What does the abbreviation "ac/pc" signify in medication administration?

The abbreviation "ac/pc" stands for "ante cibum" and "post cibum," which are Latin terms meaning before meals and after meals, respectively. This designation is commonly used in medication administration to instruct the timing of medicine intake relative to meal consumption. For example, if a medication is prescribed to be taken "ac," it means the medication should be taken before eating, whereas "pc" indicates it should be taken after eating. Understanding this abbreviation is crucial in ensuring that medications are administered correctly and that their efficacy is maximized, as some medications may work better when taken on an empty stomach or after food.