Introduction
Ever stared at a prescription slip and wondered if it was written in a secret code? You’re not alone. Doctors use specific abbreviations and medical terms to write prescriptions quickly—but they can be confusing if you’re not familiar with them.
Understanding your prescription helps you take your medication correctly and safely. In this post, we’ll break down what those scribbles really mean.
1. The Basic Parts of a Prescription
A typical prescription includes:
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Patient Information: Your name, age, and sometimes weight.
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Date: When the prescription was written.
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Drug Name: The name of the medication (brand or generic).
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Dosage: How much of the drug you should take.
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Route: How the drug should be taken (oral, topical, etc.).
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Frequency: How often you should take it.
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Duration: How long you should take it.
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Doctor’s Signature and Stamp: To verify authenticity.
2. Common Prescription Abbreviations (and What They Mean)
Doctors often use Latin abbreviations. Here are a few you might see:
| Abbreviation | Meaning | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| OD | Once Daily | Take once a day |
| BD | Bis in Die | Take twice a day |
| TDS / TD | Ter Die Sumendum | Take three times a day |
| QID | Quarter in Die | Take four times a day |
| HS | Hora Somni | Take at bedtime |
| SOS | Si Opus Sit | Take when needed |
| PO | Per Os | By mouth |
| Top | Topical | Apply on skin |
3. Understanding Dosage Instructions
Let’s break down an example:
Rx: Tab Paracetamol 500mg PO TDS x 5 days
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Tab: Tablet
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Paracetamol 500mg: The drug and dose
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PO: Take by mouth
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TDS: Three times a day
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x 5 days: For five days
So this means: Take one 500mg tablet of Paracetamol by mouth, three times a day, for five days.
4. Special Symbols or Notes to Watch For
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⚠️ Caution labels: Your pharmacist may add labels like “May cause drowsiness” or “Avoid alcohol.” Always read these carefully.
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Timing notes: Some prescriptions will say “before food” or “after meals.” Follow these for best results.
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Refill info: Some prescriptions will note how many refills you’re allowed—important if you’re on long-term medication.
5. When to Ask Questions
If anything on your prescription is unclear or seems wrong, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Examples:
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If the handwriting is hard to read
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If you’re unsure about the dosage
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If you’re taking other medications and want to check for interactions
Conclusion
Prescriptions may look confusing, but once you understand the basic terms and abbreviations, they become much easier to follow. Clear understanding leads to safer medication use and better health outcomes.
Always keep your prescription in a safe place, follow instructions carefully, and when in doubt—ask a professional.
