PHARMACOLOGY ABBREV. Flashcards
PCA
patient controlled analgesia
H2 blocker
histamine H2 receptor antagonist, a drug that turns off histamine which promotes secretion of stomach acid
Rx
prescription
t.i.d.
three times daily
q.h.
every hour
q2h
every two hours
ACE
ACE inhibitor- angiotensin-converting enzyme, a drug that dilates blood vessels to lower BP (blood pressure), improve the performance of the heart, and reduce its workload; this drug also reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death even if a patient is not hypertensive
two times a day
s with a line above it
means “without”
TCAs
tri cyclic antidepressants increase the action of neurotransmitters by blocking their removal from the synapses (spaces between the nerve cells)
NPO
nothing by mouth
Caps
capsules
tab
tablet(s)
Pt
patient
qPM
every evening
qAM
every morning
cc
cubic centimeter
ml or mL
milliliter
c with a line above it
means “with”
h.s.
at bedtime
Sig.
directions
qAM
every morning
gtt
drops
q2h
every 2 hours
INH
isoniazid, an anti-tuberculosis agent
IM
intramuscular
IV
intravenous
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor; antidepressants that increase the length of time neurotransmitters work by blocking monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that normally inactivates neurotransmitters
a.c.
before meals
PDR
physician’s desk reference
q.i.d.
four times a day
q
every
ARB
angiotensin II receptor blocker that lowers blood pressure by preventing angiotensin from acting on receptors in blood vessels; used on patients who do not tolerate ACE inhibitors
SL
sublingual
p.r.n.
as needed, as necessary
b.i.d.
two times a day
SERMs
selective estrogen receptor modulator that increase bone formation in patients with osteoperosis
HRT
hormone replacement therapy
IM
intramuscular
SubQ
subcutaneous
q4h
every 4 hours
FDA
US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, a government agency having the legal responsibility for enforcing proper drug manufacture and clinical use
gm or g
gram
h
hour
p.o. / PO / po
by mouth
NSAIDs
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are used for pain and inflammation control
s.o.s.
if it is necessary
p with a line above it
after
SSRI
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant that increases the action of neurotransmitters by blocking their removal from the synapses or spaces between nerve cells
mg
milligrams
ad lib
freely, as desired
p.c.
after meals
APAP
acetaminophen, Tylenol
q.s.
sufficient quantity
q8h
every eight hours
p.r.n.
as needed
po
by mouth
q4h
every 4 hours
DOAC
direct acting oral anticoagulent, prevents blood clot formation
PICC
peripherally inserted central catheter (intravenous access for over a long period of time )
