What is QD in Pharmacy?
In pharmacy, QD stands for once daily. It's a Latin abbreviation ( quaque die) frequently used on prescriptions to indicate the frequency of medication administration. However, due to its similarity to other abbreviations, like QID (four times daily), QD is considered a dangerous abbreviation and its use is discouraged by many professional organizations, including The Joint Commission. The period after the "Q" can easily be misinterpreted as an "I," leading to significant dosing errors.
The potential for misinterpretation of QD is a major concern. Several sources highlight this risk:
- Confusion with QID: The most common error is mistaking QD for QID, resulting in a fourfold increase in the prescribed dose.
- Legibility Issues: Handwritten prescriptions can be difficult to read, further increasing the risk of misinterpreting QD.
- Safety Concerns: Incorrect dosage of medication can lead to adverse drug reactions, ranging from mild side effects to life-threatening complications.
Safer Alternatives
To prevent medication errors, many healthcare professionals recommend using the full term "once daily" instead of the abbreviation QD. Other safer alternatives include writing out "once a day" or using clear numerical notations, like "1/day."
QD Pharmacy: A Different Meaning
It's important to note that "QD Pharmacy" also appears in online searches. This refers to the name of several independent compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies typically work closely with patients and healthcare professionals to customize medication formulations. One example is QD Pharmacy located in Walnut Creek, California, as evidenced by Yelp reviews and its website. These businesses should not be confused with the Latin abbreviation for "once daily."
