List of medical abbreviations: Do-not-use list

The following medical abbreviations are part of a "Do-Not-Use" list due to their potential for causing confusion and leading to medical errors. This list is provided to promote awareness and encourage the use of clearer alternatives.

• U - Unit: Do not use. Mistaken for "zero" (0), the number "four" (4), or "cc". Use "unit". Prescription Notation
• IU - International Unit: Do not use. Mistaken for IV (intravenous) or the number ten (10). Use "International Unit". Dosage Measurement
• Q.D., QD, q.d., qd - Every day: Do not use. Mistaken for each other. The period after Q can be mistaken for "I" and the "O" can be mistaken for "I". Use "daily". Prescription Notation
• Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d, qod - Every other day: Do not use. Mistaken for QD (daily) or QID (four times daily). If the "O" is poorly written, it looks like "QID". Use "every other day". Prescription Notation
• Trailing zero (X.0 mg): Do not use. Decimal point is missed. Use "X mg". Prescription Safety
• Lack of leading zero (.X mg): Do not use. Decimal point is missed. Use "0.X mg". Prescription Safety
• MS - Morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate: Do not use. Can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate. Use full name. Opioid Medication / Electrolyte Supplement
• MSO4 and MgSO4 - Morphine sulfate and magnesium sulfate: Do not use. Confused for one another. Use full name. Pain Management / Electrolyte Supplement

Additional Notes

Healthcare providers are advised to avoid these abbreviations in medical documentation to prevent misinterpretation that could lead to patient harm.