CC in pharmacy, short for cubic centimeter, is a unit of volume that is equivalent to a milliliter (mL). In the context of medications, particularly liquid medications, the terms are interchangeable.
Understanding CC and mL
When dealing with liquid medications, you might encounter dosages prescribed in either CC or mL. It's important to understand that:
- 1 CC = 1 mL
Therefore, if your prescription reads "5 CC" of a medication, it is the same as "5 mL." You do not need to adjust the dosage based on whether it's measured in CC or mL.
Why Two Different Names?
The terms are essentially different names for the same measurement unit. Using mL is more common in modern healthcare settings, but CC may still be encountered, particularly on older syringes or measuring devices. There's no practical difference for the user, so long as you understand the equivalence.
Example: Oral Syringes
Oral syringes used to administer liquid medications often have markings in both mL and CC. This is because both units of measurement indicate the same volume. You can fill the syringe to the "5 CC" mark or the "5 mL" mark, and you will be administering the correct dose.
Key Takeaway
Don't be confused if you see CC instead of mL on your medication packaging or syringe. They represent the same volume, so your dosage remains the same.
