Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols and Dose Designation

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Institute of Safe Medication Practices released a table of NEVER to use abbreviation, symbols and dose designation in communicating medical information. Some of which are given below:

Abbreviation	Intended Meaning	Misinterpretation	Correction
µg	Microgram	Confused as "mg"	Use "mcg"
BT	Bedtime	Confused as "BID" twice daily	Use "bedtime"
qd or QD	Daily	Confused as "QID"	Use "daily"
qhs	Nightly at bedtime	Confused as "qhr" or every hour	Use "nightly"
Inderal40 mg	Inderal 40 mg	Confused as Inderal 140mg	Use adequate space between drug name, dose and unit of measure.
Tegretol300 mg	Tegretol 300 mg	Confused as Tegretol 1300 mg	Use adequate space between drug name, dose and unit of measure.
AZT	ridovudine (Retrovir)	Confused as azathioprine or aztreonam	Use complete name of drug.
HCT	hydrocortisone	Confused as hydrochlrothiazide	Use complete name of drug.
HCTZ	hydrochlorothiazide	Confused as hydrocortisone (HCT250mg)	Use complete name of drug.
MTX	methotrexate	Confused as mitoxantrone	Use complete name of drug.
ℨ	Dram	Confused as "3"	Use the metric system.
º	Hour	Confused as a zero (eg. q1º seen as q10	Use "hr", "h", or "hour"

Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices

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Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols and Dose Designation