Bis in die

Bis in die (BID) is a Latin term used in medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication should be taken twice a day. The term is derived from the Latin words "bis," meaning "twice," and "die," meaning "day." In the context of medical instructions, BID is part of a system of time-based prescription notations that also includes other abbreviations such as quaque die (QD) for once a day and ter in die (TID) for three times a day.

Usage

Bis in die is commonly used in both written and electronic prescriptions. It is a critical component of prescription writing to ensure that patients adhere to the correct dosage and timing for their medications. The notation helps to standardize prescriptions and reduce confusion among patients and healthcare providers.

Importance in Patient Care

Proper understanding and adherence to the BID schedule is crucial for the effectiveness of the medication regimen. Incorrect timing can lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes or increased risk of side effects. Therefore, healthcare providers often emphasize the importance of following the prescribed schedule as closely as possible.

Related Terms

Other related terms used in prescription writing include:

• Quaque die (QD) - once a day
• Ter in die (TID) - three times a day
• Quater in die (QID) - four times a day

These abbreviations are part of a broader set of instructions that can also include specific times of day and other dosing instructions.

See Also

• Medical prescription
• Dosage forms
• Pharmacy