication Administration Abbreviations
Posted by
Jan BoswellOctober 22, 2009 12:49 PMDeciphering a medical record can be a real headache, especially handwritten records. Once you break through the handwriting code, you have to deal with the alphabet soup that is medical jargon. Below is some of the abbreviations used in medication administration. I hope this helps you make some sense of the medical records you are looking at. Use this prn.
Doses
cc = cubic centimeter
gm = gram
gr = grain
gtt = drop
mcg = microgram
mEq = milliequivalent
mg = milligram
ml = milliliter
oz = ounce
tsp = teaspoonful
Tbsp = tablespoonful
U = units
Times
ac = before meals
BID = twice a day
pc = after meals
PRN = as needed (commonly written with a time frame and reason the medication is being given. For example q 2-4 h prn for pain meaning every 2-4 hours as needed for pain)
Q = every
QD = every day
QID = four times a day
QOD = every other day
q h = every hour (so q2h would be every two hours)
qhs = every bedtime (sometimes written as just hs)
TID = three times a day
Stat = immediately
Routes of Administration
AD = right ear
AS = left ear
AU = both ears
buc = inside the cheek
IM = intramuscular injection
IV – intravenous
IVPB – intravenous piggyback
OD = right eye
OS = left eye
OU = both eyes
opth. = pertaining to the eye
otic = pertaining to the ear
PO = by mouth (NPO means nothing by mouth)
PER G.T.= through gastrostomy tube
PR = per rectum
SL = sublingual
SQ or sub-Q = subcutaneous (also written as SC)
Supp – suppository
Susp = suspension
TPN – total paternal nutrition
Tab = tablet
Other
c- with
s – without
MAR – medication administration record
OTC – over the counter
Sig- label
EC – enteric coated
DC – discontinue
Per – through or by