Abbreviations in Prescritption (2 of 7): PRESCRIPTION FORMULA (Inscription)

Abbreviations frequently used in the Prescription Formula - The Inscription

aa., or aa of each.	Used when two or more ingredients are present in the same amount. They are listed sequentially with the symbol placed next to the last item of the group which it refers.
Ad	to, up to.  don't confuse with a.d. - right ear
Agit.	Shake.
Alb.	White.
ASA	aspirin. an analgesic.
aq. aqua.	water, drinking water. Never used in making prescriptions.
aq. dest.	distilled water, deionized water used in prescriptions.  Prepared by distillation.
aq. pur.	purified water USP, An official deionized water used in prescription compounding.
q.s.	a sufficient quantity.  Calculate and add the appropriate quantity to make the prescription. Example:  the amount of lactose needed to fill capsules.
q.s. ad	a sufficient quantity up to.  Add sufficient quantity to achieve a specified total weight or volume. Example:  amount of water needed to make 240 ml of total solution.
aa q.s. ad	a sufficient quantity of each up to. Used when more than one substance is to be added in equal quantities to achieve a specified total weight or volume.  For example calculate the amount of Lanolin and Petrolatum to make 60 g of ointment.
D5W	Dextrose Injection USP, a sterile isotonic IV Fluid (5% dextrose in water)
HC	Hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone
inj.	Injection, indicating that the injection dosage form is to be used.
MS	Morphine Sulfate.  A narcotic analgesic
NF	National Formulary, Indicates the ingredient should conform standards prescribed in the official NF compendium
NS, N.S.	Sodium Chloride Solution USP, a sterile, isotonic IV fluid (0.9% NaCl in Water)
1/2NS	0.45% Sodium Chloride for Injection, a sterile IV fluid
NTG	Nitroglycerine, a drug to treat angina pectoris, and other cardiovascular disturbances
TPN	Total Parental Nutrition, an intravenous feeding fluid containing carbohydrates, amino acids, electrolytes, and sometimes lipids.
USP	United States Pharmacopeia, Indicates the ingredient should conform standards prescribed in the official USP compendium.

To see more abbreviations used in prescription click on the respective links, given below:

Abbreviations in Prescritption (1 of 7):	DOSAGE FORMS (Subscription or Signa)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (2 of 7):	PRESCRIPTION FORMULA (Inscription)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (3 of 7):	DIRECTIONS FOR THE PHARMACIST ( Subscription)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (4 of 7):	UNITS OF MEASURE (Inscription or Subscription)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (5 of 7):	DIRECTIONS TO THE PATIENT OR INSTRUCTIONS TO CARE PROVIDERS CONCERNING DOSE AND DOSING FREQUENCY (Signa)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (6 of 7):	DIRECTIONS TO THE PATIENT OR INSTRUCTIONS TO CARE PROVIDERS (Signa)
Abbreviations in Prescritption (7 of 7):	ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION OR ADMINISTRATION SITE (Inscription or Subscription)