Which abbreviation indicates that medication should be administered to both eyes?

The abbreviation that indicates medication should be administered to both eyes is represented by the letter "u," which stands for "oculus uterque" in Latin, translating to "each eye" or "both eyes." This is an important abbreviation used in pharmacy and medical prescriptions to ensure clarity in dispensing eye medications.

For instance, if a prescription specifies medication to be instilled "u," it clearly conveys to the pharmacist or healthcare provider that the treatment must be applied in both eyes, avoiding any confusion that might arise from unclear terminology.

Other abbreviations might refer to different aspects of medication administration but do not specify both eyes. "a" is commonly associated with the term "ante," meaning before, which does not relate to eye treatment. "d" typically relates to "dexter," meaning right, and thus focuses only on one eye. "q4" indicates a dosing interval, specifically every four hours, without giving any indication about which eye is to be treated.

Recognizing these distinctions helps ensure proper medication administration and adherence to prescriptions in pharmacy practice.