On a medical prescription, BD stands for Bis Die (Latin: twice a day = twice daily), and PC stands for Post Cibum (Latin: after food/meals). So 'BD PC' means 'Take this medicine twice daily, after meals.' These Latin abbreviations are universally used by doctors on prescriptions across India and globally.
BD = Bis Die (Latin) = Twice daily.
PC = Post Cibum (Latin) = After meals.
BD PC = Take medicine twice daily, after meals.
OD = Once daily; TD/TDS = Three times daily; QID = Four times daily.
AC = Before meals; CC = With meals.
SOS = If necessary / when required.
STAT = Immediately (used for urgent doses).
BD = Bis Die (Latin) ā¢ Meaning: Twice a day / Twice daily ā¢ Dose frequency: Morning + Evening (usually 12 hours apart) ā¢ Example: 'Tab Paracetamol 500mg BD' = Take Paracetamol twice daily
PC = Post Cibum (Latin) ā¢ Meaning: After meals / After food ā¢ Instruction: Take medicine after eating ā¢ AC = Ante Cibum = Before meals
BD PC combined = Twice daily, after meals ā¢ Take 1 dose in the morning after breakfast ā¢ Take 1 dose in the evening after dinner (or lunch if specified)
Complete List of Common Prescription Abbreviations:
Frequency Abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OD | Omne Die | Once daily |
| BD | Bis Die | Twice daily |
| TD / TDS | Ter Die Sumendus | Three times daily |
| QID / QDS | Quater in Die | Four times daily |
| SOS | Si Opus Sit | If necessary / when needed |
| HS | Hora Somni | At bedtime |
| STAT | Statim | Immediately |
| QH | Quaque Hora | Every hour |
Timing Abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Ante Cibum | Before meals |
| PC | Post Cibum | After meals |
| CC | Cum Cibum | With meals |
| AM | Ante Meridiem | In the morning |
| PM | Post Meridiem | In the evening |
Route Abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PO | By mouth (oral) |
| IM | Intramuscular injection |
| IV | Intravenous injection |
| SC | Subcutaneous injection |
| SL | Sublingual (under tongue) |
Practical Examples: ā¢ 'Tab Metformin 500mg BD AC' = Metformin 500mg twice daily, before meals ā¢ 'Cap Amoxicillin 500mg TD PC' = Amoxicillin 500mg three times daily, after meals ā¢ 'Tab Aspirin 75mg OD AC' = Aspirin 75mg once daily, before meals ā¢ 'Tab Crocin 650mg SOS' = Paracetamol only when needed (fever/pain)
On a prescription, BD stands for Bis Die (Latin) meaning twice daily, and PC stands for Post Cibum (Latin) meaning after meals. So 'BD PC' means take the medicine twice daily after meals ā once after breakfast and once after dinner. Other common prescription abbreviations: OD = once daily; TD/TDS = three times daily; AC = before meals; SOS = when necessary.
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