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PC Medical Abbreviation: What It Means in Prescriptions
Updated on: May 13, 2025 | 1 min read
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You may see PC on a prescription label and wonder what it means. This short term gives important instructions about when to take your medicine.
Let’s find out what it stands for so you can use your medication safely and correctly.
What Does PC Stand For?
In medicine, PC stands for the Latin phrase “post cibum,” which means “after meals.”
Doctors use this abbreviation to tell you when to take medication. If a prescription says “take one tablet PC,” it means take it after eating, not before, and not on an empty stomach.
You may see PC in:
- Prescription instructions
- Medical notes
- Patient discharge summaries
When Do Doctors Use PC?
PC helps doctors guide you on the best time to take your medication. Some drugs work better after food. Others may irritate the stomach if taken alone. That’s why “after meals” matters.
Examples of prescriptions with PC:
- Take one capsule PC three times daily
- 5 mL PC with water
- Apply PC after dinner
If your doctor says “after meals,” they may mean 15 to 60 minutes after eating, depending on the drug.
PC vs Other Medical Timing Abbreviations
Medical instructions often use short terms to explain when to take a medication. PC is just one of many.
Here’s similar terms:
- AC - ante cibum (before meals)
- HS - at bedtime
- PRN - as needed
- QID - four times a day
- BID - twice a day
- TID - three times a day
Mistaking PC for AC or HS can affect how the drug works, or cause side effects. Always follow the exact timing given by your doctor or pharmacist.
Why Taking Medicine After Meals Matters
Some medications work better when taken after food. Others may upset your stomach if taken without eating. That's why PC instructions are important.
A study in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology found that a high-fat meal changed how the body absorbed certain stomach medications. Food can increase or decrease how well a drug works, depending on the type.
This shows why doctors include timing instructions like PC. It's not just a routine step—it helps the medicine work the right way.
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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 action.
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