What does QID stand for in medical terminology?

QID stands for "quater in die," which is Latin for "four times a day." This abbreviation is commonly used in medical prescriptions and instructions to indicate that a medication or treatment should be administered four times at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. This term helps healthcare professionals ensure that patients receive their medications consistently and correctly within the prescribed frequency.

In contrast, other options refer to different frequencies of administration. For instance, "every hour" would imply a much more frequent schedule than QID, while "every two hours" denotes a specific pattern that is less frequent than four times a day. "As needed" suggests a more flexible approach, where treatment is given based on the patient's immediate requirements, rather than on a strict schedule. This clarification helps to understand the importance of QID in a clinical context where precise timing of medication can be crucial for the patient's health and treatment effectiveness.