If a medication is prescribed to be taken a.c., what does that mean?

When a medication is prescribed to be taken a.c., it signifies that the medication should be taken "ante cibum," which is Latin for "before meals." This timing is crucial for certain medications as their effectiveness can be influenced by the presence of food in the stomach. For example, some medications are better absorbed in the absence of food, while others may require an empty stomach to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

It’s essential to adhere to the prescribed timing to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Thus, understanding that “a.c.” specifically indicates administration before meals is key in medication management, especially in gerontology where polypharmacy and timing can significantly affect older patients' health.