What does the abbreviation "A.C." stand for in medication terminology?

The abbreviation "A.C." stands for "Before meals." This terminology is commonly used in medication administration to indicate the timing of when a medication should be taken in relation to meals. For example, if a doctor prescribes a medication to be taken A.C., it means that the patient should take the medication before eating, which can affect the absorption and effectiveness of the drug. Understanding such abbreviations is crucial for medication aides to ensure that patients receive their medications at the appropriate times relative to meals.