What does "po" or "pe" signify regarding medication administration?

The abbreviation "po" stands for "per os," which is Latin for "by mouth." This term indicates that a medication is to be taken orally. This route of administration is the most common and is often used for a variety of medications, ranging from tablets and capsules to liquids. When a medication is labeled as "po," it signifies that the patient should ingest the medication through their mouth, allowing for absorption in the digestive tract.

Understanding the terminology used in medication administration is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In contrast, the other abbreviations relate to different routes of administration: "rectal" refers to medications given via the rectum, "topical" refers to medications applied to the skin, and "sublingual" indicates medications placed under the tongue for quick absorption. Knowing these distinctions helps healthcare providers ensure they are administering medications correctly based on the intended route.