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📚 Curated Editorial Collection

Medication Label & Prescription Abbreviations

Decode the Latin shorthand on your pet’s prescription bottle—such as BID, TID, PO, PRN, and SID—to administer medications safely and accurately.

Curated sequence of 9 interconnected veterinary medical terms.
1

BID (Twice Daily)

abbreviation

A prescription abbreviation originating from Latin meaning "bis in die," directing a medication to be given twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart.

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2

TID (Three Times Daily)

abbreviation

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "ter in die," directing a medication to be administered three times a day, roughly every 8 hours.

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3

SID (Once Daily)

abbreviation

A veterinary prescription abbreviation from Latin "semel in die," directing a medication to be given once a day, every 24 hours.

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4

PO (By Mouth / Oral)

abbreviation

A medical route abbreviation from Latin "per os," meaning that a medication or food must be administered orally by mouth.

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5

SQ / SC (Subcutaneous / Sub-Q)

abbreviation

An injection route abbreviation designating administration into the subcutaneous connective tissue layer beneath the skin.

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6

IM (Intramuscular)

abbreviation

An injection route abbreviation designating administration of medication directly into a muscle belly.

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7

IV (Intravenous)

abbreviation

An administration route abbreviation designating delivery of fluids or medications directly into a vein.

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8

PRN (As Needed)

abbreviation

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "pro re nata," directing a medication to be administered only as needed or as circumstances arise.

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9

NPO (Nothing by Mouth)

abbreviation

A medical directive from Latin "nil per os," meaning nothing should be given by mouth (no food, treats, or water) for a specified period.

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