Prescriptions contain important details for safe medication use. The “Sig” section provides specific instructions on how to take the prescribed medication. Understanding this section is important for patients, as it directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of their treatment. Proper interpretation helps ensure individuals use their medications as intended.
What “Sig” Means
The term “Sig” on a prescription is an abbreviation derived from the Latin word “Signa” or “Signetur,” meaning “to write” or “let it be labeled.” This section serves as direct instructions from the prescriber to the patient, detailing how the medication should be used. It outlines several key pieces of information necessary for proper administration.
The “Sig” typically specifies the dosage, indicating how much medication to take, and the frequency, or how often it should be taken. It also includes the route of administration, clarifying how the medication enters the body, such as orally, topically, or via injection. This section may contain special instructions, like taking the medication with food, avoiding certain activities, or other relevant directions to ensure optimal results.
Decoding Common Prescription Abbreviations
Medical professionals often use Latin-derived abbreviations within the “Sig” section to convey instructions efficiently.
Common Frequency Abbreviations
“q.d.” (quaque die) means once daily.
“b.i.d.” (bis in die) means twice a day.
“t.i.d.” (ter in die) means three times a day.
“q.i.d.” (quater in die) means four times a day.
“q.h.” (quaque hora) means every hour.
“qam” (quaque ante meridiem) means every morning.
“hs” (hora somni) means at bedtime.
Common Route and Other Abbreviations
“P.O.” (per os) indicates taking the medication by mouth.
“a.c.” (ante cibum) means before meals.
“p.c.” (post cibum) means after meals.
“o.d.” (oculus dexter) refers to the right eye.
“o.s.” (oculus sinister) refers to the left eye.
“o.u.” (oculus uterque) refers to both eyes.
“a.d.” (auris dextra) is for the right ear.
“a.s.” (auris sinistra) is for the left ear.
“a.u.” (auris utraque) is for both ears.
“p.r.” (per rectum) is for rectal administration.
“s.l.” (sublingually) is for under the tongue.
“IM” is for intramuscular administration.
“IV” is for intravenous administration.
“PRN” (pro re nata) means as needed.
“disp.” (dispense) specifies the quantity to be supplied.
The Importance of Understanding Your “Sig”
Accurate understanding of the “Sig” instructions is important for patient safety and the effectiveness of medication. Misinterpreting dosage can lead to underdosing, rendering medication ineffective, or overdosing, causing adverse drug events. Incorrect frequency or route of administration can diminish treatment benefits, result in missed doses, or cause harmful drug interactions.
Medication adherence, or consistently taking medication as prescribed, directly impacts health outcomes and can prevent disease progression. Poor understanding of prescription labels is common, especially among individuals with lower health literacy, contributing to medication errors. If any part of the “Sig” instructions is unclear, seek clarification immediately. Pharmacists can explain directions, ensure correct dosage, check for potential drug interactions, and provide counseling on medication use.