Ter in die

Medical term for three times a day

Ter in die (abbreviated as TID) is a Latin term used in medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication should be taken "three times a day." This dosing schedule is commonly used in the administration of medications to ensure that the drug maintains its therapeutic effect throughout the day.

Etymology

The term "ter in die" is derived from Latin, where "ter" means "three times" and "in die" means "in a day." This phrase is part of a larger set of Latin abbreviations used in medical prescriptions, which have been traditionally used to convey dosing instructions.

Usage in Prescriptions

In medical prescriptions, "ter in die" is often abbreviated as "TID" or "t.i.d." This abbreviation is used by healthcare providers to instruct patients on how frequently they should take their medication. For example, a prescription might read "Amoxicillin 500 mg TID," indicating that the patient should take 500 milligrams of amoxicillin three times a day.

Importance of Adherence

Adhering to the prescribed "ter in die" schedule is crucial for the effectiveness of many medications. Taking a medication three times a day helps maintain a consistent level of the drug in the bloodstream, which can be important for treating infections, managing chronic conditions, or controlling symptoms. Failure to adhere to the prescribed schedule can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Common Medications Prescribed TID

Many types of medications may be prescribed with a "ter in die" schedule, including:

• Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or metronidazole
• Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Medications for chronic conditions, such as certain antihypertensives or antidiabetics

Considerations and Challenges

While "ter in die" dosing is common, it can present challenges for patients, particularly those with complex medication regimens or those who have difficulty remembering to take their medications. Healthcare providers may recommend strategies such as using pill organizers, setting alarms, or linking medication times with daily routines to help patients adhere to their dosing schedule.

Also see

• BID (bis in die)
• QID (quater in die)
• QD (quaque die)
• PRN (pro re nata)
• Medical prescription