Autor: Mentes Altus Team

📄 Medical Abbreviations & Latin in Pharmacy

Welcome to this essential module on pharmaceutical terminology. To a patient, a prescription might look like a series of random letters, but to a professional, it is a precise set of instructions. Learn the meaning of common prescription abbreviations and, more importantly, master the skill of translating this medical jargon into clear, actionable advice for your clients.

Many prescriptions still rely on Latin abbreviations. While these save time and space for the prescriber, they represent a significant barrier to treatment adherence if the patient leaves the counter confused. As a pharmacist, you are the final safety filter: your job is to ensure the "Bis in die" on paper becomes a clear "Twice a day" in the patient's mind.

🔤 Most Common Abbreviations in Prescriptions

Familiarize yourself with these core abbreviations. They are the building blocks of most prescriptions you will handle in a clinical or community setting.

AbbreviationLatin RootPlain EnglishUsage Example
POPer osBy mouthTake one tablet PO
BID / TID / QIDBis / Ter / Quater in die2 / 3 / 4 times a dayTake 1 capsule BID
PRNPro re nataAs neededTake PRN for pain
HSHora somniAt bedtimeTake 1 tablet HS
AC / PCAnte / Post cibumBefore / After mealsTake AC (Before meals)
OU / ADOculus uterque / Auris dextraBoth eyes / Right earUse drops OU

🗣️ How to Explain Abbreviations to Patients

A professional pharmacist never uses Latin with a patient. Use "Plain English" to ensure they understand exactly how to take their medication safely.

The Prescription says: "Take one tablet PO TID"
You say to the patient: "Please take one tablet by mouth, three times a day (for example: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)."
The Prescription says: "Use eye drops OU PRN"
You say to the patient: "You should use these drops in both eyes only when you feel you need them, for example, if they feel dry or irritated."
The Prescription says: "Take 1 cap AC"
You say to the patient: "Make sure to take this capsule about 30 minutes before your meals."

🖼️ Visual Reference & Practice

Review these visual aids to better understand how abbreviations appear on actual medication labels and clinical charts.

Abbreviation chart
Full List		 Prescription Label
The Label		 Latin Abbreviations
Latin Reference
PO
PO (By Mouth)		 OU
OU (Both Eyes)		 TID
TID (3x Daily)

Tip: Practice with your colleagues by "translating" a dummy prescription once a day!

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¡Hora de hacer ejercicios! Explora con los botones los distintos grupos.

Prescription Abbreviation Quiz

Pregunta 1: What does 'PRN' mean on a prescription?
Pregunta 2: The abbreviation 'HS' refers to:
Pregunta 3: What is the plain English for 'TID'?
Pregunta 4: Which abbreviation means 'by mouth'?
Pregunta 5: What does 'BID' indicate?
Pregunta 6: The abbreviation 'AC' means:
Pregunta 7: 'OU' in a prescription refers to:
Pregunta 8: Which abbreviation is associated with ear medication?
Pregunta 9: The term 'PC' stands for:
Pregunta 10: 'QID' means to take the medication:
SCRIPT DECODER PRO CASE: 1/10

EXAM RESULTS

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Inglés · Profesiones · Farmacia
Lección 7 de 10

Medical Abbreviations and Latin in Pharmacy: Understanding Prescriptions in Plain English

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