Abbreviations in the prescription formula

Question 1

aa

Answer 1

of each

Question 2

q.s

Answer 2

sufficient quantity

Question 3

q.s ad

Answer 3

sufficient quantity upto (add enough to achieve the total)

Question 4

aa qs ad

Answer 4

sufficient of each upto (when multiple substances need to be added in equal quantities to achieve total)

Question 5

Agit.

Answer 5

shake

Question 6

Alb.

Answer 6

white

Question 7

APAP

Answer 7

acetaminophen

Question 8

aq., aqua

Answer 8

water DRINKING (not used to make prescriptions)

Question 9

aq. dest.

Answer 9

distilled water

Question 10

aq. pur.

Answer 10

purified water USP

Question 11

ASA

Answer 11

aspirin

Question 12

D5W

Answer 12

dextrose injection USP, 5% dextrose in water

Question 13

HC

Answer 13

hydrocortisone

Question 14

hs, HS

Answer 14

half strength

Question 15

inj.

Answer 15

injection

Question 16

IOP

Answer 16

in original packaging

Question 17

MDI

Answer 17

metered dose inhaler

Question 18

MOM

Answer 18

milk of magnesia

Question 19

MS, MSO4

Answer 19

morphine sulfate

Question 20

NF

Answer 20

National Formulary

Question 21

NS, N.S

Answer 21

normal saline, 0.9% NaCl solution in USP

Question 22

1/2 NS

Answer 22

0.45% sodium chloride for injection, half-normal saline

Question 23

NTG

Answer 23

nitroglycerin

Question 24

TPN

Answer 24

total parenteral nutrition

Question 25

USP

Answer 25

United States Pharmacopeia