BID Medical Abbreviation: What It Means and How to Follow It

Apr 28, 2025 | 1 min read

Question on this topic? Get an instant answer from AI Doctor.Instant answer from AI Doctor.

You might see BID written on your prescription and wonder what it means. It can feel confusing when you're trying to follow your doctor’s instructions.

bid medical abbreviation definition

What Does BID Mean in Medical Terms?

BID is a short way to say bis in die, a Latin phrase that means “twice a day.”

Doctors and pharmacists use BID to tell you that a medicine should be taken two times each day.

You will often see BID written on prescriptions, medical notes, and medication labels. It helps make sure that the medicine works well by keeping a steady level in your body.

When Is BID Used?

Doctors prescribe BID instructions when a medicine needs to be taken at regular times.
It is common for medications like:

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relievers
  • Treatments for long-term health problems

Examples of BID instructions:

  • “Take 1 tablet BID with meals.”
  • “Apply cream BID to the affected area.”

This means you should use the medicine two times a day, usually spaced out evenly.

example of bid on prescription

Along with BID, you may see other short forms on prescriptions.
Here are some common ones:

  • QD - Take once a day
  • TID - Take three times a day
  • QID - Take four times a day
  • PRN - Take as needed

These abbreviations help doctors give clear instructions for when and how often to take medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?Ask AI Doctor
AI Assistant

Have Questions?

Have a question on this topic? Submit it here and get an instant answer from our AI Doctor.

Please Note!This tool is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a professional before taking any actions.

Make Informed Health Decisions

Talk to Docus AI Doctor, generate health reports, get them validated by Top Doctors from the US and Europe.

Make Informed Health Decisions

You’re only one click away from a life-changing journey

Virtual health assistant powered by AI
350+ world-renowned Doctors