What is the meaning of the abbreviation "qid" in a prescription?

The abbreviation "qid" in a prescription stands for "quater in die," which is Latin for "four times a day." This indicates to the pharmacy technician how frequently the medication is to be administered. When a prescription specifies "qid," the healthcare provider is instructing that the patient should take their medication four times throughout the day, spaced evenly to maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.

Understanding this abbreviation is crucial for ensuring that patients adhere to their medication schedules properly, which can affect the effectiveness of the treatment they are receiving. Other options describe different frequencies of administration, but only "four times daily" accurately reflects what "qid" indicates in a prescribing context.