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SIG Medical Abbreviation: What It Means on Prescriptions
Updated on: Mar 10, 2026 | 1 min read
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You may see SIG on prescriptions, medication labels, or pharmacy instructions. This abbreviation tells the pharmacist how the patient should take the medication.
Doctors use it to communicate dosing instructions clearly.
What SIG Means in Medicine
SIG comes from the Latin word “signa.”
It means “write” or “label.”
In prescriptions, SIG refers to the directions given to the patient for using the medication.
These instructions tell the pharmacist what should appear on the medication lab
el.
What Information SIG Includes
The SIG section contains instructions for safe medication use.
It often includes:
- How much medication to take
- How often to take it
- The route of administration
- Special instructions
Example SIG instructions may include:
- Take one tablet twice daily
- Apply cream to the affected area
- Take with food
The pharmacist converts the SIG into clear directions for the patient.
Where You Might See SIG
SIG appears in several parts of the prescribing process:
- Electronic prescriptions
- Pharmacy medication labels
- Prescription orders in medical records
- Medication instructions in discharge summaries
Patients usually see the translated instructions on their prescription bottle.
SIG Compared With Other Prescription Terms
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