Medical Abbreviations

Reference

Common ward shorthand — write out for clarity if any ambiguity.

Frequencies

OD / QD
Once daily
BD / BID
Twice daily
TDS / TID
Three times daily
QDS / QID
Four times daily
PRN
As required
STAT
Immediately
Mane / Nocte
Morning / night

Routes

PO
By mouth
IV / IM / SC
IV / intramuscular / subcut
PR / PV
Per rectum / per vagina
SL / TOP
Sublingual / topical
NEB / INH
Nebulised / inhaled

Common clinical

SOB / DIB
Short of breath / difficulty in breathing
HPC / PMH / DH / SH
History of presenting / past medical / drug / social
O/E
On examination
NAD
No abnormality detected
NKDA
No known drug allergy
TWOC
Trial without catheter
WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds