What does PC mean on a prescription?
PC means after meals. A medicine prescribed PC is taken following food, which reduces stomach irritation and can improve absorption.
- Means:
- after meals
- From:
- post cibum
- Type:
- When
- Also written:
- pc, p.c., PC
What it means in practice
PC is Latin for post cibum, “after food”. It is used for medicines that upset an empty stomach, such as NSAIDs and metformin, and for those absorbed better alongside a meal. Like AC, it usually sits next to a frequency.
Example on a prescription
Metformin 500 mg PO BID PC
Take one 500 mg metformin tablet by mouth twice a day, after your morning and evening meals.
Commonly confused with
- ACAC is ante cibum, before meals — the opposite instruction.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after eating is PC?
Generally within about 30 minutes of finishing the meal, unless the label is more specific.
What does BID PC mean?
Twice a day, each dose after a meal — typically after breakfast and after dinner.
Related abbreviations
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This page explains prescription notation for general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace your prescriber or pharmacist. If a label is unclear or differs from what you were told, check with your pharmacy before taking the medicine.