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!
I think PO (By Mouth) is the most common sig code because most prescriptions are in the form of a capsule so most of them must be taken by mouth.
Sig codes are important because it is the way that doctors and pharmacists can give short, direct information on medication, dosing, times etc. It is an easy but much needed way of communication.
Sig codes are important because it’s the way that the doctors communicate to the pharmacy on all the information about what the patient needs.
I think the most common sig code is qd because a lot of medications have to be taken everyday for a certain period of time.
Sig codes are important because they help doctors and pharmacists quickly understand how much medicine to give and when to take it. They use short codes to make sure everyone knows the right instructions for taking medicine.