What are Sig Codes!?
- Katie Reigelsperger
- Feb 10, 2022
- 1 min read
If you’ve ever received a handwritten prescription and aren’t sure what all of the codes and initials mean, you’re not alone! Sig codes are a way for the doctor to communicate to the pharmacy which medication the patient should take, when it should be taken, and how much of it should be taken. Most sig codes are derived from the Latin language which can make them a bit more confusing, so at KLR Pharmacy Technician Training School, we use handy clues to remember some of the trickier ones! It is also important to note that sig codes can be written in capital or lowercase letters; either way they indicate the same meaning. Here is a guide to keep on hand of some of the most frequently used sig codes and their meanings for prescriptions!
Did you already know some of these abbreviations before reading this blog post? If so, which ones were they?
Yes, I was familiar with two of them, CAP and TAB, as I frequently encountered them in various medications and occasionally in other science subject like biology, chemistry, physics.
What do you think might be the most commonly used sig code and why? I think the most commonly used sig is QD, because I feel like most prescriptions are taken daily
Why are sig codes important ?
Sig codes are important because they make medication instructions clear, fast, and safe for everyone involved in the prescription process. Here’s why they matter: Before this class I would know the basics sig
TID = three times a day
QD = once a day
PO QD (take by mouth once daily)
Why do you think doctors use these instead of full words?
I think doctors use SIG codes because sometimes time is crunched and we need to just get a few words across that's necessary, but also if looking at a medication bottle the labels aren't really big enough to have patient info, dr info, and medication wrote out as " sally needs to take 4 Adderall by mouth every 6 hours for 12 days" isn't realistic. it is entirely to much for a tiny bottle! (let's hope and pray no one's taking that much Adderall in 12 days)
Why are sig codes important? Sig codes are important because it shows pharmacy technicians easier ways of communication for the medicines.