Which abbreviation would typically be used to indicate a dose taken before meals?

The abbreviation used to indicate a dose taken before meals is "ac," which stands for "ante cibum," a Latin term meaning "before meals." This is a standard abbreviation in medical terminology and is widely recognized in healthcare settings to instruct that a medication should be taken prior to eating. It helps ensure that the medication is administered in a manner that optimizes its effectiveness, as some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach to be absorbed properly.

Understanding the correct use of these abbreviations is crucial for anyone working in healthcare, as it helps to avoid medication errors and ensures proper patient compliance. For example, bid means "twice a day," au refers to both ears, and ad means "to or toward." Each of these serves specific purposes in medical instructions, but when it comes to the timing of medication relative to meals, "ac" is the correct and most relevant abbreviation.