Beyond the Basics
While sig codes cover directions on prescriptions, pharmacy technicians encounter many other abbreviations and acronyms in daily practice. The PTCE may test your knowledge of these additional terms.
Dosage Form Abbreviations
- ER or XR - extended release
- SR - sustained release
- CR - controlled release
- DR - delayed release
- ODT - orally disintegrating tablet
These abbreviations indicate how a medication is designed to release its active ingredient. Extended-release and sustained-release formulations should generally not be crushed or split.
Common Pharmacy Acronyms
- DAW - Dispense As Written
- NDC - National Drug Code
- DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration
- FDA - Food and Drug Administration
- PHI - Protected Health Information
- PA - Prior Authorization
- HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- USP - United States Pharmacopeia
Measurement Abbreviations
- mcg - microgram
- mg - milligram
- g - gram
- kg - kilogram
- mL - milliliter
- L - liter
- mEq - milliequivalent
- IU - international unit
Study Approach
Create a master list of all pharmacy abbreviations and acronyms you encounter during your studies. Group them by category (dosage forms, organizations, measurements, sig codes) for easier review. Flashcards work well for this type of factual content, and you can add new abbreviations as you discover them throughout your study period.