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Common Symbols used by Doctors, A Simple Guide for Everyone

Jul 03, 2025

When you visit a doctor, you might notice strange abbreviations written on your prescription, reports, or medical files. These medical abbreviations are commonly used by doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to save time and space. But for patients, these can be confusing.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand the most common doctor abbreviations in a very simple and easy way. Whether you're reading your prescription or just curious, this guide will help you feel more confident about your healthcare.

Why Do Doctors Use Abbreviations?

  • Save time while writing
  • Quickly share important information
  • Keep medical records short and clear

 

Common Doctor Abbreviations You Should Know

1. Prescription Abbreviations (When to Take Medicine)

 

Abbreviation

Meaning

Example

OD

Once daily

Take medicine 1 time per day

BD / BID

Twice daily

Take medicine 2 times per day

TID

Three times daily

Take medicine 3 times per day

QID

Four times daily

Take medicine 4 times per day

HS

At bedtime

Take medicine before sleeping

AC

Before meals

Take medicine before eating

PC

After meals

Take medicine after eating

PRN

When needed

Take medicine only if required

STAT

Immediately

Take medicine right away

 

2. How to Take Medicine (Routes of Medicine)

 

Abbreviation

Meaning

PO

Take by mouth (oral)

IV

Injection into vein

IM

Injection into muscle

SC / SQ

Injection under skin

SL

Medicine under the tongue

PR

Medicine through rectum

TOP

Apply on skin (cream/gel)

INH

Inhale (for asthma etc.)

 

3. Medicine Forms Abbreviations

 

Abbreviation

Meaning

Tab.

Tablet

Cap.

Capsule

Syr.

Syrup

Susp.

Suspension

Inj.

Injection

Supp.

Suppository

 

4. Important Health Abbreviations

 

Abbreviation

Meaning

BP

Blood Pressure

HR

Heart Rate

RR

Breathing Rate

NPO

Nothing by mouth (No food or drink)

FU

Follow-up (Next doctor visit)

Pt.

Patient

C/O

Complains of (Your problem)

D/C

Stop medicine or discharge from hospital

 

Why It’s Important to Understand These Abbreviations?

 Helps you follow the prescription correctly
  Improves communication with your doctor
  Avoids mistakes in taking medicines
  Makes you feel more involved in your health care

 Quick Tips:

  • Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand any part of your prescription.
  • Write down your schedule to remember when to take your medicines.
  • Never guess abbreviations. When in doubt, double-check!

Reading a doctor’s prescription doesn’t have to be confusing! With this simple guide, you can now easily understand common doctor abbreviations and feel more confident about your treatment.

If you are looking for trusted and doctor-recommended medicines, explore Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. – a reliable name in the pharma industry since 2018. We provide high-quality, result-oriented medicines across various health categories. Doctors across India recommend Steris for its effective, safe, and affordable products.Steris is dedicated to improving patient health outcomes with scientifically proven medicines.

Next time you get a prescription, look for Steris Healthcare medicines — where quality meets trust.

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