ut dict

Medical abbreviation · Prescription

ut dict stands for Ut dictum (as directed), a prescription abbreviation.

Latin instruction meaning the patient should take or use the medicine as previously explained. Pharmacists dislike it because the label then gives no dosing information, and insurers cannot calculate a days' supply.

Example: Prednisone 10 mg tabs #21, ut dict per taper sheet.

Usage notes

Also written ut dict. or u.d. ISMP lists the related form "UD" as error-prone because it can be read as "unit dose". Most pharmacies will call the prescriber to obtain explicit directions rather than print "use as directed", especially for tapering regimens like prednisone, where a dosing error is easy.

Related abbreviations

More prescription abbreviations

• aa – Ana (of each)
• AC – Ante cibum (before meals)
• ACHS – Ante cibum et hora somni (before meals and at bedtime)
• ad lib. – Ad libitum (at one's pleasure)
• ATC – Around the clock
• bd – Bis die (twice a day)
• BID – Bis in die (twice a day)
• BIW – Twice a week
• BT – Bedtime
• cc – Cubic centimeter
• c̄ – Cum (with)
• D/C – Discontinue

See all 77 prescription abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.