What common abbreviation is used to indicate that a medication should be taken after meals?

The abbreviation commonly used to indicate that a medication should be taken after meals is "PC," which stands for "post cibum." This term is derived from Latin, meaning "after meals." In medical prescriptions, when a healthcare provider instructs a patient to take medication PC, it is understood that the medication should be consumed after they have eaten. Understanding this abbreviation is important for ensuring proper medication adherence and optimizing therapeutic effectiveness, as taking certain medications with or after food can affect absorption and efficacy.

The other options refer to different instructions: "AC," which means "ante cibum," indicates that the medication should be taken before meals; "PRN" means that the medication is to be taken as needed; and "QD" signifies that the medication should be taken once daily. Knowing these distinctions helps ensure patients understand when and how to take their medications appropriately.