In pharmacy, "a.c." or "AC" is an abbreviation used on prescriptions that means before meals.
Meaning of a.c. in Prescriptions
The abbreviation "a.c." comes from the Latin phrase "ante cibum," which also translates to "before meals." This instruction tells the patient to take the medication before eating food.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Latin Origin |
|---|---|---|
| a.c. | Before meals | Ante cibum |
| p.c. | After meals | Post cibum |
| q.d. | Every day | Quaque die |
| b.i.d. | Twice per day | Bis in die |
| t.i.d. | Three times a day | Ter in die |
| q.i.d. | Four times a day | Quater in die |
Importance of Following Instructions
It's very important for patients to understand and follow these instructions because food can affect how a medication is absorbed and how well it works. Some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective, while others should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset or improve absorption. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about how to take your medications.
