How should 'daily' be written in a medical prescription?

In a medical prescription, the term 'daily' is most accurately represented using the Latin abbreviation "q.d." This abbreviation stands for "quaque die," which translates to "once daily" in English. The use of this specific abbreviation helps to standardize communication among healthcare providers and minimizes the risk of misunderstanding regarding dosing schedules.

Using "QD" can potentially lead to confusion because of its similarity to "QOD," which means "every other day." The American Medical Association and the Joint Commission have recommended avoiding "QD" due to the risk of misinterpretation, especially in handwritten prescriptions.

Writing 'daily' out in full could lead to ambiguity, as it may not clearly imply the frequency intended in all contexts. Consequently, the most appropriate and recognized way to indicate 'daily' in a prescription is by using the abbreviation "q.d." to ensure clarity and reduce the risk of dosing errors.