What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'QD' in prescription instructions?

The abbreviation 'QD' stands for "quaque die," which is derived from Latin and translates to "every day." In the context of prescription instructions, when a medication is prescribed to be taken QD, it indicates that the patient should take that medication once each day. This is important for maintaining consistent therapeutic levels of the drug in the body and ensuring that the treatment is effective.

Other options relate to different dosing schedules, such as twice a day or every other day, which would denote different frequencies and could potentially lead to confusion if prescribed incorrectly. At bedtime also represents a specific time for administering the medication, which does not align with the everyday frequency implied by QD. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately following prescription directions and aiding in effective patient care.