medication, directions for administering

What do medication directions mean? Parents are sometimes confused about what medication directions actually mean. Perhaps this little decoder table will help clarify the issue. You probably ought to remember to ask your doctor what his intention is for your child's medication - his interpretation or intention might be different from mine. You will find the table pretty standard, though.

Direction Which means Medical
abbreviation
Once a day Take it once a day, preferably at the same time each day q.d.

Twice a day Twice during the waking day, as close to 12 hours apart as possible b.i.d.

Three times a day Three times during the waking day, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and halfway in between t.i.d.

Four times a day Four times during the waking day, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and 2 doses spaced evenly in between q.i.d.

Every 6 (or whatever) hours Means what it says: take it every 6 hours, and yes, wake your child up to give it q.6.h.

Take as directed Do what the doctor told you. If you can't remember, call the office, do not guess.

Take on empty stomach Let us say an hour before or two hours after meals

Take on full stomach Let us say within an hour after a meal or substantial snack

Be very careful with children's medications that you understand how to measure them. Here are some pointers for that.

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