x3d

Medical abbreviation · Prescription

x3d stands for For three days, a prescription abbreviation.

Shorthand duration instruction that earlier editions of the ISMP error-prone list included because "x3d" has been read as "three doses". The same pattern applies to any "x" plus number plus "d" combination, such as x7d or x10d.

Example: Order corrected from "prednisone 40 mg x3d" to "40 mg daily for 3 days".

Usage notes

ISMP recommends writing "for three days" in full. The problem worsens when the dose count and day count differ, as in antibiotic courses; specifying both the frequency and the total duration ("BID for 7 days") gives pharmacists and patients a way to cross-check the total quantity.

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.