Pharmacy Abbreviations Every PTCB Candidate Must Know

Why Pharmacy Abbreviations Matter

Pharmacy abbreviations are the shorthand language of prescription processing. Every pharmacy technician must be fluent in these abbreviations to accurately interpret prescriptions, enter orders into the pharmacy system, and prevent errors. The PTCB exam tests your knowledge of common abbreviations extensively.

Frequency Abbreviations

QD: Once daily (every day)
BID: Twice daily
TID: Three times daily
QID: Four times daily
Q4H: Every 4 hours
Q6H: Every 6 hours
Q8H: Every 8 hours
Q12H: Every 12 hours
PRN: As needed
HS: At bedtime (hora somni)
AC: Before meals (ante cibum)
PC: After meals (post cibum)
STAT: Immediately

Route of Administration Abbreviations

PO: By mouth (per os)
SL: Sublingual (under the tongue)
PR: Per rectum
TOP: Topically
INH: Inhalation
IV: Intravenous
IM: Intramuscular
SubQ or SC: Subcutaneous
ID: Intradermal
OU: Both eyes
OD: Right eye
OS: Left eye
AU: Both ears
AD: Right ear
AS: Left ear

Dosage Form Abbreviations

Tab: Tablet
Cap: Capsule
Susp: Suspension
Sol: Solution
Ung or Oint: Ointment
Supp: Suppository
MDI: Metered-dose inhaler
Gtt: Drops

Measurement Abbreviations

mg: Milligrams
mcg: Micrograms
g: Grams
mL: Milliliters
L: Liters
mEq: Milliequivalents
tsp: Teaspoon (5 mL)
tbsp: Tablespoon (15 mL)

Error-Prone Abbreviations to Avoid

The ISMP and The Joint Commission have identified abbreviations that should NOT be used because they frequently lead to errors:

U (units): Can be mistaken for 0 or 4. Write "units" instead.
IU (international units): Can be mistaken for IV. Write "international units."
QD: Can be mistaken for QID. Write "daily."
QOD: Can be mistaken for QD. Write "every other day."
Trailing zero (5.0 mg): The decimal point can be missed, reading as 50 mg. Write "5 mg."
Lack of leading zero (.5 mg): Can be read as 5 mg. Write "0.5 mg."
MS, MSO4, MgSO4: Confused between morphine sulfate and magnesium sulfate. Write the full names.

PTCB Exam Preparation

Abbreviation questions appear throughout the PTCB exam. Memorize the common abbreviations and the error-prone ones that should be avoided. Practice interpreting complete prescriptions at PTCBprep mini exams and build your skills at PTCBprep.