Understand Each Prescription and What It Does
When the doctor writes a prescription, it is important that you are able to read and understand the directions for taking the medication. Doctors and pharmacists often use abbreviations or terms that may not be familiar. Here is an explanation of some of the most common abbreviations you will see on the labels of your prescription medications:
- p.r.n. as needed
- a.c. before meals
- q.d. every day
- p.c. after meals
- b.i.d. twice a day
- h.s. at bedtime
- t.i.d. three times a day
- p.o. by mouth
- q.i.d. four times a day
- ea. each
If you have questions about a prescription or how your parent should take the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you do not understand the directions, make sure you ask someone to explain them. It is important to take the medicine as directed by your doctor.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institute of Health (NIH) leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.