When a patient is instructed to take medication "ac," when should they take it?

The instruction to take medication "ac" refers to taking the medication "ante cibum," which is Latin for "before meals." This designation is commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate the timing of medication administration relative to meals. Taking medication before meals can enhance absorption for certain medications or reduce potential interactions with food, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness.

Understanding the timing of medication administration is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. This instruction is particularly important for patients managing conditions such as diabetes, where blood glucose levels need careful monitoring in relation to food intake.