The Secret Language of Pharmacists
Doctors often use Latin abbreviations or shorthand numbers to indicate dosage frequencies. Misunderstanding these can lead to under-dosing or dangerous overdosing.
Common Number Patterns
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-0-1 | Take 1 in the morning, 0 at noon, 1 at night (Twice a day). |
| 1-1-1 | Take 1 in the morning, 1 afternoon, 1 night (Three times a day). |
| 0-0-1 | Take 1 only at night (common for sleep meds). |
Latin Abbreviations
- OD (Omne Die): Once a day.
- BD / BID (Bis in Die): Twice a day.
- TDS / TID (Ter Die Sumendum): Three times a day.
- SOS (Si Opus Sit): If needed (e.g., for pain or fever).
- AC (Ante Cibum): Before food.
- PC (Post Cibum): After food.