280723 What do the abbreviations in my prescriptions mean
Doctors and pharmacists often use abbreviations or terms that may not be familiar to you. Here is an explanation of some of the most common abbreviations you will see on labels of your prescription medications:
- Rx means “prescription”
- prn means “as needed”
- qd means “every day,” bid means “twice a day,” tid means “three times a day,” qid means “four times a day”
- ac means “before meals,” pc means “after meals”
- hs means “at bedtime”
- po means “by mouth”
- ea means “each”
Ask your pharmacist to explain any terms or abbreviations on your prescription medication label that you don’t understand
What does it mean to take medicines on an empty stomach
Some medications need to be taken when your stomach is empty because food or drink can affect how they work. Taking medicines on an empty stomach generally means that you should take your pills at least two hours before you eat or two hours after you eat. However, this is only a rough guideline. Be sure to follow the instructions from your pharmacist about exactly when to take your medications.
Is it ok to stop taking my medicine if I start to feel better
No. Even if you are feeling better, you should not stop taking your prescription drug unless your doctor says it’s okay. If you stop taking your medicine before you are supposed to, you may not get its full effect, or your condition could worsen. Some medicines need to be stopped slowly, and others (such as antibiotics) need to be taken until they are gone. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about when you can stop taking a medication.
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