What does QPM mean on a prescription?
QPM means every evening. A medicine prescribed QPM is taken once a day in the later part of the day, though not necessarily right before sleep.
- Means:
- every evening
- From:
- quaque post meridiem
- Type:
- When
- Also written:
- qpm, q.p.m., QPM, q PM
What it means in practice
QPM is the counterpart to QAM. It differs from QHS, which means specifically at bedtime — QPM gives more latitude, anywhere in the evening.
Example on a prescription
Simvastatin 20 mg PO QPM
Take one 20 mg simvastatin tablet by mouth each evening.
Commonly confused with
- QHSQHS is specifically at bedtime; QPM is anywhere in the evening.
- QAMQAM is every morning.
Frequently asked questions
What does QPM mean on a prescription?
Take it every evening — one dose a day, later in the day.
Is QPM the same as at bedtime?
No. At bedtime is QHS or HS. QPM is broader and means any time in the evening.
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.