What does "QID" mean in medication dosing?

The term "QID" stands for "quarter in die," which is a Latin phrase meaning "four times a day." This designation is used in medication dosing to indicate that a patient should take a specific medication four times at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Understanding abbreviations like "QID" is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate medication administration and adherence to prescribed regimens.

In contrast, the other terms denote different dosing schedules. For example, "once daily" refers to taking a medication just once each day, while "every other day" indicates that the medication should be taken every second day. The phrase "as needed" (often abbreviated as "PRN") means that a medication should be taken only when required, rather than on a fixed schedule. Knowing these distinctions is vital for proper medication management and patient safety.