How to Read a Doctor's Prescription
By Aswini Medicals · July 3, 2025 · 4 min read
Doctors write prescriptions in shorthand — a mix of Latin abbreviations and medical codes. If you've ever squinted at a prescription wondering what "T. Dolo 650 OD × 5D AC" means, this guide is for you.
Frequency Abbreviations (How Often to Take)
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example Timing |
|---|---|---|
| OD | Once Daily | Morning |
| BD | Twice Daily | Morning + Night |
| TID / TDS | Three Times Daily | Morning + Afternoon + Night |
| QID | Four Times Daily | Every 6 hours |
| SOS | If Needed (as required) | Only when symptoms occur |
| HS | At Bedtime | Before sleeping |
Timing Abbreviations (Before or After Food)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AC | Before food (Ante Cibum) |
| PC | After food (Post Cibum) |
| CC | With food |
Duration Abbreviations
Duration is often written as × 5D (for 5 days), × 1W (1 week), or × 1M (1 month). Some doctors simply write the number of days next to the medicine name.
Medicine Prefixes
- T. or Tab. — Tablet
- Cap. — Capsule
- Syp. — Syrup
- Inj. — Injection
- Oint. — Ointment
- Gtt. — Drops (from Latin Guttae)
Putting It Together — A Real Example
This means: One Dolo 650mg tablet, once daily, for 5 days, after food.
💡 Pro Tip
If you're unsure about anything on your prescription, ask your pharmacist at Aswini Medicals before taking the medicine. We're happy to explain dosage, timing, and precautions for every medicine we dispense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OD mean on a prescription?
OD means Once Daily — take the medicine one time per day, usually in the morning unless specified otherwise.
What is the difference between BD and TID?
BD means twice daily (morning and night). TID means three times daily (morning, afternoon, and night).
What does SOS mean on a prescription?
SOS means take only if needed — not on a fixed schedule. Common for pain relievers and antacids.
Confused about your prescription? Chat with our pharmacist at Aswini Medicals →