Pharmaceutical & Medical Abbreviations (Most common )
By Phartoonz
Updated 2 min read
The most common medical abbreviations:
Download a PDF version here
The most common medical abbreviations[phartoonz.com]
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ABGs | arterial blood gases |
| AIDS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| ALT | alanine aminotransferase (previously SGPT) |
| APTT | activated partial thromboplastin time |
| ARDS | adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| AST | aspartate aminotransferase (previously SGOT) |
| AV | atrioventricular |
| bid | twice daily |
| bpm | beats per minute |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BSA | body surface area |
| BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
| °C | degrees Celsius |
| Cal | Calorie (kilocalorie) |
| CBC | complete blood count |
| cc | cubic centimeter |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| CN | cranial nerve |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| CPK | creatine phosphokinase |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| CT | computed tomography |
| cu | cubic |
| Cu | copper |
| CV | cardiovascular |
| CVP | central venous pressure |
| D5W | 5\% Dextrose in Water |
| D10W | 10\% Dextrose in Water |
| DERM | dermatologic |
| DIC | disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| dl | deciliter (100 ml) |
| DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid |
| ECG | electrocardiogram |
| EDTA | ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid |
| EEG | electroencephalogram |
| EENT | eye &ear& nose&throat |
| ELISA | enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
| EMIT | enzyme-multiplied immunoassay test |
| °F | degrees Fahrenheit |
| FDA | Food and DrugAdministration |
| G-6-PD | glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase |
| GABA | gamma-aminobutyric acid |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| gtt | drops |
| GU | genitourinary |
| Hct | hematocrit |
| HDL | high-density lipoprotein |
| HEMA | hematologic |
| HEPA | hepatic |
| Hgb | hemoglobin |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| hr | hour |
| I&O | intake and output |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IND | investigational new drug |
| IOP | intraocular pressure |
| IU | international units |
| IV | intravenous |
| kg | kilogram |
| L | liter |
| LDH | lactate dehydrogenase |
| LDL | low-density lipoprotein |
| LOC | level of consciousness |
| m | meter |
| m2 | square meter |
| MAO | monoamine oxidase |
| mcg | microgram |
| mEq | milliequivalent |
| META | metabolic |
| mg | milligram |
| MI | myocardial infarction |
| min | minute |
| ml | milliliter |
| mm | millimeter |
| mm3 | cubic millimeter |
| mm Hg | millimeters of mercury |
| mo | month |
| mOsm | milliosmole |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| npo | nothing by mouth |
| NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| ng | nanogram |
| NK | natural killer (cells) |
| otc | over-the-counter (nonprescription) |
| oz | ounce |
| PABA | para-aminobenzoic acid |
| PAC | premature atrial contraction |
| pH | negative log of hydrogen ion concentration |
| PMS | premenstrual syndrome |
| pCO2 | carbon dioxide pressure (tension) |
| pO2 | oxygen pressure (tension) |
| PO | by mouth |
| ppm | parts per million |
| prn | as needed |
| PR | per rectum |
| pt | pint |
| PT | prothrombin time |
| PTT | partial thromboplastin time |
| PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
| q | every |
| qd | every day |
| q hr | every hour |
| qid | four times daily |
| qod | every other day |
| q 2 hr | every 2 hours |
| qt | quart |
| RBC | red blood cell count |
| RDA | Recommended Dietary Allowance |
| RDS | respiratory distress syndrome |
| RNA | ribonucleic acid |
| SC | subcutaneous |
| sec | second |
| SIADH | syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone |
| SL | sublingual |
| SLE | systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SPF | sun protection factor |
| STD | sexually transmitted disease |
| tid | three times daily |
| Tbsp | tablespoon |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TSH | thyroid-stimulating hormone |
| tsp | teaspoon |
| U | unit |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| VHDL | very high density lipoprotein |
| VLDL | very low density lipoprotein |
| WBC | white blood cell count |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| wk | week |
| yr | year |
I will keep the list updated , contact me to add more abbreviations
source : Google , AZ drug facts.
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