Stand ard Abbreviations

Stand ard abbreviations are hand y for quick and accurate transcription of medication orders and documentation of drug administration. However, some abbreviations used commonly in the past have been identified as possible patient safety risks; these are labeled as “Do not use!”

Abbreviation Meaning Use or do not use Drug and solution measurements cc cubic centimeter Do not use! fl dr fluid dram fl oz fluid ounce g gram gal gallon gr grain gtt drop kg kilogram L liter mcg microgram mL milliliter Drug dosage forms cap capsule DS double strength elix elixir LA long-acting liq liquid SA sustained action SR sustained release Sol solution Susp tab suspension tablet Routes of drug administration A.D. right ear Do not use! A.S. left ear Do not use! A.U. each ear Do not use! I.M. intramuscular I.V. intravenous NG tube nasogastric tube O.D. right eye Do not use! O.S. left eye Do not use! O.U. each eye Do not use! P.O. or p.o. by mouth P.R. rectally P.V. vaginally S.C. subcutaneously Do not use! S.L. sublingually Times of drug administration a.c. before meals b.i.d. twice a day h.s. at bedtime Do not use! p.c. after meals p.r.n. as needed q.a.m. every morning q.d. every day Do not use! q.o.d. every other day Do not use! q4h every 4 hours stat immediately Miscellaneous abbreviations AMA against medical advice ASAP as soon as possible BP blood pressure BPM breaths (or beats) per minute with D/C or dc discontinue Do not use! KVO keep vein open MR may repeat NKA no known allergies NPO nothing by mouth P pulse R respiration less than Do not use! > greater than Do not use! without