Page 8 - Course Guide 2019

4 Latin abbreviations

In prescriptions, Latin abbreviations are usually used as a method of communication between
the prescribers (doctors) and dispensers (pharmacists). It is hence very important for
pharmacists to know these abbreviations and understand the instructions given by
prescribers. This communication method has shown to be effective and useful in the hectic
day-to-day life as medical practitioners. To simplified understanding, the terms can be divided
into different categories:

4.1 TO DESCRIBE QUANTITY

Abbreviations Term or phrase Meaning
gtt. guttæ drops
mitt. mitte send
q.s ad. quantum sufficiat sufficiently until

4.2 TO DESCRIBE DOSAGE FORMS (REMEDIES)

Abbreviations Term or phrase Meaning
auristill. auristillæ ear drops
caps. capsula capsule
chart. charta powder
crem. cremor cream
emul. emulsio emulsion
enem. enema enema
garg. gargarisma gargle
gelat. gelatina jelly
inhal. inhalation inhalation
inj. injection injection
insuff. insufflatio insufflation
linct. linctus linctus
lin. linimentum liniment
liq. liquor solution
lot. lotio lotion
m., mist. mistura mixture
neb. nebula spray solution
oculent. oculentum eye ointment
past. pasta paste
pastill. pastilles pastille
pess. pessus pessary
pigm. pigmentum paint
pil pilula pill
pulv. pulvis powder