Medical prescriptions often contain short abbreviations that can appear confusing at first glance. Many of these terms are derived from Latin, a language historically used in medicine to standardise instructions across regions. One such abbreviation frequently seen on prescriptions is BDPC, which tells patients how and when to take their medication.
What BDPC means on a prescription
BDPC is a combination of two Latin abbreviations used in prescribing instructions.
BD comes from 'bis die', meaning "twice a day"
PC comes from 'post cibum', meaning "after meals".
Together, BDPC indicates that a medicine should be taken twice daily after food. Doctors may use this instruction for medications that are better tolerated with meals or require food to improve absorption. Using such shorthand helps keep prescriptions concise while conveying clear timing instructions.
Also Read | Did the Shroud of Turin originate in ancient India? DNA study sparks fresh debate
Why Latin is still used in prescriptions
Latin terms became common in medicine centuries ago when physicians across Europe used the language for academic and clinical communication. Over time, many abbreviations stayed in use because they provided a standardised way to write instructions. Even today, healthcare professionals continue to use these terms, although many hospitals now encourage clearer plain-language directions to reduce confusion.
Common Latin abbreviations patients may see
Alongside BDPC, several other Latin-based terms regularly appear in prescriptions:
OD (omni die) – once daily
BD (bis die) – twice daily
TDS (ter die sumendum) – three times daily
QID (quater in die) – four times daily
HS (hora somni) – at bedtime
AC (ante cibum) – before meals
PC (post cibum) – after meals
PRN (pro re nata) – as needed
SOS (si opus sit) – if required, usually for urgent use
STAT (statim) – immediately
These abbreviations typically appear next to drug names or dosage instructions, guiding when and how the medication should be taken.
Timing-related combinations
Doctors often combine abbreviations to give more specific directions, similar to BDPC. For example:
ODAC: Once daily before meals
TDS PC: Three times daily after meals
BD HS: Twice daily with one dose at bedtime
QID AC: Four times daily before meals
Such combinations help tailor dosing schedules based on the medicine's purpose and patient needs.
Interpreting abbreviations
Abbreviations in the Latin language are very common. However, they can sometimes create confusion. An example of confusion may occur when BD or OD is misinterpreted due to illegible handwriting. Various healthcare regulators from countries such as the United States and Canada recommend that all physicians write out complete directions (two times a day following meals) for all medications that have the potential to be critical to the health of a patient.
Also Read | Why is International Fact-Checking Day celebrated on April 2? Significance, history, all you need to know
If a patient does not understand a set of instructions because of an abbreviation, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist for clarification. It is especially important for the patient to clarify the directions to the prescribing physician or pharmacy to ensure they take the medication accordingly if they have to comply with precise times for administration or specific food guidelines.
Knowing the meaning of terms such as BDPC allows patients to correctly follow the prescriptions written by their healthcare providers. Abbreviations are meant to help by simplifying directions for the provider. However, clarification is needed to ensure the patient understands the directions clearly. Inquiring about the written interpretation and asking for the explanation in layman's terms will help eliminate errors in the dosing of medications and ensure medication safety.
