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PRESCRIPTION

June 2, 2024

PRESCRIPTION. GENERAL INFORMATION.

A nprescription (derived from the Latin word “receptum”) is a physician’s norder to prepare or dispense a specific treatment (usually medication) for aindividual patient. It consists of the following parts:

· nInscriptio (sign.) – a seal which establishes nthe identity of the prescriber: office address and phone number.

· nDatum – the date of the prescription (a pharmacist is unlikely to fill a nprescription that is very old).

· nNomen aegroti – patient’s name and age (it is particularly necessary to nindicate the age when a patient is under 14 or over 60).

· nNomen medici – physician’s name 9when a physiciaprescribes medications for himself, instead of writing his name he can put “Pro nauctore” (for the author) or “Pro me” (for me).

· nInvocatio – physician’s order given to a pharmacist expressed by the nword Recipe: (Rp.: is a short form). – Take. It is ntraditional to include the symbol Rx, which is the abbreviation for recipe n(Latin, take thou), when the prescription is written in English.

· nDesignatio materiarum: the list of the ingredients or medications and ntheir amount.

· n

Subscriptio: norders given to a pharmacist which explain how to prepare medications, their nform and dose.

A prescription is called simple, if only none medication is prescribed (formula remediorum simplex). In Subscriptio nof a simple prescription a physician writes: Da. Signa.

A nprescription is called composite if two or more medications are nprescribed (formula remediorum composite). In Subscriptio of a ncomposite prescription a dosage form is indicated. E. g.: Misce, ut fiant nsuppositoria (Mix to form suppositories).

In addition to a dosage form is indicated nin Subscritio. E.g.: Da (Dentur) tales doses nnumero … in tebulettis (Give … such doses in tablets).

· Signatura n– the instructions given to a patient about the dose of a drug (an amount nof medication taken at one time), and on how and when to take medication, and nthe duration of therapy. This information is given in the state language or the nlanguage which a patient can understand.

· nNomen medici et sigillum personale. – a nphysician’s own seal and signature.

Designatio nmateriarum in a composite prescription consists of:

· Basis seu remedium et sigillum personale – medication having the maitherapeutic affect.

· Remedium adjuvans – additional nmedications which intensify or weaken the effect produced by the chief ningredient.

· Remedium constituens – those nsubstances due to which medications obtain their final form (sugar, starch are nused for powders; distilled water, syrups, spirits etc. are used for liquid nforms). You will get additional information about them in the chapter “Dosage nforms of medications”.

5, 6 and 7 parts of prescription are written iLatin. They are called “The Latin part” of prescription.

When filling designatio materiarum you nshould follow some rules:

· The name of each ningredient is written in Genetivus and begins a new line. Each line, nthe names of medicinal substances and chemical elements are written with a ncapital letter. The names of plants (leaves, root, cortex, fruit, seeds etc.) nas well as the names of the anions of salts, oxides, and adjectives are writtewith small letter unless they begin a new line e.g.:

Recipe: nInfusi herbae Adonidis vernalis 6,0:180 nml

Rx: The ninfusion of the pheasants eye 6,0:180 ml

· The amount of an ingredient is indicated on the nright. Solid, dry and semisolid substances are measured in grams (Arabic nnumbers); liquid substances are measured in ml, grams or drops. The number of ndrops is given in Romaumbers and comes after the Latin word gutta (drop) nin Acc., e.g.:

Recipe: Olei nMenthae piperitae guttas III

Rx: 3 drops nof peppermint oil.

nSome substances are measured in biological units of action (the first letters nof the nwords n written in a language other than Latin inon-Latin part of prescription, e.g. English – units), e.g.:

nRecipe: Penicillini 200 000 un.

nRx: Penicillin 200 000 un.

nIf the same amount of some substances is prescribed, it is indicated after the nname of the last substance. The word ana (aa is na short form – as much of each) precedes the figure, e.g.:

nRecipe: Tincturae Valerianae

nTincturae Convallariae ana 10 ml

nMisce. Da. Signa: 20-30 drops 2-3- times a day.

Additional ninformation given in prescriptions

nSome adverbs and word combinations are often used in prescriptions. If it is nnecessary to get medications immediately a physician, medical attendant or nobstetrician writes at the top:

nCito! (Quickly!) Statim! n(Immediately!)

nIf a patient uses the prescription twice, a physiciashould write at the top of a prescription: Recipe bis (Repeat twice!) or nBis repetatur! (Repeat – twice!)

Exercise I

nTranslate into English (orally):

n1. Massa npilularum. 2. Oleum Ricini. 3.In capsulis gelatinosis. 4. Infusum foliorum Cerasi. 5. In tabulettis. 6. In capsulis amylaceis. 7. nExtractum frangulae. 8. Extractum Viburni fluidum. 9. Rp.: Olei Menthae guttas nIII. 10. Acidum hydrochloricum dilutum. 11. Oleum nTerebinthinae rectificatum. 12. Extractum Crataegi fluidum.

Exercise II

Translate the prescriptions ninto English:

Rp.: Chloes medicatae conservatae 250,0

nDa. Signa.

Rp.: nOlei terebinthinae

nOlei Camphorae

nChlorogormii ana 100,0

Misce. nDa. Signa.

Rp.: Extracti Frangulae fluidi 0,15

Extracti Viburni fluidi

Herbae Thymi ana 20 ml

Misce. Da. Signa.

Rp.: Olei Ricini 1,0

Da tales ndoses numero 15 icapsulis gelatinosis.

Signa.

Rp.: Acidi hydrochlorici diluti 5 ml

Pepsini 2 ml

Aquae npurificatae 180 ml

Sirupi Cerasi 200 ml

Misce. Da. Signa.

Rp.: Solutionis Proserini 0,05% 1 ml

nDentur tales doses numero 6 iampullis

nSigna: one ml 1-2 times a day.

Rp.: Extracti Polygoni hydropiperis fluidi

n Extracti Viburni fluidi ana 20 ml

nMisce. Da.

nSigna: 25-30 drops 2 times a day.

Rp.: Infusi florum Arnicae ex 10,0-200 ml

nDa. Signa: one tablespoon 3 times a day.

Rp.: Solutionis Natrii nucleinatis 2%-20ml

n Sterilisetur!

nDetur.

nSignetur: 5 ml intramuscular injections 1-2 times a day

Rp.: Suspensionis Griseofulvini 100,0

nDa.

nSigna: one deserspoon 3 times a day

Rp.: Emulsi olei jecoris Aselli 100 ml

nDa. Signa : one tablespoon 2 times a day.

Rp.: Tincturae Strophanthi 5,0

nTincturae Convallariae

nTincturae Valerianae ana 10,0

nMisceatur.

nDetur.

nSignetur: 20 drops 3 times a day.

Rp.: Sirupi Aloes 30 ml

nDa. Signa: one tablespoon 3 times a day.

Exercise III

Translate the prescriptions into Latin:

Rx: 10 tablets of furacin for external use.

Give. Label: Dissolve 2 tablets ione glass of water. Use do gargle throat.

Rx: Analgin 0,25

Amidopyrine 0,25

Mix, let there be made some powder.

Give 12 such doses.

Label: one powder 3 times a day.

Rx: Reduced iron 1,0

Give 15 such doses in gelatinous ncapsules.

Label: 2 capsules four times a day nafter meals.

Rx: Antiasthmatic species 50,0

Give in a sac.

Label.

Rx: Dragee “Revitum”

Give 100 such doses.

Label: one dragee 3 times a day, n10-15 minutes before meals.

Rx: Leaves of peppermint 40,0

Flowers of matricary 40,0

Flowers of clover 20,0

Milfoil 20,0

Give. Label: boil one tablespoon of nmixture in 0,5 glass of water.

Mix, (tea) let there be made some nspecies.

Take 3 times a day.

Exercise IV

Translate the prescriptions into English:

Rp.: Tabulettas Ephedrini hydrocloridi 0,025 numero 10

Da. Signa: none tablet 2 times a day.

Rp.: Tabulettas Dimecolini 0,025 obductas numero 50

Da. Signa: one tablet 2 ntimes a day.

Rp.: Amidopyrini 0,25

Coffeini-natrii benzonatis n0,1

Da tales doses numero 6 in tabulettis

Signa: one tablet 3 ntimes a day.

Rp.: Ephedrini hydrochloride

Dimedroli ana 0,025

Misce, ut fiat pulvis

Dentur tales doses nnumero 10

Signa: one powder 3 ntimes a day.

Rp.: Pulveris Xeroformii subtilissimi 10,0

Misce. Da. Signa: nAspersion.

Rp.: Ferri reducti 1,0

Da tales doses numero 15 in capsulis gelatinosis

Signa: one capsule 3 ntimes a day after meals.

Rp.: Corticis Frangulae

Foliorum Menthae npiperitae

Rhizomatis cum nradicibus Valerianae ana 15,0

Misce, fiant species.

Detur in sacculo nchartaceo.

nSignetur; boil one tablespoon of the species in a glass of water and leave it nfor 20 minutes, then filter. Take half of a glass 2 times a day.

Rp.: Specierum antiasthmaticarum 100,0

nDa. Signa: smoke as a cigar during the attacks of bronchial asthma.

Rp.: Granulorum Orazi 100,0

nDa. Signa: one teaspoon of granules 3 times a day during meals.

Rp.: Dragee “Hendevitum” numero 50.

nDa. Signa: 2 dragee a day.

Exercise V

Translate into Latin (in a written form):

1. In ngelatinous capsules. 2. Istarchy capsules. 3. The tincture of valerian (lily of the valley). 4. The ninfusion of birch leaves. 5. Take: the tincture of peppermint. 6. Rectified nturpentine. 7. Dry extract of alder bucktorn. 8. Analginum in tablets. 9. nPowder. Triturate. 10. Mass of the pill as much as is required.

Exercise VI

Translate prescriptions into Latin:

Rx: Liquid extract of alder bucktorn 0,15

The infusion of rhubarb leaves

The infusion of birch buds (gemmas) 50 ml

The decoction of elder leaves

Aloe syrup 100 ml

Mix. Give. Label.

Rx: triturated camphor 0,1

Sugar 0,3

Mix to get some powder

Give 10 such doses

Label.

Rp.: Unguenti Tetracyclini ophthalmici 10,0

Da. Signa: neye ointment. Apply to the lower eyelid 3-5 times a day.

Rp.: Acidi salicylici 1,0

Hydrargyri amidochloridi

Bismuthi subnitratis ana 3,0

Vaselini

Lanolini ana n15,0

Misce, fiat unguentum

Da. Signa: nointment to remove freckles.

Rp.: Natrii fluoratis

Bolus nalbae ana 1,0

Glycerini n1,2

nMisce, fiat pasta

nDa. Signa: to embrocate the paste into the sensitive dentine for 2-3 nmonths.

Rp.: Suppositoria “Bethiolum” numero 10

Da. nSigna: for hemorrhoids and anal fissures

Rp.: Extracti Belladonae 0,015

nNovocaini 0,2

nXeroformii 0,1

nIchthyoli 0,2

Olei nCacao quantum satis, ut fiat suppositorium rectale

Da ntales doses numero 20.

nSigna: one suppository 2 times a day.

Rp.: Iodoformii 0,01

Olei Cacao quantum satis

Misce, ut nfiat bacillus longitudine 6 cm nat diametro 3mm

Da ntales doses numero 6

nSigna: insert one suppository 2 times a day.

Rp.: Emplastri Plumbi simplicis 50,0

Da. nSigna: apply to the affected skin region

Rp.: Extracti Bursae pastoris sicci

nExtracti Secalis cornuti ana 3,0

nPulveris radicis Glycyrrhizae quantum satis ut fiant pilulae numero 30.

Da. nSigna: one pill 3 times a day after meals.

Rx: 6 ampules of 2,5% promethazine hydrochloride nsolution. The patient should be given 1 ml intramuscular injections.

Rx: 200 ml nof tincture made from 20grams of watre pepper. The patient should take one ntablespoon 3 times a day.

Rx: 6 ampules of n2,5% Desoxycorticosterone trimethylacetat. The patient should be given 1 ml nintramuscular injections for 2 weeks.

Exercise nVI

Translate into English:

1. Recĭpe: Foliōrum nRubi idaei 20,0

Foliōrum nMalvae

Foliōrum Farfărae aa 25,0

Foliōrum Salviae 30,0

Misce Da.

Signa: Для полоскання.

2. Recĭpe: Herbae Herniariae

Foliōrum Uvae ursi

Foliōrum Salviae aa 10,0

Misce Da.

Signa: 1 ст. ложка суміші на склянку nкип’ятку.

3. Recĭpe: Antidŏti metallōrum 100,0

Da.

Signa: Внутрішнє.

4. Recĭpe: Proserīni 0,01

Sacchări n0,2

Misce, nfiat pulvis

Dentur ntales doses numĕro 20.

Signētur: nПо 1 порошку 3 рази на день.

5. Recĭpe: Antipyrīni 0,3

Pantopōni n0,2

Extracti nBelladonnae 0, 01

Butyri nCacao 1,5

Misce , nfiat suppositorium

Dentur tales ndoses numĕro 6

Signētur: nПо 1 свічці перед сном

Remember the following words

and expressions used iprescriptions:

1. Massa pilularum – nmass of the pills.

2. Oleum nRicini – castor oil.

3. In ncapsulis amylaceis – in starchy capsules.

4. In ncapsulis gelatinosis – in solid gelatinous capsules.

5. In ntabulettis – in tablets.

6. Oleum nMenthae piperitae – peppermint oil.

7. Oleum nTerebenthinae rectificatum –rectified turpentine.

8. Extractum nFrangulae – extract of alder bucktorn.

9. extractum nViburni fluidum – liquid extract of guilder rose.

10. nExtractum Crataegi siccum – dry extract of hawthorn.

11. Acidum nhydrochloricum dilutum – diluted hydrochloric acid.

12. Da ntales doses numero … -Give … such doses.

13. Herba nThymi – mother-of-thyme herb.

14. nChloroformium, i– Chloroform.

15. Sirupus nCerasi – cherry syrup.

16. Infusum nfoliorum Rhei – infusion of the rhubarb leaves.

17. Consperge n– powder.

18. Tere n– triturate.

19. Camphora ntrita –triturated camphor.

20. nSaccharum, i– sugar.

21. Misce, ut nfiat pulvis – mix, let there be made some powder.

22. Tinctura nConvallariae (valerianae) – lily of the valley (valerian) ntincture.

23. Decoctum nfoliorum Sambuci – decoction of the elder leaves.

24. Quantum nsatis – sufficient quantity.

25. nSirupus Aloes – aloe syrup.

26. Oleum nTerebenthinae – turpentine oil.

27. Oleum nCamphorae – camphorated oil, camphor liniment.

28. Frangula, nae f – alder bucktorn, black alder.

29. Crataegus, ni m – Crathaegus, hawtorn.

30. nThymus, i m – thyme.

PRESENT SIMPLE, ACTIVE AND PASSIVE

(PRAESENS INDICATIVI ACTIVI AND PASSIVI)

Lativerbs are divided into four conjugations. The nouns are classed according to nthe ending of the genitive singular; the verbs are classed according to the nending of their Present infinitive. The part of a verb left after removing the nending –re in the infinitives of the first, second, fourth conjugatioverbs, and the ending –ere in the infinitives of the third conjugatioverbs is called the Present stem.

Ia dictionary you’ll find the following forms of Latin verbs:

curo, ncuravi, curatum, curare – to cure;

doceo, ndocui, doctum, docere – to teach;

tego, ntegere, tectum, tegere – to cover;

nutrio, nnutrire, nutritum, nitrire – to feed.

The nform of the first person singular, Present Simple Tense Active always comes nfirst. It is followed by the form of the first person singular, Present Perfect nSimple Tense Active, then by the supine form and the infinitive.

Imedical schools only the Present Tense is taught, that’s why the second form is ndropped. The students should write down only three forms of Latin verbs itheir vocabularies, e.g.:

curo, natum, are; doceo, doctum, ere; tego, tectum, ere; nutrio, itum, ire.

Each nperson of a Latin verb has its own ending. The endings of the Present Simple nActive and Passive are:

nActivum n Passivum

Sing. n1-th person –o nSing. 1-th nperson n-or

n2-nd person -s n2-nd nperson n-ris

n3-rd person -t n3-rd nperson n-tur

Plur. n1-st person –mus n Plur. n1-st nperson n-mur

n 2-nd person -tis n2-nd nperson n-mini

n3-rd person -nt n3-rd person n-ntur

These nendings are added directly to the stem of the first, second and fourth nconjugation verbs. The third conjugation verbs take the letter I betweethe stem and the ending (except the first person singular). In the second persosingular of the Indicative Passive before –r the letter i changes ninto e, and in the third person plural both Active and Passive before –nt nthe letter i changes into –u between the stem and ending.

Ithe first conjugation verbs the final letter of the stem a changes into nthe ending o (Active Voice) and or (Passive Voice)

PRESENT SIMPLE

(praesens indicativi)

curare n–(to ncure) stem cura-

docere n–(to nteach) stem doce-

tegere n–(to cover) stem nteg-

nutrire n–(to nfeed) stem nutri-

The nLatin personal pronouns are represented only by verb inflections. Do not ntranslate the English pronoun into Latin when it is the subject of the verb, because neach person in Latin has its own ending. However, you should indicate the nperson when you translate a Latin sentence into English, e. g.:

habet n– he, she, it has nhabent – they have

Additional Information on Latin Tenses – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2gXOb9Y5Y&list=PL31BB9444AD808715

Exercise nI

Form nthe third person singular and plural of the verbs:

auscultare n– to auscultate

solvere n– to dissolve

audire n– to hear

miscere n– to mix

defendere n– to defend

Exercise nII

Translate ninto English:

1. Misce. Da. Signa.

2. Medicus nauscultat aegroram.

3. Discite nlinguam Latinam.

4. Pharmaceuta npraeparat mixturam.

5. Diaeta aegrotas nsanat.

6. Massa pilularum adhibetur in officina.

7. nChirurgus curat fracturas costarum.

8. nSubstantia ossea in substantiam compactam et substantiam spongiosam dividitur.

Exercise nIII

Translate nthe prescriptions into English:

Rp.: nCamphorae 1,0

nTincturae Valerianae aetereae 10 ml

nMisce. Da. Signa.

Rp.: nTincturae Aloes 30 ml

n Da. Signa.

Exercise nIV

Translate ninto Latin (in a written form):

1. nThe patient takes (sumere – to take) the drops of valerian). 2. Pharmacists ntriturate and dissolve tablets. 3. Ribs are divided into true and false ones. n4. Students study (studere requires Dat. – to study) Latin diligently n(diligenter). 5. Prepare the mass of the pill.

Exercise nV

Translate nthe prescriptions into Latin:

Rx: n200 ml of mint water

nGive. Label.

Rx: nAloe juice 100 ml

nGive. Label.

Latin sayings and aphorisms

1. nAmat victoria curat. – If you want to win you should keep ntrying.

2. Aquila non captat muscas. – Eagles do not ncatch flies.

3. nNon scholae, sed vitae discimus. – We study not for school, but nfor life.

4. nMala herba cito crescit. – Bad herb grows quickly.

5. nVivere est cogitare. – To live means to think.

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE (PRAESENS CONIUCTIVUS)

Conjunctivus nis used in a pharmaceutical literature, nprescriptions and Latin aphorisms to express order (polite form), appeal, wish, ndoubt, etc.

Iprescriptions verbs are usually followed by a clause which is introduced by ut n(it is often dropped) and contains Conjunctivus, e.g.:

Misce, n(ut) fiat pasta. (Mix, let there be made some paste).

Conjunctivus nis used to express:

a) order: Misceatur. Detur. nSignetur. (Let’s have it mixed. You should mix it. Let’s give it. You nshould give it. Let’s label it. You should label it.)

b) wish: Valeas (Be nhealthy!)

c) appeal: Studeamus nlinguae Latinae bene! (Let’s study the Latin language well!).

Conjunctivus npraesentis of the first coniugation verbs is formed by changing the final nvowel of the stem –a into –e, and then adding the ending of a ncorresponding person, e.g.:

curat n– he, she treats, ncures ncuret – he, she should treat, cure.

To nform conjunctivus of the second, third and fourth coniugation verbs you should nput the letter –a between the stem and ending, e.g.:

docet n– he, she teaches; doce-a-t – he, she should teach, nlet him/her teach

solvit n– he, she dissolves; solvwi-a-t n–he, she, should dissolve, let him/her dissolve.

The nendings of the praesens coniunctivi and praesens indicative are nthe same. The exceptions are the first person singular of the Active Voice n(instead of –o we have –m in coniunctivus) and the first nperson singular of the Passive Voice (instead of –or we have –r iconiunctivus.

Coniunctivus in prescriptions

1. nMisceatur. (Let it be mixed. Mix.)

2. Detur. n(Let it be given. Give.)

3. nSignetur. (Let it be sign. Sign.)

4. nSolvatur. (Let it be dissolved. Dissolve.)

5. nSterilisetur. (Let it be sterilized. Sterilize.)

6. nRepetatur. (Let it be repeated. Repeat.)

7. nDentur tales doses numero … (Let … such doses be given. Give … nsuch doses).

8. nFiat lege artis. (It should be done according to the nrule).

9. Misce, ut nfiat emplastrum (emulsum, linimentum, pulvis, unguentum). (Mix, nlet there be made a plaster (emulsion, liniment, powder, ointment).

10. Misce, ut nfiant pilulae (suppositoria rectalia, globuli vaginales). (Mix, nlet there be made pills (rectal suppositories, vaginal globules).

Exercise I

Form nthe third person singular and plural conjunctivus praesentis activi and passive nof the following verbs:

auscultare, ndefendere, miscere, audire.

Exercise nII

Translate ninto English:

1. nStudeamus linguae Latinae et disciplinis medicis.

2. nPraeparetur mixture statim.

3. nNon vivimus, ut edamus, sed edimus, ut vivamus.

4. nSint studiosae attentae.

5. nSterilisetur extractum.

6. nDividatur massa npilularum.

Exercise nIII

Translate nthe prescription into English:

Rp.: nCamphorae tritae 0,1

nSacchari 0,3

nMisce, ut fiat pulvis

nDentur tales doses numero 10

nSignetur.

Exercise nIV

Translate ninto Latin (in a written form):

1. nThe patient should take tablets.

2. nSome tablets and mixture should be given.

3. A pharmacist nshould mix tinctures.

4. nIt should be given in gelatinous capsules.

5. nIt should be sterilized according to the rule.

Exercise nV

Translate nthe prescription into Latin (in a written form):

Rx: nCastor oil 1,0

n15 such doses should be given in gelatinous capsules.

nIt should be labeled.

Latin sayings and aphorisms

1. nAudiatur et altera part. – You should listen to both sides.

2. Edimus, nut vivamus, non vivimus, ut edamus. – We should eat to live, but not live nto eat.

3. nNe noceas, si juvare non potes. – If you cannot help, at least nyou should not do any harm.

4. nPereat mundus, fiat justitia. – Justice should win even if nthe word dies.

MORE ABBREVIATIONS USED IN LATIN

The Use of Prescription Abbreviations: A Brief History

Lati once served a greater role on prescriptions when they were first written i the 1400s. Spread widely by Roman soldiers and traders, Latin was the mai language of western Europe for hundreds of years. It was unlikely to change, because it was a “dead” language, and it was unlikely to be misinterpreted, because it was exact in its meaning. Patients who didn’t know Latin probably didn’t have the slightest idea what they were taking.

Today, the only part of a prescription where Latin still appears is in the directions for taking the drug. This use has become a kind of medical shorthand between doctors and pharmacists. Some of these abbreviated terms have the potential to cause medication errors because they look so similar i handwriting, so their use is slowly on the decline.

The Origins of Using “Rx” for “Prescription”

Where does the “Rx” for “prescription” come from? Its origins are given variously as an abbreviation of the Latin word “recipe,” meaning “take,” or as a representation of the astrological sign of Jupiter. This sign was placed on ancient prescriptions to invoke that deity’s blessing on the medicine to help the person get well. More recently, the cross that sometimes appears at the end of the “R” has bee explained as a substitute period.

The Use of Prescription Abbreviations: An Example

A example of what your doctor may write:
Sig: I tab po qid pc & hs

Unless you have a medical background, that bunch of letters is probably unintelligible. In this example, the prescription abbreviations instruct the pharmacist to, “Label the container for this patient’s medication with the following instructions: Take one tablet by mouth 4 times a day, after meals and at bedtime.”

Prescriptio Abbreviations: Common Latin Rx Terms

Some of the common latin prescription abbreviations include:

ac (ante cibum) means “before meals”

bid (bis in die) means “twice a day”

gt (gutta) means “drop”

hs (hora somni) means “at bedtime”

od (oculus dexter) means “right eye”

os (oculus sinister) means “left eye”

po (per os) means “by mouth”

pc (post cibum) means “after meals”

prn (pro re nata) means “as needed”

q 3 h (quaque 3 hora) means “every 3 hours”

qd (quaque die) means “every day”

qid (quater in die) means “4 times a day”

Sig (signa) means “write”

tid (ter in die) means “3 times a day”

For an In-Depth Listing of Prescription Abbreviations:

Prescription And Other Medical Abbreviations
A comprehensive listing and explanation of commonly used prescriptio and other medical abbreviations, from The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Prescriptio Abbreviations: Use Slowly in Decline

While Latin terms are still commonly seen on prescriptions, some doctors are gradually retiring use of these old terms and better clarifying their drug orders i plain language.

Since improved readability helps prevent medication mix-ups, it has bee recommended that prescribers write out instructions rather than use more ambiguous abbreviations. (For example, write “daily” rather tha “qd,” the abbreviated Latin term for “every day,” which could be misinterpreted as “qid,” meaning “4 times a day,” or “od,” meaning “right eye.”)

Prescriptio Abbreviations: The Bottom Line

If the directions written on a prescription are unclear or confusing, please ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain. Do not take your medication without fully understanding the prescribing instructions.

MORE ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PRESCRIPTION

Abbreviation

Latin

Meaning

Possible confusion

ana

of each

up to

a.c.

ante cibum

before meals

a.d.

auris dextra

right ear

“a” can be mistaken as an “o” which could read “o.d.”, meaning right eye

ad lib.

ad libitum

use as much as one desires; freely

admov.

admove

apply

agit

agita

stir/shake

alt. h.

alternis horis

every other hour

a.m.m.

ad manu medicae

at doctors hand

a.m.

ante meridiem

morning, before noon

amp

ampule

amt

amount

aqua

water

a.l., a.s.

auris laeva, auris sinistra

left ear

“a” can be mistaken as an “o” which could read “o.s.” or “o.l”, meaning left eye

A.T.C.

around the clock

a.u.

auris utraque

both ears

“a” can be mistaken as an “o” which could read “o.u.”, meaning both eyes

bis

twice

b.d./b.i.d.

bis in die

twice daily

B.M.

bowel movement

BNF

British National Formulary

bol.

bolus

as a large single dose (usually intravenously)

B.S.

blood sugar

B.S.A

body surface areas

b.t.

bedtime

mistaken for “b.i.d”, meaning twice daily

BUCC

bucca

inside cheek

cap., caps.

capsula

capsule

c, c.

cum

with (usually written with a bar on top of the “c”)

cib.

cibus

food

cum cibo

with food, (but also cubic centimetre)

mistaken for “U”, meaning units; also has a ambiguous meaning; use “mL” or “milliliters”

with food

comp.

compound

cr., crm

cream

CST

Continue same treatment

D5W

dextrose 5% solution (sometimes written as D₅W)

D5NS

dextrose 5% iormal saline (0.9%)

D.A.W.

dispense as written (i.e., no generic substitution)

dc, D/C, disc

discontinue or discharge

ambiguous meaning

dieb. alt.

diebus alternis

every other day

dil.

dilute

disp.

dispersible or dispense

div.

divide

d.t.d.

dentur tales doses

give of such doses

DTO

deodorized tincture of opium

can easily be confused with “diluted tincture of opium,” which is 1/25th the strength of deodorized tincture of opium; deaths have resulted due to massive morphine overdose

D.W.

distilled water

elix.

elixir

e.m.p.

ex modo prescripto

as directed

emuls.

emulsum

emulsion

and

eod

every other day

ex aq

ex aqua

in water

fl., fld.

fluid

ft.

fiat

make; let it be made

gram

grain

gtt(s)

gutta(e)

drop(s)

hypodermic

h, hr

hora

hour

h.s.

hora somni

at bedtime

h.s

hour sleep or half-strength

ambiguous meaning

intradermal

IJ, inj

injectio

injection

mistaken for “IV”, meaning intravenously

intramuscular (with respect to injections)

intranasal

mistaken for “IM”, meaning intramuscular, or “IV”, meaning intravenously

intraperitoneal

international unit

mistaken for “IV” or “10”, spell out “international unit”

intravenous

IVP

intravenous push

IVPB

intravenous piggyback

L.A.S.

label as such

LCD

coal tar solution

lin

linimentum

liniment

liq

liquor

solution

lot.

lotion

mane

in the morning

misce

mix

m, min

minimum

a minimum

mcg

microgram

may be confused with “mg”

m.d.u.

more dicto utendus

to be used as directed

mEq

milliequivalent

milligram

MgSO4

magnesium sulfate

may be confused with “MSO4”, spell out “magnesium sulfate”

mist.

mistura

mix

mitte

send

millilitre

morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate

can mean either morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate, spell out either

MSO4

morphine sulfate

may be confused with “MgSO4”, spell out “morphine sulfate”

nebul

nebula

a spray

N.M.T.

not more than

noct.

nocte

at night

non rep.

non repetatur

no repeats

normal saline (0.9%)

1/2NS

half normal saline (0.45%)

N.T.E.

not to exceed

o_2

both eyes, sometimes written as o₂

omne in die

every day/once daily (preferred to qd in the UK^[4])

oculus dexter

right eye

“o” can be mistaken as an “a” which could read “a.d.”, meaning right ear, confusion with omne in die

omne mane

every morning

omne nocte

every night

o.p.d.

once per day

o.s.

oculus sinister

left eye

“o” can be mistaken as an “a” which could read “a.s.”, meaning left ear

o.u.

oculus uterque

both eyes

“o” can be mistaken as an “a” which could read “a.u.”, meaning both ears

ounce

per

by or through

p.c.

post cibum

after meals

pig./pigm.

pigmentum

paint

p.m.

post meridiem

evening or afternoon

p.o.

per os

by mouth or orally

p.r.

per rectum

by rectum

PRN, prn

pro re nata

as needed

pulv.

pulvis

powder

per vaginam

via the vagina

quaque

every

q.a.d.

quaque alternis die

every other day

q.a.m.

quaque die ante meridiem

every day before noon

q.d.s.

quater die sumendus

four times a day

can be mistaken for “qd” (every day)

q.p.m.

quaque die post meridiem

every day after noon

q.h.

quaque hora

every hour

q.h.s.

quaque hora somni

every night at bedtime

q.1 h, q.1°

quaque 1 hora

every 1 hour; (can replace “1” with other numbers)

q.d., q1d

quaque die

every day

mistaken for “QOD” or “qds”, spell out “every day” or “daily”

q.i.d.

quater in die

four times a day

q4PM

at 4pm

mistaken to mean every four hours

q.o.d.

every other day

mistaken for “QD”, spell out “every other day”

qqh

quater quaque hora

every four hours

q.s.

quantum sufficiat

a sufficient quantity

QWK

every week

rectal

rep., rept.

repetatur

repeats

RL, R/L

Ringer’s lactate

sine

without (usually written with a bar on top of the “s”)

s.a.

secundum artum

use your judgement

SC, subc, subcut, subq, SQ

subcutaneous

“SC” can be mistaken for “SL”, meaning sublingual; “SQ” can be mistaken for “5Q” meaning five every dose

sig

write on label

sublingually, under the tongue

sol

solutio

solution

s.o.s., si op. sit

si opus sit

if there is a need

semis

one half or sliding scale

s.i.d/SID

semel in die

once a day

SSI, SSRI

sliding scale insulin or sliding scale regular insulin

mistaken to mean “strong solution of iodine” or “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor“

SSRI (antidepressant)

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

(a specific class of antidepressant)

stat

statim

immediately

supp

suppositorium

suppository

susp

suspension

syr

syrupus

syrup

tab

tabella

tablet

tal., t

talus

such

tbsp

tablespoon

troche

trochiscus

lozenge

t.d.s.

ter die sumendum

three times a day

t.i.d.

ter in die

three times a day

t.i.w.

three times a week

mistaken for twice a week

top.

topical

T.P.N.

total parenteral nutrition

tr, tinc., tinct.

tincture

tsp

teaspoon

unit

mistaken for a “4”, “0” or “cc”, spell out “unit”

μg

microgram

mistaken for “mg”, meaning milligram

u.d., ut. dict.

ut dictum

as directed

ung.

unguentum

ointment

U.S.P.

United States Pharmacopoeia

vag

vaginally

with

w/a

while awake

with food (with meals)

w/o

without

times

Y.O.

years old

List of symbols used in prescriptions

Symbols

Latin

Meaning

Possible confusion

mistaken for “2”; spell out “at”

greater than

mistaken for a “7”

less than

mistaken for an “L”

℞

take, take this, or take thus

prescription drug

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRESCRIPTION

Prescriptio – importance, parts, prescription types, and prescription forms

Prescription importance – medical, pharmaceutical, financial, and legal.

Prescription Parts: Inscriptio, Praepositio, Praescriptio, Subscriptio, Signatura, Nomen medici, Nomen aegroti. Magistral and official prescriptions

Types of prescription forms: usually white forms with 6-month validity; forms of the National Health Insurance Fund for drugs prescribed for 1 month with 15-day validity; forms of the National Health Insurance Fund for drugs prescribed for 3 months with A, B, and C stubs valid for 15, 45, and 75 days respectively; green and yellow forms with 7-day validity; white forms with 1 blue strip of the Ministry of Health.

Prescription – abbreviations and units

Prescription abbreviations:

Rp/, āā, q. s., tab., tabul., tabl. (from tablet), amp., fl., flac., caps., supp., sc., scat., pulv., ung., D. S., M. f., D. t. d., Inf., Dec., Fol., Hb., Sol., T–ra, M–ra, etc.

Meaning of the designations:

Ad, Ad usum proprium, Pro uso suo, Cito, Citissime, Statim, Verte.

Pharmacopeia

The Pharmacopeia offers a collectio of articles (specifications and standards) on drugs listed in alphabetical order. Each article contains the name of the drug in Latin or English, the empirical and structural formulae, data about the physicochemical properties, methods for quantitave and/or qualitative identification, storage conditions, maximum single dose, maximum daily dose, and the pharmacotherapeutic group. In addition, the pharmacopeia describes the methods for biological standartization of cardiac glycosides, insulin, and other preparations. In this country the European Pharmacopeia (VI and VII editions) is in effect.

A practitioner¢s decision to treat a patient assumes that the patient has been evaluated and diagnosed. The practitioner can then select from a variety of therapeutic approaches. Drug therapy is most commonly chosen. In most cases, this requires the writing of a prescription. The prescription order is the most important therapeutic transaction between a physician and a patient.

A medical prescription is a writte order from a doctor to a chemist that includes instruction for preparing and dispensing medicines to a certain patient.

The prescription represents a mechanism through which a treatment modality is provided to the patient. A prescription order may be written and issued by a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or other properly licensed medical practitioner. The prescription for each patient is a unique entity, designating a specific medication or medications for a specific patient at a specific time.

While the prescription can be written on any piece of paper, it usually takes a specific printed form. That form possesses blank spaces for the necessary information. Such blanks are often supplied to the physician in the form of a pad containing approximately 100 blank forms. This is a typical printed form for outpatients. In a hospital setting, drugs are prescribed on a particular page in the patient¢s hospital chart. A prescription order follows a definite pattern that facilitates its interpretation. Table 1 shows the manifest functions of the prescription.

Table 1. Manifest functions of the prescription

LEGAL DOCUMENTATION

RECORD SOURCE

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

THERAPY MODALITY

MEANS OF MEDICAL CONTROL OF THERAPY

MEANS OF CLINICAL TRIAL

All prescription orders should be correct, unambiguous, without cross-outs and signed clearly for optimal communication between prescriber, pharmacist, and nurse.

It is required that a medical prescription in Bulgaria be written in Latin.

COMPONENT PARTS OF THE PRESCRIPTION

The prescriptio consists of seven parts. Their Latiames are:

1. INSCRIPTIO

Here written are: the name and the surname of the doctor, the hospital, clinic or polyclinic medical center, their address, and the date. The date is important from the standpoint of ascertaining for determining the life of the prescription.

The prescription of narcotics and controlled substances are governed by special laws and regulations – it cannot be filled after more than 10 days from the date of issuance; but an order for children – 7 days after the date on which such prescription was issued.

2. PRAEPOSITIO (SUPERSCRIPTION)

consists of the message to the chemist. It includes only the expression Rp./ – an abbreviation for Recipe, the Latin for Get! (Take)

3. PRESCRIPTIO

is the main part of the medical prescription, because this is the doctor’s order. Here are the names of medicinal substances, the medicinal forms, and the dosages.

a) brand name (proprietary name) or generic name (INN – international nonproprietary name) may be used. The medicinal substances are required to begin with a capital letter and to be in the Genitive case.

The names of all preparations and elements end in -um, Gen sg. –i. The salts end in Gen. sg. –atis (sulfate); – itis (nitrate); – idi (chloride)

b) the medicinal form can be placed in the beginning of the prescriptio or after the drug’s name.

c) the dose is noted after the substance or medicinal form. The strength of the medication should be written in metric units.

Example: Rp./ Tab. Paracetamoli 0,5 (or 500 mg)

Rp./ Vitamini B₁₂ in ampullis 0,500 mg

4. SUBSCRIPTIO (SUBSCRIPTION)

In this part are written, if necessary, instructions to the chemist o how to make the preparation and the number of doses, or medicinal forms to be supplied to the patient.

Exampe: Rp./ Tab. Paracetamoli 0,5

Da scatulam № 2 ( D. scat. №2 ) = Give 2 blisters

Rp./ Vitamini B₁₂ 0,5 mg

Da tales doses № 10 in ampullis (D. t. d. № 10) = Dispense such doses 20

iumber

5. SIGNATURA (MARK, LABEL)

Notes are written in Bulgarian. The signature is the message intended for the patient. It provides instructions as to how the medicine should be taken by the patient. This information must be sufficient to allow the patient to understand fully the amount of the drug product to be taken and the frequency and manner of administration: if the drug has to be used externally only, or to be shaken well before use, or whether it is a poison, and other such facts are included.

Example: Signa or Scribe (S.) one tablet three times a day (Ter-in-die, resp.

t.i.d. – three times daily)

Signa or Scribe (S.) One tablet wheecessary (Pro re nata – p.r.n.)

6. NOMEN MEDICI

The signature of the doctor may be placed on the designated area, or after the last drug, and this is for identification data.

7. NOMEN AEGROTI

Name, address and age of the patient. This part serves to identify for whom the prescription is intended. The full name and the address are required by law on all prescriptions for controlled substances. The age of the patient is a good additional piece of information, especially with pediatric pаtients where dosage calculations have to be double-checked for safety. This part may be located on the designated area, or after the last drug on the back of the form.

PRESCRIPTION TYPES

Prescriptions can be classified as compounded and noncompounded.

Compounded prescription, also called formula magistralis (from Latin word magister – teacher) or extemporaneous prescription is an order that requires mixing of one or more ingredients (active medicaments) with one or more pharmaceutical necessities (vehicle, suspending agent). The physician selects the drugs, doses, and pharmaceutical form that he/she desires and the pharmacist prepares the medication accordingly. The name of each drug is placed on a separate line right under the preceding one. The order of ingredients is as follows:

Remedium cardinale (basis). The basis is the principal drug and gives the prescription its chief action.

Remedium adjuvans (adjuvant). As the name suggests, the adjuvant is a drug that aids or increases the action of the principal ingredient.

Remedium corrigens (corrective). The corrective modifies or corrects undesirable effects of the basic or adjuvant.

Remedium constituens (vehicle). The vehicle is the agent used as a solvent in the solution, to increase the size and volume, or to dilute the mixture. The most potent or principal drug is written first, the other ingredient second, and the vehicle last, as show in the example.

Examples: Rp./ Natrii bromati (bromatis) 6,0 Rem. basis

Phenobarbitali 0,6 Rem. adjuvans

Sirupi Menthae 60,0 Rem. corrigens

Aquae destillatae ad 300,0 Rem. constituens

Misce fiat mixture (Mix to obtain mixture).

Da.Signa. Take 1 tablespoon3 times daily after eating

Rp./ Potassium bromate 6,0

Luminal-Sodium 0,6

Syrup of peppermint 60,0

Distilled water up to 300,0

M. D. S. ……

Rp./ Anaesthesini (Benzocaini)

Bismuthi subnitrici aa 3.0

Magnesiae ustae 40.0

Misce fiat pulvis (M. f. p.)

D. S. 1/2 teatable during meals.

Noncompounded prescription or fomula officinalis (officina is the Latin word for workshop) does not require mixing of two or more ingredients to obtain a finished product. A precompounded order consists of a drug or a mixture of drugs supplied by a pharmaceutical company by its official or proprietary name and, if it contains more than one substance, the specific ingredients do not have to be listed.

SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PRESCRIPTION

aa is the abbreviation of ana partes aequales (in equal quantities), expressing “the substances are in equal quantities”.

Ad is used to express “add to get the whole weight of the preparation” or “up to”, when the drugs are solved in a neutral substance.

q.s. – quantum satis means “as much as is it necessary”.

D. t. d. № – “Da tales doses” means “dispense such doses … iumber”.

D. scat. № – Da scatulam – “Give … blisters”.

M.D.S. – “Mix, give and note”.

M. f. + the medicinal form iominative – “Mix to obtain”.

Verte! – when you need to continue writing on the back of the form. This should be writteear the bottom of the prescription form, at the right angle.

Some abbreviations of medical forms are: pulv. (pulvis) – powder; ung. (ungventum) – ointment, unguent; sol. (solutio) – solution; supp. (suppositorium) – suppository; tab. (tabletta) – tablet.

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT USED IN THE PRESCRIPTION

The strength of the drugs should be written in metric units.

Quantities of drugs are measured in grams, milligrams, and micrograms.

The gram (g) is the basic unit of weight in the metric system.

One one-thousandth of a gram is 1 milligram (mg). One one-thousandth of a milligram is 1 microgram (μg) or 1 mcg. One thousand grams is one kilogram (table 2).

The liter is the basic unit of volume in the metric system. We commonly use the milliliter (ml), which is one one-thousandth of a liter. The unit cubic centimeter, or cc, is used as an equal to ml. The strength of a solution is usually expressed as the quantity of a solute in a sufficient solvent to make 100 ml; for instance, 20% potassium chloride solution is 20 grams of KCl per 100 ml (g/100 ml).

The gram is equal to the weight of 1 ml of distilled water at 4^oC (Celsius) in vacuum. The weight and measures of the metric system are give in Table 2.

Table 2. Weights and measures

METRIC SYSTEM

MASS

1000 grams (SI: 1000 g)

1 kilogram (kg)

1.0 gram (SI: 1 g)

(g)

0.001 gram (SI: 1 mg)

milligram (mg)

10^-6 gram (SI: 1 microgram!)

microgram (μg or mcg)

10^-9 gram (SI: 1 ng)

nanogram (ng)

CAPACITY

1000 milliliters (SI: 1000 ml)

liter (l)

100 milliliters (SI: 100 ml)

deciliter (dl)

10 milliliters (SI: 10 ml)

centiliter (cl)

1.0 cubic centimeter (SI: 1 ml)

milliliter (ml, cc)

microliter (μl or mcl)

0.001 milliliter

ícubic millimeter (cmm)

PHARMACOPEIAS AND FORMULARIES

The book of standards for drugs and devices, known as pharmacopeia and formularies, are collectively referred to as drug compendia.

A pharmacopeia or a formulary is a book containing a list of medicinal substances (drugs) and articles (devices) with description, tests, and formulas for their preparation, selected by a recognized authority. The recognized authority which issues these standards in most countries is govermental.

Official drug compendia have been recognized as standards of purity, quality, and strength by a governmental agency of the country.

USEFUL MEDICAL SAYINGS AND APHORISMS

Abscessus

Abscess.

Absente febre (Abs. feb.)

Fever being absent.

Accessio

Seizure.

Accurate

Accurately.

Acerbus

Sharp, harsh (to the taste).

Ad conciliandum gustum

To suit the taste.

Ad duas vices

At twice taking.

Ad partes dolentes (Ad. Part. Dolent.)

To the painful (aching) parts.

Ad saturandum (Ad sat.)

To saturation.

Ad secundum vicem

For the second time.

Ad tertiam vicem

For the third time.

Adde, Addantur

Add, Let them be added.

Adhibendus (Adhib.)

To be administered.

Adstante febri (Ads. feb.)

While fever is present.

Adversum (Adv.)

Against.

Aeger

The sick one, the patient.

Aggrediente febre (Aggr. feb.)

While the fever is coming on.

Agita

Shake, stir.

Agita ante sumendum

Shake before taking.

Agitato vase

The vile being shaken.

Agitetur

Let it be shake or stirred.

Alternis horis

Every other hour.

Alvus

The belly, the bowels.

Ante cibum (AC)

Before meals.

Ante prandium (AP)

Before a meal.

Apoplexia

Apoplexy, Stroke.

Appone, Applica

Apply, Lay or put on.

Aqua pura (Aq. pur.)

Pure water. (filtered, not distilled)

Baccalaureus Medicinae (BM)

Bachelor of Medicine.

Balneum maris (BM)

Salt

water bath.

Balneum tepidum (BT)

A tepid bath.

Bis in die (bid.)

Twice a day.

Bolus

A large pill.

Brachium

Arm.

Bulliat, Bulliant

Let it (or them) boil.

Butyrum

Butter.

Calor

Heat, warmth.

Capiatur (Capr.)

Let it be taken.

Capillus

A hair.

Caput

The head.

Caute

Cautiously.

Cena

Supper.

Cibus

Food, victuals.

Cito

Quickly.

Clarus

Bright, clear.

Cochleare, Cochleatim

A spoonful. By spoonfuls.

Coctio

Boiling.

Colaturas

About to strain. (Sufficient to strain)

Colatus

Strained.

Colentur

Let them be strained.

Colica

Colic.

Collum

The neck.

Collutorium (Collut.)

A mouth

wash.

Collyrium (Collyr.)

An eye

lotion.

Commisce

Mix together.

Constipatio

Constipation.

Contere

Rub together.

Contusus

Buised.

Convulsio

Convulsions.

Coque secundum artem (Coq. SA)

Boil according to art.

Cor

The heart.

Coup

Stroke.

Coxa

The hip.

Cras mane (CM)

Tomorrow morning.

Cras mane sumendus (CMS)

To be take tomorrow morning.

Cras nocte (CN)

Tomorrow night.

Crastinus (Crast.)

For tomorrow.

Cruor

Blood, gore.

Cum

With.

Cura te ipsum

Physician, heal thyself!

Cursu hodie

During the day.

Cyathus aquae (C. aq.)

A glass of water.

Da, signa (DS)

Give and sign.

Deaurentur pilulae (Deaur. pil.)

Let the pills be gilt.

Debilitas

Debility, Illness, Weakness.

Debita spissitudine (D, spiss.)

With a proper consistence.

Decanta

Pour off.

Decessus

Died, Death.

Decoctum

A decoction.

Decubitus

Lying down.

Decubitus (Decub.)

Lying down.

Deglutiatur (Deglut.)

Let it be swallowed.

Dejectiones alvi

Stools.

Delirium tremens

Alcoholic distress; delusions and trembling.

Dementia a potu

Insanity from drinking.

Dentes

The teeth.

Dentur ad scatulam (Dent. ad scat.)

Let them be put i a box.

Dentur tales doses (DTD)

Let such doses be given.

Detur (Det.)

Let it be given.

Detur in duplo (D. in dup.)

Let twice as much be given.

Detur, signetur

Let it be give and signed.

Dextro lateri (Dext. lat.)

To the right side.

Dicbus alternis (Dicb, altern.)

Every other day.

Die sequente (D. seq.)

On the following day.

Digere, Digeretur

Digest, Let it be digested.

Diluculo (Diluc.)

At break of day.

Dilue, Dilutus

Dilute (thou), Diluted.

Dimidius

One half.

Directione propria (DP)

With a proper direction.

Divide in partes aequales (D. in px)

Divide into equal parts.

Dolor

Pain.

Donec

Until.

Dosi pedetentim crescente (DPC)

The dose gradually increasing.

Dosis

Dose.

Dysenteria

Dysentery.

E gelatina vituli (E gel vit.)

In calf’s foot jelly.

E paulo aquae (E paul. aq.)

In a little water.

E quolibet vehiculo idoneo (E quol. vehic, idon.)

In any suitable vehicle.

Eadem (Ead.)

The same.

Ecclampsia

Convulsions.

Ejusdem (Ejusd.)

Of the same.

Electuarium (Elect.)

An electuary.

Emesis

Vomiting.

Emeticum (Emet.)

An emetic.

Empicus

Lung disease.

Emplastrum (Emp.)

A plaster.

Emplastrum lyttx (Emp. lytt.)

A blister.

Epilepsia

Epilepsy.

And.

Etiam

Also, besides.

Evacuatio (Evac.)

A motion.

Evanuerit

Shall have disappeared.

Ex aqua (Ex aq.)

In water.

Ex parte

Partly.

Exhaustio

Exhaustion.

Exhibeatur (Exhib.)

Let it be exhibited.

Extemplo (Estempl.)

To at once, immediately.

Extende super alutam mollem (Ext. sup. alut. moll.)

Spread it on soft leather.

Extende, Extendatur

Spread, Let it be spread.

Extractum (Ext.)

An extract.

Fac

Make (thou).

Fascia lintea

A linen bandage.

Feber (Febris)

Fever.

Febri durante (Feb. dur.)

During the fever.

Febris Adenomeningea

Adenomeningeal Fever.

Febris Africana

African Fever.

Febris Angina

Angina.

Febris Castrensis

Camp Fever.

Febris Enterica

Enteric Fever.

Febris Flava

Yellow Fever.

Febris Intermittens

Intermittent Fever.

Febris Militarius

War Fever.

Febris Nervosa

Nervous Fever.

Febris Petechialis

Spotted Fever.

Febris Puerperalis

Puerperal Fever.

Febris Remittens

Remittent Fever.

Febris Rubra

Scarlet Fever.

Febris Scorbutica

Scorbutic Fever.

Febris Verminosa

Verminous Fever.

Femoribus internis (Fem. intern.)

To the inner part of the thighs.

Fiant pilulae (Ft. pil.)

Let the pills, be made.

Fiat

Let it be made.

Fiat haustus (Ft. haust.)

Let a draught be made.

Fiat lege artis (FLA)

Let it be made according to rule.

Fiat mistura (FM., ft. mist.)

Let a mixture be made.

Fiat pilula (Ft. pil.)

Let a pill be made.

Fiat secundum artem (FSA)

Let it be made according to art.

Filtrum (Filtr.)

A filter.

Flavus

Yellow.

Flores

Flowers.

Folia

Leaves.

Frigor

Cold.

Frustillatim

In small pieces.

Frustillatim (Frust.)

Little by little.

Frustum (Frust.)

A little bit.

Fuerit

Shall have been.

Fuscus

Brown, dark.

Gargarisma

A gargle.

Gelatina quavis (Gel. quav.)

In any kind of jelly.

Gradatim

By degrees, gradually.

Gratus

Peasant.

Gutta, Guttae

A drop, Drops.

Guttatim

By drops.

Gutturi applicandus (Guttur. appl.)

To be applied to the throat.

Harum pilulae tres sumantur (Har. pil. iij. s.)

Let three of these pills be taken

Haustus ter de die sumendus (Ht. TDDS)

The draught to be taken three times a day.

Hebdomada (Hebdom.)

For a week.

Hirudo

A leech.

Hora

An hour.

Hora somni (HS)

At bedtime. (At the hour of sleep)

Horae unius spatio (Hor. un. spat.)

At the expiratio of one hour.

Horis intermediis (Hor, interm.)

In the intermediate hours.

Hujus formae (HF)

Of this shape. (emplast)

Idem

The same.

Identidem

Repeatedly, Often.

Idoneus

Sitable, proper, convenient.

Illico

Then, immediately.

Immitatur

Let it be placed in.

Impetu effervescentiae (Impet. efferv.)

During effervescence.

Imprimis

First, chiefly.

In decocto hordei (In decoct. hord.)

In barley water.

In dies (In d.)

From day to day.

In folio argenti volvendas (In fol. arg. vol.)

Rolled in silver leaf.

In fusum (Inf.)

An infusion.

In loco frigido

In a cold place.

In partes aequales (In p. aeq.)

Into equal parts.

In pulmento (In pulm.)

In gruel.

Incide, Incisus

Cut (thou), Being cut.

Inde

Therefrom.

Infectio

Infection.

Inflammatio

Inflammation.

Infricandus

To be rubbed in.

Infricetur (Infric.)

Let it be rubbed in.

Infunde (Infund.)

Pour in.

Ingere, Ingerendus

Put in, Putting into.

Injectio (Inj.)

An injection.

Injectio hypodermica (Inj. hyp.)

An hypodermic injection.

Injiciatur enema (Inj. enem.)

Let an enema be administered.

Inspissare (Insp.)

To thicken.

Instar

As big as, the size of.

Inter

Between.

Intus

Inwardly.

Ita

In such manner.

Jentaculum

Breakfast.

Jusculum

Soup.

Lana

Flannel, wool.

Languor

Waintness.

Latere admoveatur

Let it be applied to the side.

Lateri dolenti (Lat. dol.)

To the affected side.

Latus

The side.

Lectus

A bed.

Leniter

Easily, gently.

Linimentum parti affectre infricandum (Lin. p. a. infr.)

The liniment to be rubbed on the affected part.

Luce prima (Luc. p.)

Early in the morning, dawn

Luteus

Yellow.

Mane et vespere (M. et. v.)

Morning and evening.

Mane primo (MP)

Early in the morning.

Manipulus

A handful.

Marasmus

Weakness.

Massa pilularum (MP)

A pill mass.

Medicinae Doctor (MD)

Doctor of Medicine.

Mica panis (Mic. pan.)

A crumb of bread.

Misce, fiat mistura (M. ft. mist.)

Mix, and let a mixture be made.

Mittantur in phialam (Mittr. in phial.)

Let them be put into a phial.

Mittatur, mittantur (Mittr.)

Let it (let them) be sent.

Mitte quantitatem duplicem (M. q. dx.)

Send double quantity.

Modo dictu

As directed.

Modo praescripto

In the manner prescribed.

Mollis, molle

Soft.

Mora

Delay.

Morbus

Disease.

Morbus Hungaricus

Epidemic Typhus.

More dicto utendus (MDU)

To be used as directed.

More dictor (M. Dict.)

As directed.

More solito

In the usual manner.

More solito (MS)

In the usual manner.

Mors

Death.

Musculus latissimus dorsi

The widest muscle of the back.

Natus Mortuus

Stillborn.

Necnon

Not yet.

Nihil per os (NPO)

Nothing by mouth.

Nocte maneque

At night and i the morning.

Noctis

Of the night.

Non repetat

Let it not be repeated.

Noxa

An injury.

Nucha

The nape of the neck.

Nunc

Now.

Obitus

Death, Died.

Omni biduo (Omn. bid.)

Every two days.

Omni bihorio

Every two hours.

Omni hora

Every hour.

Omni mane

Every morning.

Omni nocte

Every night.

Ope penicilli

With a Camel

hair pencil.

Optimus

Best.

Opus

Need, occasion.

The mouth.

Pabulum

Food.

Partes aequales (P. AE.)

Equal parts.

Parti affectae (Part. affect.)

To the affected part.

Parti affectae applicandus (PAA)

To be applied to the affected part.

Partitis vicibus (Part. vic.)

In divided doses.

Paucus

Little, few.

Pectus

The breast.

Pediluvium

A foot

bath.

Per deliquium (PD)

By deliquescence.

Per os (PO)

Through the mouth; By mouth.

Per rectum (PR)

Through the rectum.

Peracta operatione emetic (or, emetica) (Peract. op. emet.)

When the operatio of the emetic is finished.

Percola

Strain through, percolate (thou)

Permittentibus viribus

The strength permitting.

Perpurus

Very clean.

Pes

The foot.

Plasma, Plasmetur

Mould, Let it be moulded.

Poculum

A cup, A little cup.

Postridie

On the next day.

Pestis

Plague.

Phiala prius agitata (PPA)

The bottle having been previously shaken.

Placebo

I will please. (Medical expression for remedies with no medical effect, which improve one’s medical condition only because one believes they do)

Pondere

By weight.

Post cibum (PC)

After meals.

Post jentaculum (Post jentac.)

After breakfast.

Post prandium (Post prand.)

After dinner.

Post quamque evacuationem (Post qq. evac.)

After each motion.

Post singulas sedes liquidas (Post sing, sed. liq.)

After each liquid motion.

Primum est noocere

First of all, do no harm. (Hippocrates; The maxim has become an ethical guiding principle i medical profession)

Pro dosi (PD)

For a dose.

Pro potu sumendus (Pro pot. s.)

To be taken as a drink.

Pro ratione aetatis (Pro. rat. wt.)

According to age.

Pro re nata (PRN)

As needed: As the occasion arises.

Proxima luce (Prox. luc.)

On the next day.

Proximo

Nearest.

Pulvinar humuli (Pulv, hum.)

A hop pillow.

Pulvis

Powder.

Quantitas duplex (Q. dx.)

A double quantity.

Quantum libet (QL)

As much as pleases. (As much as you wish)

Quantum sufficit (QS)

As much as suffices.

Quantum vis (QV)

As much as you wish.

Quibus

From which, by which.

Quam

As much as.

Quaque die (QD)

Every day.

Quaque hora (QH)

Every hour.

Quaque mane (QM)

Every morning.

Quaque nocte (QN)

Every night.

Quater die (QD)

Four times a day.

Quater in die (QID)

Take four times a day.

Quoque alternis die (QAD)

Every other day.

Quorum

Of which.

Recipe

Take (thou).

Recens

Fresh.

Renova

Renew (thou).

Redactus in pulverem (R. in pulv.)

Reduced to powder.

Redigatur in pulverem (Redig. in pulv.)

Let it be reduced to powder.

Remedium

Cure, remedy, nostrum, medicine.

Repetat (Rep., Repet.)

Let him repeat.

Rigor mortis

The stiffening of a dead body.

Res

A substance, a thing.

Rudicula (Rudic.)

A spatula.

Rumen

The throat.

Saepe

Frequently.

Sal

Salt.

Saltem

At least.

Saltim

By leaps.

Scilicet

Namely.

Semel

Once.

Semidrachma (Semidr.)

Half a drachm.

Sequenti luce (Seq. luc.)

The following day.

Sermihora (Semih.)

Half an hour.

Sesquihora (Sesquih.)

An hour and a half.

Sesuncia (Sesunc.)

Apt ounce and a half.

Si vires permittant (Si vir. perm.)

If the strength permit.

Siccus

Dry.

Simul

Together.

Sile hujus

Keep silence concerning this.

Sine

Without.

Signa, signetur, signentur (Sig.)

Let it be signed, sign.

Signetur (Sig.) or (S/)

Let it be labeled.

Singulis aurosis (Sing. auror.)

Every morning.

Singulis horae quadrantibus (Sing. hor. quad.)

Every quarter of an hour.

Solve, dissolve (Solv.)

Soluble tablets.

Spasmus

Cramps.

Spiritus vini rectificatus (SVR)

Rectified spirit.

Spiritus vini tenuior (SVT)

Proof spirit.

Statim (stat)

Immediately.

Statu effervescentiae (Stat. eff.)

Whilst effervescing.

Stratum super stratum (SSS)

Layer upon layer.

Sub finem coctionis (Sub fin. coct.)

When sufficiently boiled down.

Subinde

Frequently.

Spissus

Dense, hard.

Stillatim

By drops.

Somnus

Sleep.

Sumat talem (Sum. tal.)

Let the patient take one (or more) such.

Sumendus

To be taken.

Talis

Of such, like this.

Tantum

So much, so many.

Tegmen

A cover.

Tum

Then.

Tussis

A cough.

Tempori dextro (Temp. dext.)

To the right temple.

Ter in die (TID)

Thrice a day.

Tere simul (Ter. sim.)

Rub together.

Tinctura (Tr.)

A tincture.

Tussi urgente (Tuss. urg.)

If the cough is troublesome

Tussis

Cough.

Typhus

Typhoid fever.

Tuto

Safely.

Ubi pus, ibi evacua

Where there is pus, (there) evacuate it.

Ulna

The arm, elbow.

Una

together.

Unctus

Anointed, besmeared.

Ustus

Burnt.

Ut dictum

As directed.

So that, in order that.

Variola

Smallpox.

Vas

A vessel, utensil, bottle.

Vas vitreum

A glass vessel.

Vel

Or.

Venaesectio brachii

Bleeding in the arm.

Vesper

The evening.

Vires

strength.

Vinum

Wine.

Vicis, Vices

Change, changes.

Vermis

Worms.

Vomitione urgente

Vomiting being severe.

REFERENCES:

Main:

1. Demchenko O., Zakaliuzhnyi. The Latin Language and the Fundamentals of Medical Terminology. – Ternopil: Ukrmedknyha, 2004.

Supplementary:

1. Smolska L.Yu., Kiselyova O.G. The Latі Language and Medical Terminology Basics: Підручник. — 2-nd edition. — К.: Медицина, 2012. — 400 с.

2. Laskowska D. Medical Lati Course. – 2007. Source: http://www.umed.pl/pl/doc/cnjo/Medical%20Latin%20Course%20-%20second%20version.pdf

3. Marcekova Elena, Frantisek Simon, Ladislav Cerveny. Latin as the language of medical terminology: some remarks on its role and prospects. Source: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/10913254_Latin_as_the_language_of_medical_terminology_some_remarks_on_its_role_and_prospects

4. Lati for pharmacy students / Ye.I.Svetlichnaya, I.A.Tolok, Ye.A.Volobuyeva. – Kharkiv: NUPh «Golde pages», 2011. – 248p.