Prepared by:

Ma. Teresa Madrilejos RN, MAN

 Preparation and
Administration of
Medication
What is Drugs?

The World Health Organization

defines a drug as any substance
that is used to modify or explore
physiological systems or
pathological states for the benefit
of the recipient.
Another definition is a chemical
agent used to prevent, diagnose
and treat disease. Many drugs
are of natural origin (plants,
animals, minerals, bacteria and
fungi) However, most drugs in
the market are now
synthetically produced.
Three Names of Drug
 Trade Name
Brand name or the proprietary name given a drug by
Manufacturer
 Chemical Name
Description of its chemical contents
 Generic Name
Original name assigned to the drug by its
Manufacturer
Definition of terms
related to Medication
Medication – A substance administered for diagnosis,
cure, treatment, relief or prevention of disease. Also
called drug.

Prescription Name – The name given to a drug before it

becomes official.

Official Name – The name after which the drug is listed

in one of the official publications.

Pharmacology – The study of the effects of drugs on

living organisms.

Posology – The study of dosage or amount of drugs given

in the treatment of diseases.
Effects of the Drug
Therapeutic Effect –
The primary effects
intended, that is the
reason the drug is
prescribed. Also
called desired effect.
Therapeutic Actions of Drugs
Palliative – Relieves the symptoms of a
disease but not affect the disease itself.
E.g. antineoplastic agents for cancer.
Curative – Treats the disease condition.
E.g. antibiotic for infection.
Supportive – Sustains body functions
until other treatment of the body’s
response can take over. E.g. Mannitol to
reduce/ICP (Intracranial Pressure) in a
client for surgery due to brain tumor.
Substitute – Replaces body fluids or
substances. E.g. insulin injection for
diabetes mellitus.
Chemotherapeutic – Destroys
malignant cells. E.g.
Cyclophosphamide for cancer of the
prostate gland.
Restorative – Returns the body to
health. E.g. multivitamins for elderly
clients.
Side Effect – The effect of the drug that is unintended.
Also called secondary effect.

Drug Allergy – The immunologic reaction to the drug.

Anaphylactic Reaction – A severe allergic reaction

which usually occurs immediately following
administration of the drugs.

Drug Tolerance – A decreased physiologic response to

the repeated administration of a drug or chemically
related substance. Excessive increase in the dosage is
required in order to maintain the desired therapeutic
effect.
Cumulative Effect – It is the increasing
response to the repeated doses of a drug
that occurs when the rate of
administration exceeds the rate of
metabolism or excretion.

Idiosyncratic Effect – It is the unexpected

peculiar response to the drug; either
overresponse, underresponse, different
response than expected, unpredictable or
unexplained responses.
Drug Abuse – Inappropriate intake of a substance,
either continually or periodically.

Drug Dependence – It is a person’s reliance to take a

drug or substance. Intense physical or emotional
disturbance is produced if the drug is withdrawn.

Addiction – It is due to biochemical changes in body

tissues, especially the nervous system. These tissues
come to require the substance for normal functioning.
Also called physical dependence.
Habituation – It is the emotional reliance on a drug to
maintain a sense of well being accompanied by
feelings of need or cravings for the drug. Also called
psychological dependence.
Types of Doctors Order
Standing Order – It is carried out until the
specified period of time or until it is
discontinued by another order.

Single Order – It is carried out for one time only.

STAT Order – It is carried out at once or

immediately.

PRN Order – It is carried out as the patient

requires.
 Name of Patient
Date and Time
Parts of Legal Doctor’s Order

Name of Drug
Dose of Drug
Route of Administration
Time or Frequency
Signature of the Physician
General Properties of Drugs
Drugs do not confer any new function on a tissue or
organ in the body. They only modify existing
functions.

Drugs in general exert multiple actions rather than

single effect. Therefore, no drug is free from side
effect.

Drug interaction results from physiochemical

interaction between the drug and a functionally
important molecule in the body.
Pharmacokinetic Factors in Drug
Therapy

1. Absorption - Is the process by which

a drug passes from its site of
administration into the bloodstream.

2. Distribution – Is the transport of a drug

from its site of absorption to its site of
action.
3. Metabolism or Biotransmission - A sequence of chemical
events that change a drug to a less active form after it
enters the body. Also called detoxification.
The liver is the principal site of drug metabolism.

4. Excretion - Is the process by which drugs are eliminated

from the body.

Most important route of excretion for most drugs is a

kidney.
Principles in Administering Medication
Observe the “10 Rights” of Drug Administration:
1. Right Patient - can be assured by verifying the patient’s
identification bracelet or identification band and by
asking the patient to state his/her name. Distinguish
between two clients with the same last name.. It is
always better to ask the patient his name clearly before
going ahead with giving the drug.
 Right Drug
 Determine accuracy of order.

 Means the patient receives the drug that was prescribed.

 Medication orders may be prescribed by a physician (MD), dentist

(DDS), podiatrist (DPM) or a licensed health care provider with
authority from the state to order medications.

 Prescriptions may be written on a prescription pad and filled by a

pharmacist at a drug store or hospital pharmacy.

 For hospitalized patients, drug orders are written on ”doctors’ order

sheets” and signed by duly authorized person.

 A telephone order (TO) for medication must be cosigned by the

physician within 24 hours.
Right Dose
 is the dose prescribed for a particular patient. This
dose is within the recommended range for that drug.
Several factors affect the dosage of drug prescribed
for each patient. These are:
1) Patient’s age
2) Weight
3) Disease process
4) Route of administration
5) Drug availability
Right Time
 is the time which involves frequency, interval and
specific time at which the prescribed dose should be
administered and on the right time schedule.
 Daily drug dosages are given at specified times during a
day such as b.i.d (twice a day) t.i.d (three times a day)
g.i.d. (four times a day) or q6h (every 6 hours)
 Right Route
is necessary for a adequate or appropriate absorption

Drug administration is determined by a host of factors

which fall under three categories:

1. The patient- his age, mental status, level of

consciousness and his health problems.

2. The desired effect of the drug- the desired action of

the agent site of desired action and rapidity of
response desired.

3. The nature of the drug itself.

Right Documentation
 requires that the nurse immediately record the
appropriate information about the drug
administered. This includes:
 Name of drug
 Dose
 Route
 Time and date
 Nurse’s initials or signature
 Right Approach
allay a patient’s anxieties
give patient the information he needs
before proceeding with the
administration of a drug.
Helping a patient to relax before an
injection not only lessens his discomfort
but also enhances the nurses’ self-
confidence
Developmental level for children should
be considered.
10 Golden Rules in Giving Medicines:
1. The person administering the medicine is duly licensed
and is adequately trained and competent to do so;
2. Prescriptions served or medications written in the
chart should be in accordance with the Generics Law;
3. The plan of management as well as the medicines to be
used must be fully explained to the patient;
4. Regulated medicines or drugs must be kept and
secured in a separated place.
5. Prescriptions or medications in the chart must be
legibly written or …communicated clearly;
6. Persons administering the medicines must be aware of the
pharmacologic action of drugs given to patients;

7. Anyone in the treatment chain should be responsible to re-check

orders or the prescription;

8. When in doubt or unsure always ask and validate;

9. Expired medicines should be disposed in accordance with the

institution’s policy on waste management;

10. Detect, report , analyze and feedback;

… There is no substitute to knowing the patient better and what

he really needs….
Routes of Drug Administration
Oral
Advantages
Most convenient
Usually less expensive
Safe, does not break skin barrier
Disadvantages
Inappropriate for client with nausea and vomiting.
Drugs may have unpleasant taste or odor.
Inappropriate if client cannot swallow and if GIT has
reduced motility.
Drug may discolor the teeth.
Drug may irritate gastric mucosa.
Drug may be aspirated by seriously ill patient.
 TABLET

CAPLETS
ORAL MEDICATIONS
CAPSULES
 Drug Forms for Oral Administration
Solid: tablet, capsule, pill, powder
Liquid: syrup, suspension, emulsion,
elixir, milk, or other alkaline substances.
Syrup: sugar – based liquid medication
Suspension: water – based liquid
medication. Shake the bottle before use of
medication to properly mix it.
Emulsion: oil – based liquid medication.
Elixir: alcohol – based liquid medication. After
administration of elixir, allow 30 minutes to elapse
before giving water. This allows maximum absorption
of the medication
SYRUP

POWDER

SOFTGEL
 Equipments used for administering oral
medicines

MEDICINE GLASS MEDICINE DROPPER

Sublingual – A drug that is placed under the tongue,
where it dissolves. When a medication is in
capsule and ordered sublingually, the fluid must
be aspirated from the capsule and placed under
the tongue.

Advantages
 Same as oral, plus-
 Drug can be administered for local effect.
 Drug is rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream.

Disadvantages
 If swallowed, drug may be inactivated by gastric
juices.
 Drug must remain under the tongue until
dissolved and absorbed.
Buccal – A medication is held in the mouth against
the mucous membranes of the cheek until the
drug dissolves. The medication should not be
chewed, swallowed, or placed under the tongue.
E.g. sustained release nitroglycerine, opiates,
antiemetics, tranquilizers, sedatives.

 Advantages
 Same as oral plus-
 Drug can be administered for local effect
 Ensures greater potency because drug directly
enters the blood and bypass the liver.

 Disadvantages
 If swallowed, drug may be inactivated by gastric juice.
Topical – Application of medications to a
circumscribed area of the body.

Dermatologic – Includes lotions, liniments and

ointments.

 Wash and pat dry area well before application to

facilitate absorption.
 Use surgical asepsis when open would is present.
 Remove previous application before the next
application.
 Apply only thin layer of medication to prevent
systematic absorption
 Use gloves when applying the medication over a large
surface. E.g. large area of burns
CREAM OINTMENT

GEL LOTION
TOPICAL MEDICATIONS
Opthalmic – Includes instillations and irrigations
 Instillations. To provide an eye medication
that the client requires.
 Irrigation. To clear the eye of noxious or
other foreign material.
 Positioning client either sitting or lying
 Use sterile technique.
 Clean the eyelid and eyelashes with sterile

cotton balls moistened with sterile normal

saline from the inner to the outer canthus.
 Instill eye drops into lower conjunctival

sac.
 Instill a maximum of two drops at a time.

Wait for 5 minutes if additional drops

need to be administered. This is for
proper absorption of the medication.
  Avoid dropping a solution onto the cornea directly,
because it causes discomfort.
 Instruct the patient to close the eyes gently. Shutting the

eyes tightly causes spillage of the medication.

 For liquid eye medications, press firmly on the

nasolacrimal duct (inner canthus) for at least 30 seconds

to prevent systematic absorption of the medication.
Otic – Includes instillations and irrigations

Instillations
 To soften earwax
 To reduce inflammation and treat infection.
 To relieve pain.

Irrigation
 To remove cerumen or pus
 To apply heat
 To remove foreign body
Warm solution at room or body temperature. Using hot
or cold solution into the care can cause nausea, vertigo,
and pain.
Side lying position with the ear being treated
uppermost.
Clean the pinna and the meatus of the ear canal with
cotton – tipped applicator.
Straighten the ear canal.
0–3 years old: pull pinna downward and
backward.
Older than 3 years old: pull the pinna
upward and backward.
Instill eardrops on the side of the auditory canal to allow
the drops to flow in and to continue to adjust to body
temperature.
Press gently but firmly a few times on the tragus of the
ear to assist the flow of medication into the ear canal.

Ask the client to remain in side lying position for about

5 minutes.

Insert a small piece of cotton fluff loosely at the meatus

of the auditory canal for 15 to 20 minutes. To prevent
spillage of medication out of the ear.
Nasal – Nasal instillations usually are instilled for
their astringent effect (to shrink swollen mucous
membrane), to loosen secretions and facilitate
drainage or treat infections of the nasal cavity or
sinuses. E.g. decongestants, steroids, calcitonin.

 Have the client blow the nose prior to nasal

instillation.

 Assume back lying position, or sit up and lean

head back.

 Elevate the nares slightly by pressing the thumb

against the client’s tip of the nose. While the
client inhales, squeeze the bottle.
Keep head tilted backward for 5 minutes after
instillation of nasal drops.

When the medication is used on a daily basis,

alternate nares to prevent irritation.
Inhalation – Use of nebulizers, metered-dose
inhalers (MDI).

 Semi or high fowler’s position or standing

position. To enhance full chest expansion
allowing deeper inhalation of the medication.

 Shake the canister several times. To mix the

medication and ensure uniform dosage delivery.

 Position the mouthpiece 1 to 2 inches from the

client’s open mouth. As the client starts
inhaling, press the canister down to release one
dose of the medication. This allows delivery of
the medication more accurately into the
bronchial tree rather than being trapped in the
oropharynx then swallowed.
Instruct client to hold breath for 10
seconds. To enhance complete
absorption of the medication.
If bronchodilator, administer a
maximum of 2 puffs, for at least 30
seconds interval. Administer
bronchodilator before other inhaled
medication. This opens airway and
promotes greater absorption of the
medication.
Wait at least 1 minute before administration of the second dose or
inhalation of a different medication by MDI.

Instruct client to rinse mouth, if steroid had been administered. This

is to prevent oral fungal infection.

Vaginal

Advantage
1. Provides local therapeutic effects.

Disadvantages

1. Has limited use.

Drug Forms: Tablet, liquid (douches), cream, jelly, foam and

suppository.
Use applicator or sterile gloves for vaginal administration of
medications.
Vaginal Irrigation – Is the washing of the vagina by
liquid at low pressure. It is also called douche.
Empty the bladder before the procedure.
Position and drape the client
Instillation:back – lying position with
knees flexed and hips rotated laterally.
Irrigation: back – lying position with
the hips higher than the shoulders (use
bedpan).
Irrigating container should be 30 cm. (12 inches)
above.
Ask the client to remain in bed for 5-10 minutes
following administration of vaginal suppository,
cream, foam, jelly or irrigation.
Rectal

Advantage

1. Can be used when the drug has objectionable taste

or odor.

Disadvantage

1. Dose absorbed is unpredictable.

2. Need to be refrigerated so as not to soften.
3. Use glove for insertion of suppositories.
4. Have client lie on left side and breathe through the
mouth to relax the anal sphincter.
4. Have client lie on left side and breathe through
the mouth to relax the anal sphincter.
5. Insert suppository until a sensation of “as if
something has grabbed it away,” occurs. This
indicates that the suppository has been
inserted past the internal anal sphincter.
6. Ensure that the suppository comes in contact
with the rectal wall. This ensures accurate
absorption of the medication.
7. Client must remain on side for 20 minutes after
insertion. To promote adequate absorption of
the medication.
Parenteral – The administration of medication by needle.

 Intradermal. Under the epidermis. (ID)

 Subcutaneous. Into the subcutaneous tissue. (SC)

 Intramuscular. Into the muscle. (IM)

 Intravenous. Into the vein. (IV)

 Intraarterial. Into the artery.

 Intraosseous. Into the bone.

Intradermal injection – The administration of a
drug into the dermal layer of the skin
beneath the epidermis.

 The sites are the inner lower arm, upper

chest and back, and beneath the
scapulae.
 Indicated for allergy and tuberculin
testing and for vaccinations.
 Use left arm for tuberculin tests; use
right arm for all other tests.
 Use the needle gauge 25, 26, 27; needle
length 3/8”, 5/8” or ½”.
Site of Intradermal Injection
- Needle at 10-15 degree angle; bevel
up.

- Inject a small amount of drug slowly

over 3 to 5 seconds to form a wheal
or bleb.

- Do not massage the site of injection.

To prevent irritation of the site, and
to prevent absorption of the drug
into the subcutaneous.
 Subcutaneous – Drugs administered
subcutaneously are as follows:
vaccines, preoperative medications,
narcotics, insulin, heparin.
 The sites are the outer aspects of the upper arms, anterior
aspect of the thighs, abdomen, scapular areas of the upper
back, and ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal areas.

 Only small doses of medication should be injected via SC

route. (0.5 to 1 ml.)

 Rotate sites of injection to minimize tissue damage.

Needle length and gauge are the same as
for intradermal injections.
Use 5/8 needle for adults when the
injection is administered at 45 degree
angle; ½ is used at a 90 degree angle.
For thin patients: 45 degree angle of
needle.
For obese patients: 90 degree angle of
needle
For heparin injection: Do not aspirate. Do not
massage the injection site to prevent hematoma
formation.

For insulin injection. Do not massage to prevent

rapid absorption which may result to hypoglycemic
reaction. Always inject insulin at 90 degrees angle
to administer the medication in the packet between
the subcutaneous and muscle layer. Adjust the
length of the needle, depending on the size of the
client.

For other medications, aspirate before injection of

medication to check if blood vessel had been hit. If
blood appears on pulling back of the plunger of the
syringe, remove the needle and discard the
medication and equipment.
 Intramuscular injections

 Needle length is 1”, 1 ½,” 2”. To reach the muscle layer.

 Use needle gauge 20, 21, 22, 23, depending on the

viscosity of medication.

 Clean the injection site with alcoholized cotton ball. To

reduce microorganisms in the area.

 Inject the medication slowly to allow the tissues to

accommodate volume.
 Site for Intra-muscular Injection

Gluteus Maximus Gluteus Minimus

Sites

1. Ventrogluteal site (von Hochsteter’s site)

Uses gluteus medius which lies over the gluteus minimus

muscle.

The area contains no large nerves, or blood vessels and less fat.
It is farther from the rectal area, so it less contaminated.

Position the client in prone or side – lying. When in prone

position, curl the toes inward. When in side – lying position,
flex the knee and hip. These ensure relaxation of gluteus
muscles and minimize discomfort during injection.

To locate the site, place the heel of the hand over the greater
trochanter, point the index finger towards anterior superior
iliac spine, then abduct the middle (third) finger. The triangle
formed by the index finger, the third finger and the crest of the
ilium is the site.
2. Dorsogluteal site
Uses the gluteus medium muscle.

Position of the client is similar to ventrogluteal site.

The site should not be used for infants under 3 years,

because the gluteal muscles are not well – developed
yet.

To locate the site, the nurse draws an imaginary line

from the greater trochanter to the posterior superior
iliac spine. The injection site is lateral and superior to
this line.
Another method of locating this site is to
imaginary divide the buttock into four
quadrants. The upper outer quadrant is the
site of injection. Palpate the crest of the
ilium to ensure that the site is high enough.
Avoid hitting the sciatic nerve, major blood
vessel or bone by locating the site properly.
3.Vastus lateralis

Recommended site of injection for infants

Located at the middle third of the anterior lateral

aspect of the thigh.

Assume back-lying or sitting position.

4. Rectus femoris site

Located at the middle third, anterior aspect of the
thigh.
5. Deltoid site

Not used often for IM injection because it is relatively

small muscle and is very close to the radial nerve and
radial artery.

To locate the site, palpate the lower edge of the

acromion process and the midpoint on the lateral
aspect of the arm that is in line with the axilla. This is
approximately 5cm. (2 inches) or 2 to 3 fingerbreadths
below the acromion process.
IM Injection Sites
Variation of the IM injection: Z – tract
technique

Used for parenteral iron preparation. To seal

the drug deep into the muscles and prevent
permanent staining of the skin.

Retract the skin laterally, inject the

medication slowly. Hold retraction of skin
until the needle is withdrawn.

Do no massage the site of injection. To

prevent leakage into subcutaneous.
General Principles in Parenteral Administration of
Medications

Check the doctor’s order

Identify the client properly. This ensures that the

medication is administered to the right client.

Practice ASEPSIS. To prevent infection.

Use appropriate needle size. To minimize tissue injury.

Plot the site of injection properly. To prevent hitting

nerves, blood vessels, bones.

Use separate needles for aspiration and injection of

medications. To prevent irritation of tissues.
 Introduce air into the vial before aspiration. To
create positive pressure within the vial and to allow
easy withdrawal of the medication.

 Allow a small air bubble (0.2 ml.) in the syringe to

push the medication that may remain in the hub
and lumen of the needle.

 Introduce the needle in a quick thrust. To lessen

discomfort.

 Either spread or pinch muscle when introducing the

medication. Depending on the size of the client.
Minimize discomfort by applying
cold compress over the injection
site before introduction of
medication to numb nerve
endings; apply warm compress to
improve circulation in the area.
Aspirate before introduction of
medication. To check if blood
vessel had been hit.
 Support the tissues with cotton swabs before
withdrawal of needle. To prevent discomfort of
pulling tissues as needle is withdrawn.

 Massage the site of injection to hasten absorption.

 Apply pressure at the site for few minutes. To

prevent bleeding.

 Evaluate effectiveness of the procedure and make

relevant documentation.
PARENTAL MEDICATIONS

Advantages:

Provides an effective route for the delivery of a drug

when the client’s physical or mental state would make
other routes difficult or impossible.
Not altered by gastric acids, nor do they cause gastric
irritation
Provides a precise dose to a targeted area of the body.
Disadvantages:

The client may have an allergic reaction to the injected

medications, which may range from mild to severe and
could be fatal.

The possibility of introducing microorganisms into

the client as a result of incorrect preparation of
equipment and/or by the poor technique of the nurse.

An injection can cause injury to tissue, nerves, veins

and other vessels.

Failure in aspiration during the injection process; a

medication for subcutaneous or intramuscularly
injection may be given intravenously.
A medication intended for intramuscular
injection may be given subcutaneous which
could cause sterile abscess.
The needle can strike a bone in geriatric or
pediatric or extremely thin person, resulting
from improper selection of needle-syringe
unit.
Syringes and Needles
Parenteral medications are administered with a
sterile syringe & needle. Syringes vary in kind or
size. They are made up of plastic & glass.

Syringes vary in size from 1cc to 50cc. Tuberculin

syringes, which are used for intradermal injections
& insulin syringes are one cc syringes.

Syringes are calibrated in cubic centimeters; & in

the case of insulin syringe in term of units
corresponding to the strength of the insulin the
patient is taking the amount of solution to be
administered determine the size of syringe to be
used.
 - Each syringe has 2 parts – outer part
called the barrel & the inner part called the
plunger.
- Needle is composed of the hub & the
shaft or cannula. The hub is the part that is
connected to the tip of barrel of the
syringe.
- The larger this number, the smaller
the diameter of the needle. The color of the
hub is the indicator of the gauge of the
needle.
At the end of the cannula is the bevel, the pointed,
slanted portion from which the solution in the
syringe is ejected, the longer the bevel of the shaft
of the needle, the sharpen it is.

The needle used to aspirate the drug from the vial

or ampule should not be the same needle used for
injection. The point & bevel of the needle is
dulled by passing it through the rubber stopper.

 The needle selected for the injection should be

appropriate for the drug. The route of
administration & the patient.
Selecting Appropriate Syringe and Needle:

Considerations to take:

Medication ordered

Age and size of patient

Route of administration
 PART OF THE SYRINGE

PLUNGER ROD
BODY/BARREL

GASKET
DISPENSING SHAFT
OPENING

NEEDLE CAP
TUBERCULIN SYRINGE INSULIN SYRINGE

DISPOSABLE
SYRINGES

FOR PARENTERAL MEDICATION

DIFFERENT SIZES of
HYPODERMIC NEEDLES

MEDICINE CART

Spinal
needle

MEDICINE TRAY
AMPULE VIAL
The Medication Card

- Agencies may differ in their policies & or routines

related to making, keeping & disposing of medication
cards.

- Each medication card should contain all the

information necessary for the nurse to prepare &
administer its dosage, route of administration, frequency
& time intervals.

- The date it was originally ordered & the signature of the

nurse transcribing the order should be indicated as well.

- A color code is used to indicate the frequency of

administration or time intervals.
RULES IN MAKING MEDICINE CARDS
 Print the word on the face of the card in ink.

 Cards are signed by the person who made them

 When a card is lost or is to be renewed, the back of

the card should contain the data medicine or the
treatment is ordered

 Indicate the channels of administration for

parenteral drugs as in for intravenous

 use only standard abbreviations.

CARD COLOR CODING
 WHITE – oral

 YELLOW – intravenous

 BLUE -treatment card

 GREEN - intramuscular ( ribbon cut)

 RED - stat/ immediately

CARD COLOR CODING
 WHITE – oral (every 6 hours)
 YELLOW – BID (2 times a day)
 GREEN – OD (once a day)
 RED - stat/ immediately
 ORANGE – TID (three times a day)
 BLUE – every 8 hours (q8)
FREQUENCY
DAY MEDICATION

q.i.d 4x a 8am 12 4pm 8pm

day noon
t.i.d 3x a 8am 1pm 6pm
day
b.i.d 2x a 8am 6pm
day
o.d Once 9am
a day or
8am
RTC – ROUND THE CLOCK MEDICATION
q4 Every 4 hrs. 8 12 4 8
q6 Every 6 hrs. 6 12 6 12
q8 Every 8 hrs. 8 4 12 8
q12 Every 12 hrs. 12 12
q.h. Every hour

• p.r.n. if necessary or if needed

•Stat - immediately
 DIFFERENT ROUTE
p.o. - per orem
IM - intramuscular
IV - intravenous
Sudq. - subcutaneous
Inh. - inhalation
Supp. - suppository
Top. - topical
Sl. - sublingual
Common abbreviations use
a.c – before meal c– with
p.c - after meal s – without
h.s - at bed time ss – onehalf
Ext. – extract ANST – after negative skin
fl. - fluid test
gm. – gram sa – equal parts
gr. - grain ad.lib. – if desired
gtt. - drps aq.dest. Distilled water
ml. milliliter
cc. – cubic centimeter
 Abbreviations Latin English
aa Of each
a.c. ante cebum Before meals
ad. Lib ad libitum As desired
amp. ampule
Aq water
Bid Bis in die Twice a day
c.c. Cum with
Cap capsula capsule
cc cubic centimeter
DC or D/C discontinue
Dil. dilute
Elix. elixir
ext external or extract
fl or fld. fluid
Gal gallon
Gm. gram
gr. grain
gtt. drop
h. or hr. hour
h.s. Hora somni Hours of Sleep or at bed time
H Hypodermic (subcutaneous)
IM Intra Muscular
IV Intra Venous
kg Kilogram
L Liter
m
mg milligram
mm milliliter
O pint
o.d everyday
OD Oculus dexter Right eye
OS Oculus sinister Left eye
p.c. Post cebum After meals
p.o. Per By mouth
p.r.n. Pro re nata Whenever necessary
pulv powder
q every
q.i.d. Quarter in die Four times a day

q.h. Quaque hora Every hour

q.2h Every 2 hour
q.o.d. Every other day
q.s Quantity sufficient
s sine without
sol solution
s.o.s. Whenever necessary, one dose
only
sp spirit
s.s Soap solution
stat statim At once/immediately

syr syrup

Tab. tablet

tid Three times a day

Tr or tinct tincture
Thank You Very Much