Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols (Lexi-Drugs)

Abbreviations Which May Be Used in This Reference

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

1/
2NS 0.45% sodium chloride

5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine

AACT American Academy of Clinical Toxicology

AAP American Academy of Pediatrics

AAPC antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis

ABCB1 ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (also known as P-gP or MDR1)

ABCC2 ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 2 (also known as MRP2)

ABCG2 ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (also known as BCRP)

ABG arterial blood gases

ABMT autologous bone marrow transplant

ABW actual body weight

ACC American College of Cardiology

ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme

ACLS advanced cardiac life support

ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

ACT activated clotting time

ACTH adrenocorticotrophic hormone

ADAMTS13 activity A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with a ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13 activity

ADH antidiuretic hormone

ADHD attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADI adequate daily intake

AdjBW adjusted body weight

ADLs activities of daily living

ADT androgen deprivation therapy

AED antiepileptic drug

AHA American Heart Association

AHCPR Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

AIMS Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale

ALK anaplastic lymphoma kinase

ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia

ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ALT alanine aminotransferase (formerly called SGPT)

AMA American Medical Association

AML acute myeloblastic leukemia

ANA antinuclear antibodies

ANC absolute neutrophil count

ANLL acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia

APL acute promyelocytic leukemia

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time

ARB angiotensin receptor blocker

ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome

American Society of Anesthesiologists − Physical Status (ASA-PS)

I: Normal, healthy patient
II: Patient having mild systemic disease
ASA-PS III: Patient having severe systemic disease
IV: Patient having severe systemic disease which is a constant threat to life
V: Moribund patient; not expected to survive without the procedure
VI: Patient declared brain-dead; organs being removed for donor purposes

ASM antiseizure medication

AST aspartate aminotransferase (formerly called SGOT)

ATP adenosine triphosphate

AUC area under the curve (area under the serum concentration-time curve)

A-V atrial-ventricular

AVNRT atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

AVRT atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia

BCRP breast cancer resistance protein

BDI Beck Depression Inventory

BEC blood ethanol concentration

BLS basic life support

BMI body mass index

BMT bone marrow transplant

BP blood pressure

BPD bronchopulmonary disease or dysplasia

BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia

BPRS Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale

BSA body surface area

BSEP bile salt export pump

BUN blood urea nitrogen

CABG coronary artery bypass graft

CAD coronary artery disease

CADD computer ambulatory drug delivery

cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate

CAN Canadian

CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

CAS chemical abstract service

CBC complete blood cell count

CBT cognitive behavioral therapy

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CF cystic fibrosis

CFC chlorofluorocarbons

CGI Clinical Global Impression

CHD coronary heart disease

CHF congestive heart failure; chronic heart failure

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

CI cardiac index

CIE chemotherapy-induced emesis

C-II schedule two controlled substance

C-III schedule three controlled substance

C-IV schedule four controlled substance

C-V schedule five controlled substance

CIV continuous IV infusion

CKD-EPI chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration

CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Cmax maximum plasma concentration

Cmin minimum plasma concentration

CML chronic myelogenous leukemia

CMV cytomegalovirus

CNS central nervous system or coagulase negative staphylococcus

COLD chronic obstructive lung disease

COMT Catechol-O-methyltransferase

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COX cyclooxygenase

CPK creatine phosphokinase

CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CrCl creatinine clearance

CRF chronic renal failure

CRP C-reactive protein

CRRT continuous renal replacement therapy

CSF cerebrospinal fluid

CSII continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

CT computed tomography

CVA cerebrovascular accident

CVP central venous pressure

CVVH continuous venovenous hemofiltration

CVVHD continuous venovenous hemodialysis

CVVHDF continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration

CYP (CYP-450, CYP3A4, etc.) cytochrome

D51/4NS dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.2%

D51/2NS dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.45%

D5LR dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's

D5NS dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.9%

D5W dextrose 5% in water

D10W dextrose 10% in water

DBP diastolic blood pressure

DEHP di(3-ethylhexyl)phthalate

DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

DLco pulmonary diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide

DM diabetes mellitus

DMARD disease modifying antirheumatic drug

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid

DSC discontinued

DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

DVT deep vein thrombosis

EBV Epstein-Barr virus

ECG electrocardiogram

ECHO echocardiogram

ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

ECT electroconvulsive therapy

ED emergency department

EEG electroencephalogram

EF ejection fraction

EG ethylene glycol

EGA estimated gestational age

eGFR estimated glomerular filtration rate

EIA enzyme immunoassay

ELBW extremely low birth weight

ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

EPS extrapyramidal side effects

ER extended release

ESA erythropoiesis-stimulating agent

ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate

ESRD end stage renal disease

E.T. endotracheal

EtOH alcohol

FDA Food and Drug Administration (United States)

FEV1 forced expiratory volume exhaled after 1 second

FMO Flavin-containing monooxygenase

FSH follicle-stimulating hormone

FTT failure to thrive

FVC forced vital capacity

G-6-PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

GA gestational age

GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid

GAD generalized anxiety disorder

GE gastroesophageal

GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease

GFR glomerular filtration rate

GGT gamma-glutamyltransferase
Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

GI gastrointestinal

GIST gastrointestinal stromal tumor

GU genitourinary

GVHD graft versus host disease

HAM-A Hamilton Anxiety Scale

HAM-D Hamilton Depression Scale

HARS HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome

Hb hemoglobin

HbA1c hemoglobin A1c

HCAHPS Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems

HCM hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hct hematocrit

HCV hepatitis C virus

HDL high-density lipoprotein

HDL-C high density lipoprotein cholesterol

HER2 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2

HF heart failure

HFA hydrofluoroalkane

HFSA Heart Failure Society of America

HIV human immunodeficiency virus

HMG-CoA 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A

HOCM hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

HPA hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

HPLC high performance liquid chromatography

HSV herpes simplex virus

HTC hematopoietic cell transplantation

HTN hypertension

IBD inflammatory bowel disease

IBS irritable bowel syndrome

IBW ideal body weight

ICD implantable cardioverter defibrillator

ICH intracranial hemorrhage

ICP intracranial pressure

ICU intensive care unit

IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

IDSA Infectious Diseases Society of America

Ig immunoglobulin

IgG immune globulin G

ILCOR International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation

IM intramuscular

INR international normalized ratio

Int. unit international unit

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

I.O. intraosseous

I&O input and output

IOP intraocular pressure

IQ intelligence quotient

IR immediate release

ITP immune thrombocytopenia (formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)

IUD intrauterine device

IUGR intrauterine growth retardation

IUS intrauterine system

IV intravenous

IVH intraventricular hemorrhage

IVP intravenous push

IVPB intravenous piggyback

JIA juvenile idiopathic arthritis

JNC Joint National Committee

JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

kg kilogram

KIU kallikrein inhibitor unit

KOH potassium hydroxide

LAMM L-α-acetyl methadol

LDH lactate dehydrogenase

LDL low-density lipoprotein

LDL-C low density lipoprotein cholesterol

LE lupus erythematosus

LFT liver function test

LGA large for gestational age

LH luteinizing hormone

LP lumbar posture

LR lactated Ringer's

LV left ventricular

LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction

LVH left ventricular hypertrophy

MAC Mycobacterium avium complex

MADRS Montgomery Asbery Depression Rating Scale

MAO monoamine oxidase

MAOI monoamine oxidase inhibitor

MAP mean arterial pressure

MDD major depressive disorder

MDR1 multidrug resistence protein 1

MDRD modification of diet in renal disease

MDRSP multidrug resistant streptococcus pneumoniae

MI myocardial infarction
Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

MME morphine milligram equivalents

MMSE mini mental status examination

MOPP mustargen (mechlorethamine), Oncovin (vinCRIStine), procarbazine, and prednisone

M/P milk to plasma ratio

MPS I mucopolysaccharidosis I

MRHD maximum recommended human dose

MRI magnetic resonance imaging

MRP2 multidrug resistance-associated protein 2

MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MUGA multiple gated acquisition scan

NAAED North American Antiepileptic Drug

NAEPP National Asthma Education and Prevention Program

NAS neonatal abstinence syndrome

NCI National Cancer Institute

ND nasoduodenal

NF National Formulary

NFD nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy

NG nasogastric

NHL Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

NIDDM noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

NIH National Institute of Health

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NKA no known allergies

NKDA no known drug allergies

NMDA n-methyl-d-aspartate

NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome

NNRTI non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

NPH insulin neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin

NRTI nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

NS normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride)

NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

NSCLC non-small cell lung cancer

NSF nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

NSTEMI Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

NYHA New York Heart Association

OA osteoarthritis

OAT1/OAT2 organic anion transporter

OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCT Organic cation transporter

OCT2 Organic cation transporter 2

OHSS ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

O.R. operating room

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

OTC over-the-counter (nonprescription)

PABA para-aminobenzoic acid

PACTG Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group

PALS pediatric advanced life support

PAT paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

PCA patient-controlled analgesia

PCI percutaneous coronary intervention

PCP Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (also called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia)

PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

PD Parkinson's disease; peritoneal dialysis

PDA patent ductus arteriosus

PDE-5 phosphodiesterase-5

PE pulmonary embolism

PEG tube percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube

P-gP P-glycoprotein

PHN post-herpetic neuralgia

PICU Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

PID pelvic inflammatory disease

PIP peak inspiratory pressure

PIRRT prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy

PMA postmenstrual age

PMDD premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PNA postnatal age

PONV postoperative nausea and vomiting

PPHN persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate

PPN peripheral parenteral nutrition

PR interval –

PROM premature rupture of membranes

PSVT paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

PT prothrombin time

PTH parathyroid hormone

PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder

PTT partial thromboplastin time

PUD peptic ulcer disease

PVB premature ventricular beats

PVC polyvinyl chloride

PVD peripheral vascular disease

PVR peripheral vascular resistance

P wave –

QRS complex –

QTc corrected QT interval

QTcF corrected QT interval by Fridericia's formula

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

QTcI individual-based corrected QT interval

QT interval QT interval of the cardiac cycle

Q wave –

R Ringer's injection

RA rheumatoid arthritis

RAP right arterial pressure

RBC red blood cell [count]

RDA recommended daily allowance

REM rapid eye movement

REMS risk evaluation and mitigation strategies

RIA radioimmunoassay

RNA ribonucleic acid

RPLS reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome

RSV respiratory syncytial virus

SA sinoatrial

SAD seasonal affective disorder

SAH subarachnoid hemorrhage

SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis

SBP systolic blood pressure

SCLC small cell lung cancer

SCr serum creatinine

SERM selective estrogen receptor modulator

SGA small for gestational age

SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic aminotransferase

SGPT serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase

SI International System of Units or Systeme international d’Unites

SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

SIDS sudden infant death syndrome

SL sodium lactate

SLCO1B1 Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1

SLE systemic lupus erythematosus

SLEDD sustained low-efficiency daily diafiltration

SNRI serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

SR sustained release

SRI serotonin reuptake inhibitor

SSKI saturated solution of potassium iodide

SSRIs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

STD sexually transmitted disease

STEM I ST-elevation myocardial infarction

STI sexually transmitted infection

ST segment –

ST-T wave –
Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

SUBQ subcutaneous

SVR systemic vascular resistance

SVT supraventricular tachycardia

SWFI sterile water for injection

SWI sterile water for injection

T1/2 half-life

T3 triiodothyronine

T4 thyroxine

TB tuberculosis

TC total cholesterol

TCA tricyclic antidepressant

TD tardive dyskinesia

TG triglyceride

TIA transient ischemic attack

TIBC total iron binding capacity

TMA thrombotic microangiopathy

Tmax time to maximum observed concentration, plasma

TNF tumor necrosis factor

TPN total parenteral nutrition

TSH thyroid stimulating hormone

TT thrombin time

TTP thrombotic microangiopathy

T wave –

UA urine analysis

UC ulcerative colitis

UGT UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

ULN upper limits of normal

URI upper respiratory infection

USAN United States Adopted Names

USP United States Pharmacopeia

UTI urinary tract infection

UV ultraviolet

U wave –

Vd volume of distribution

Vdss volume of distribution at steady-state

VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor

VF ventricular fibrillation

VLBW very low birth weight

VMA vanillylmandelic acid

VT ventricular tachycardia

VTE venous thromboembolism

vWD von Willebrand disease

Abbreviation Meaning

Note: Abbreviations in italics may not be defined within content text.

VZV varicella zoster virus

WBC white blood cell [count]

WHO World Health Organization

w/v weight in volume

w/w weight in weight

XR extended release

YBOC Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale

YMRS Young Mania Rating Scale

Common Weights, Measures, or

Apothecary Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning

<a less than

>a greater than

≤ less than or equal to

≥ greater than or equal to

ac before meals or food

ad to, up to

ad lib at pleasure

AM morning

AMA against medical advice

amp ampul

amt amount

aq water

aq. dest. distilled water

ASAP as soon as possible

a.u.a each ear

bid twice daily

bm bowel movement

C Celsius, centigrade

cal calorie

cap capsule

cca cubic centimeter

cm centimeter

comp compound

cont continue

da day

d/ca discharge

dil dilute

disp dispense

div divide

dtd give of such a dose

a ISMP error-prone abbreviation

Abbreviation Meaning

Dx diagnosis

elix, el elixir

emp as directed

et and

ex aq in water

F Fahrenheit

g gram

gra grain

gtt a drop

h hour

hsa at bedtime

INa intranasal

ITa intrathecal

kcal kilocalorie

kg kilogram

L liter

liq a liquor, solution

M molar

mcg microgram

m. dict as directed

mEq milliequivalent

mg milligram

microL microliter

mina minute

mLa milliliter

mm millimeter

mM millimole

mm Hg millimeters of mercury

mo month

mOsm milliosmoles

nga nanogram

nmol nanomole

no. number

noc in the night

non rep do not repeat, no refills

NPO nothing by mouth

NV nausea and vomiting

O, Oct a pint

o.d.a right eye

o.l. left eye

o.s.a left eye

o.u.a each eye

a ISMP error-prone abbreviation

 Abbreviation Meaning

oza ounce

pc, post cib after meals

PM afternoon or evening

PO by mouth

P.R. rectally

prn as needed

pulv a powder

q every

qad every other day

qh every hour

qid four times a day

qs a sufficient quantity

qs ad a sufficient quantity to make

Rx prescription drug

S.L. sublingual

stat at once, immediately

SUBQ subcutaneous

supp suppository

syr syrup

tab tablet

tal such

tbspa tablespoon

tid three times a day

tr, tinct tincture

trit triturate

tspa teaspoon

u.d.a as directed

ung ointment

v.o. verbal order

w.a. while awake

x3 3 times

x4 4 times

y year

a ISMP error-prone abbreviation

Additional abbreviations used and defined within a specific monograph or text piece may only apply to that text.

REFERENCE
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) list of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations. Available at http://www.ismp.org/Tools/errorproneabbreviations.pdf
Applies to
Apothecary; Measures; Weights

Last Updated 2/24/24

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