What does "ac" stand for regarding medication administration?

The abbreviation "ac" stands for "before meals" in the context of medication administration. This term is derived from the Latin phrase "ante cibum," which translates directly to "before food." It indicates that a medication should be taken before eating to ensure optimal absorption, effectiveness, or to mitigate gastrointestinal comfort issues that might arise when medication is administered with food.

Understanding this abbreviation is important for pharmacy technicians as it aids in accurate medication dispensing and patient education regarding the timing of their medication relative to meals, which can be crucial for achieving therapeutic effects or avoiding potential interactions with food.