In a medical prescription, BDS, TDS, and HS are abbreviations for the frequency of medication dosing. These abbreviations are commonly used in medical settings to indicate the timing and frequency at which a patient should take their prescribed medication. Here's what each abbreviation stands for:
BDS: "BDS" stands for "twice a day" in Latin, which translates to "bis in die" in medical terminology. This means the medication should be taken two times a day, usually with an interval of approximately 12 hours between doses. For example, if the prescription reads "Take 1 tablet BDS," it means you should take one tablet in the morning and another tablet 12 hours later in the evening.
TDS: "TDS" stands for "three times a day." It comes from the Latin "ter in die." This means the medication should be taken three times a day, usually with an interval of approximately 8 hours between doses. For example, if the prescription reads "Take 1 tablet TDS," it means you should take one tablet in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another one in the evening, with approximately 8-hour intervals.
HS: "HS" stands for "at bedtime" or "hora somni" in Latin. This indicates that the medication should be taken once daily, specifically before going to bed for the night. For example, if the prescription reads "Take 1 tablet HS," it means you should take one tablet before going to sleep at night.
It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions on how and when to take prescribed medications to ensure the proper therapeutic effect and to avoid potential interactions or side effects. If you have any doubts or questions about your prescription, always consult your healthcare provider for clarification.