Medication Abbreviations
This two letter abbreviation commonly means by mouth.
PO
Many medications used to reduce LDL cholesterol share this common ending.
-statin
ACE Inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme )
Lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and decrease the heart's workload
Lipitor
Atorvastatin
Cardi/o
Heart
This abbreviation means to take a medication twice a day.
BID
This suffix is characteristic of proton pump inhibitors, a class of drugs that decreases gastric acid secretion.
-prazole
PCN (Penicillin)
Treat bacteria infection
Prilosec
Omeprazole
Pulmon/o
Lung
Many prescription and over-the-counter medication strengths are listed in this abbreviated unit.
mg or milligrams
This suffix is characteristic of ACE inhibitors, a class of drugs that block the angiotensin-converting enzyme used to treat high blood pressure
-pril
Beta Blocker (beta-adrenergic blocking agents)
Block the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline, forcing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.
(Block beta-adrenergic receptors, lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand)
Coumadin
Warfarin
Hepat/o
Liver
Medication dosages for liquid medicines are often measured in this unit.
mL or Milliliter
This suffix is characteristic of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) medications commonly used to treat hypertension and protect kidney function in some patients.
-sartan
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
Reduce stomach acid production.
Block gastric proton pumps, decreasing stomach acid production.
Norvasc
Amlodipine
Gastr/o
Stomach
This prescription abbreviation comes from the Latin quaque hora somni and instructs a patient to take a medication at bedtime.
QHS
This suffix is characteristic of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, commonly called beta blockers.
-olol
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)
Relax and widen your blood vessels and reduce fluid retention, which lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump.
(Block angiotensin II receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion.)
Lasix
Furosemide
Cholecyst/o
gallbladder