Abbreviation

Common Misinterpretation

U (units)

0 (zero) or 4 (four)

µg (micrograms)

"mg" (milligrams)

QD (daily)

QID (four times daily)

QOD (every other day)

QD (daily) or QID (four times daily)

SC or SQ (subcutaneous)

SL (sublingual)

TIW (three times a week)

twice a week or TID (three times daily)

D/C (discontinue or discharge)

Discharge misinterpreted as discontinue or vice versa

HS (half strength)

Latin HS meaning hour of sleep

cc (cubic centimeters)

U meaning Units

AU (both ears), AS (left ear), AD (right ear)

OU (both eyes), OS (left eye), OD (right eye)