Sig Codes and Routes in Pharmacy

Overview

This lecture introduces the importance of Sig codes and routes of administration in pharmacy, emphasizing their role in safe and accurate medication management.

Importance of Sig Codes and Routes of Administration

• Sig codes are abbreviated instructions in prescriptions that specify how medications should be taken.
• Understanding Sig codes helps pharmacy technicians ensure patients follow their prescribed medication regimens accurately.
• Routes of administration define how medications enter the body, impacting safety and efficacy.
• Proper knowledge of both prevents medication errors and ensures optimal patient care.

Common Sig Codes

• AC means “before meals,” instructing the patient to take medication prior to eating.
• QID stands for “four times daily,” requiring medication to be taken four times in 24 hours.
• ASAP indicates medication should be taken as soon as possible, suggesting urgency.
• TID means “three times daily,” with doses spread throughout the day.
• More Sig codes can be found in the lesson’s classroom resources.

Common Routes of Administration

• PO means “by mouth” (oral administration).
• IM stands for “intramuscular,” requiring injection into the muscle.
• PR means “per rectum,” with medication administered via the rectum.
• IV stands for “intravenous,” indicating the medication is delivered directly into the vein.

Prescription Label Example

• The label may show “PO” (take by mouth) and “BID” (take twice per day).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Sig codes — standardized abbreviations for prescription instructions.
• Route of administration — the method by which a drug is introduced into the body.
• PO — by mouth/oral.
• IM — intramuscular injection.
• PR — per rectum.
• IV — intravenous injection.
• AC — before meals.
• QID — four times daily.
• TID — three times daily.
• ASAP — as soon as possible.
• BID — twice per day.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review and practice Sig codes and routes of administration from classroom materials.
• Identify Sig codes and routes of administration on sample prescription labels.