Prescription what does bd mean

Sometimes, though, a mistake can happen. Many drugs, like arthritis medication or pain medication , can be dangerous if you take the wrong dose. Knowing how to read prescription abbreviations can protect you from dangerous errors. This article will discuss the Latin abbreviations healthcare providers use on prescriptions and help you learn how to translate them.

It will also discuss steps you can take to protect yourself from prescribing errors. Rx is an abbreviation for "prescription. According to another theory, the Rx symbol is based on the Roman deity Jupiter. Jupiter's symbol looked similar to the Rx symbol.

The symbol may have been placed on a prescription to invoke Jupiter's blessing. Here is an example of what a healthcare provider might write on a prescription:.

These abbreviations are instructions for taking the medication. The pharmacist will translate them for the medication label.

In this case, the instructions will read: "Take one tablet by mouth four times a day, after meals, and at bedtime. The abbreviations may be written in capital letters or small letters, and may or may not include periods. Some common Latin prescription abbreviations include:. The Latin terms are still in use, but some healthcare providers are retiring them. It is becoming more common for healthcare providers to write prescription instructions in plain language. Readable prescriptions can help prevent medication errors.

That is why many medical professionals think written instructions should be used instead of hard-to-read abbreviations. For example, the abbreviation qd, which means "daily," could be mistaken for qid, which means "four times a day. E-prescribing, or electronic prescribing, can also help prevent medication errors.

Instructions sent directly to the pharmacy electronically are less prone to human error. If your healthcare provider uses electronic prescribing, you may never see the abbreviations. E-prescribing improves patient safety in a number of ways:. Healthcare providers sometimes use Latin abbreviations on prescriptions. Understanding these abbreviations can help you avoid a medication error. Some healthcare providers are moving away from Latin abbreviations and using plain language instead.

Written instructions can help prevent medication errors. Electronic prescriptions can also reduce the chance of a mistake. If you receive a written prescription, make sure you understand the directions. If the directions are unclear or confusing, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Do not take your medication unless you understand the instructions. Take no chances. If your medication is prescribed electronically, you may not see the instructions until they appear on the label.

At that point, it is important to consult your pharmacist if you have questions. It is always a good idea to go over the instructions with your pharmacist.

Do your part to avoid medication errors. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Voice of America. Take this medicine: the story of the sign 'Rx'. Updated March 21, Pharmacy Times. A technician's guide to pharmacy abbreviations. Updated November 25, Tariq RA, Sharma S. Inappropriate medical abbreviations. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Electronic prescribing: improving the efficiency and accuracy of prescribing in the ambulatory care setting.

Perspect Health Inf Manag. Kannry J. This is, indeed, a great piece of news that we have become capable of manufacturing weapons, and also earning money.

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