What does the abbreviation 'q.i.d.' indicate in medication administration?

The abbreviation 'q.i.d.' stands for "quater in die," which is Latin for "four times a day." When a medication order includes 'q.i.d.,' it means the patient should receive that medication four separate times throughout the day. This frequent dosing schedule is often used to maintain consistent levels of the medication in the bloodstream or to manage specific symptoms effectively.

For example, a medication prescribed as 'q.i.d.' would typically be administered at evenly spaced intervals, such as in the morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. This helps ensure that the therapeutic effects are sustained throughout the day while minimizing peaks and troughs in drug levels. Understanding this abbreviation is crucial for proper medication administration and patient adherence to treatment regimens.