Quick answer: the pharmacy technician abbreviations you’ll see most
In practice and on the PTCE, you’ll encounter a core set of SIG abbreviations for timing/frequency (e.g., bid, tid), routes (po, sl, IM, IV), dosage forms (tab, cap, susp), and directions (prn, stat). As a technician, use plain language on labels and avoid error-prone shorthands (see “Safety first” below). For the exam, focus on accurate meanings and safe alternatives. Make sure to check out the interactive flashcard set at the end of this article!
Table of contents
- Safety first
- PTCB abbreviation list
- SIG codes by category
- Worked prescription examples
- Credential abbreviations
- State verification
- 5-day memory plan
- Interactive Flashcard Set
- References
Safety first: abbreviations you should not use (and what to write instead)
Principle: On the label and in communications, write instructions in plain English. Avoid abbreviations that are known to cause harm.
| Abbreviation | Risk | Write instead | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| U | Misread as 0 or 4 → tenfold overdose | units | TJC/ISMP |
| IU | Misread as IV or 10 | international units | TJC/ISMP |
| QD / Q.D. / qd | Misread as qid (4×/day) | daily | TJC/ISMP |
| QOD / Q.O.D. | Misread as qd or qid | every other day | TJC/ISMP |
| µg | Misread as mg → 1000-fold overdose | mcg | ISMP |
| cc | Misread as “00” or “u” | mL | ISMP |
| AD/AS/AU | Confused with eyes (OD/OS/OU) | right/left/each ear | ISMP |
| OD/OS/OU | Confused with ears | right/left/each eye | ISMP |
| HS/hs | “half-strength” vs “at bedtime” | write full phrase | ISMP |
Labeling standard: For oral liquids, use mL only; avoid teaspoon/tablespoon abbreviations and always include a leading zero (e.g., 0.5 mL).
PTCB abbreviation list (exam-oriented)
How to use this: Learn the meaning first, then the safe way you’d place it on a patient-facing label.
Timing and Frequency Abbreviations
- ac = before meals
- pc = after meals
- qh = every hour
- q4h/q6h/q8h = every 4/6/8 hours
- bid = twice daily
- tid = three times daily
- qid = four times daily
- prn = as needed
- STAT = immediately
- qhs = at bedtime.
Route Abbreviations
- po = by mouth
- sl = sublingual
- bucc = buccal
- pr = per rectum
- inh = inhale
- neb = nebulize
- top = topical
- ID = intradermal
- IM = intramuscular
- IV = intravenous
- SubQ (preferred), SQ, or SC = subcutaneous
Dosage Form Abbreviations
- tab = tablet
- cap = capsule
- susp = suspension
- sol = solution
- syr = syrup
- elix = elixir
- gtt = drop
- crm = cream
- supp = suppository
Measurements Abbreviations
- mcg = microgram
- mg = milligram
- g = gram
- Kg = kilogram
- mL = milliliter
- L = liter
- tsp = teaspoon
- Tbsp = tablespoon
SIG codes by category
Timing & frequency
| Abbrev | Meaning | Safer label wording |
|---|---|---|
| ac | before meals | 30 minutes before meals |
| pc | after meals | after meals |
| bid / tid / qid | 2× / 3× / 4× daily | twice / three / four times daily |
| q4h / q6h | every 4 / 6 hours | every 4 / 6 hours |
| prn | as needed | as needed for [indication] |
| stat | immediately | take now |
| qhs | at bedtime | at bedtime |
Routes of administration
| Abbrev | Meaning | Safer label wording |
|---|---|---|
| po | by mouth | by mouth |
| sl | under the tongue | place under the tongue |
| bucc | in the cheek | place in the cheek |
| SubQ | subcutaneous | inject under the skin |
| IM / IV | intramuscular/intravenous | IM / IV |
| inh / neb | inhale/nebulize | inhale / use a nebulizer |
| top | topical | apply to the skin |
| pr | rectally | insert rectally |
Dosage forms
- tab / cap — tablet / capsule
- susp / sol / syr / elix — suspension / solution / syrup / elixir
- ung / crm / gel — ointment / cream / gel
- supp — suppository
- gtt — drops
Directions & methods
| Abbrev | Meaning | Safety note |
|---|---|---|
| DAW | dispense as written | insurer rules may apply |
| NR | no refills | verify state rules |
| UD | as directed | avoid: confused with unit dose |
Measurement & quantity
| Preferred | Avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|
| mL | cc | “cc” is error-prone |
| mcg | µg | mix-ups reported |
| units | U | misread as 0 or 4 |
Eyes & ears (high-risk)
| Avoid | Why | Write instead |
|---|---|---|
| AD/AS/AU | ear vs eye confusion | right/left/each ear |
| OD/OS/OU | eye vs ear confusion | right/left/each eye |
Worked examples: translate real prescription directions
- Amoxicillin 400 mg/5 mL susp; 5 mL po bid × 10 days: Take 5 mL by mouth twice daily for 10 days.
- Latanoprost 0.005% gtt; 1 gtt OU qhs: Place 1 drop in each eye at bedtime.
- Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tab; 1 tab po qd: Take one tablet by mouth daily.
- Insulin glargine; 20 U SubQ qhs: Inject 20 units under the skin at bedtime.
Credential abbreviations (CPhT, CPhT-Adv, RPhT, etc.) explained
- CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician): National certification granted by PTCB or NHA.
- CPhT-Adv (Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician): Advanced PTCB credential for experienced CPhTs with extra certificates (learn more).
- RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician): Protected Canadian title; U.S. usage varies by state; verify on your state board site.
State titles vary: how to verify your correct credential or title
Your title and scope depend on your state. Use the NABP Boards of Pharmacy directory to confirm details for registration, certification, or renewal.
How to memorize abbreviations: a 5-day micro-study plan
- Day 1 — Frequency set: bid/tid/qid; q4h/q6h; ac/pc; prn/stat; qhs. Write meanings and convert to plain labels.
- Day 2 — Routes & forms: po/sl/SubQ/IM/IV/top/pr; tab/cap/susp/sol/ung/crm/gtt. Build flashcards.
- Day 3 — Measurement & safety: mL vs cc; mcg vs µg; units vs U; AD/AS/AU vs OD/OS/OU.
- Day 4 — Mixed practice: Translate 20 prescriptions; rewrite any unsafe shorthand.
- Day 5 — Teach-back: Explain five translations aloud; print a cheat-sheet and test again in 48 hours.
If you are looking for a more formal method to learn abbreviations, consider enrolling in our online education program.
