Certified Medication Aide Practice

If a medication is labeled as "s" on a prescription, what does it indicate?

1. three times a day

2. topical (on the skin)

3. sublingual (under the tongue)

4. without

The correct answer is: without

The designation "s" in a prescription label stands for the Latin term "sine," which translates to "without." This means that the medication should be administered without a specific component, such as food or another medication. Understanding this terminology is essential in medication administration, as it provides guidance on how to take the medication properly to ensure its effectiveness and minimize interactions with food or other substances. In contrast, other options pertain to different ways of administering medications or dosing schedules. For example, "three times a day" refers to a dosing frequency rather than the absence of something. The topical route describes a method of application rather than a directive related to the contents of a prescription. Lastly, sublingual indicates a specific route of administration, which again differs from the notion of "without." Therefore, the meaning of "s" aligns specifically with the instruction to take a medication without certain considerations.