What does the abbreviation 'ac' signify in medication administration terminology?

The abbreviation 'ac' stands for "ante cibum," which is Latin for "before meals." In medication administration, this term is used to indicate that a medication should be taken before eating. This is important for medications that may have their effectiveness altered by the presence of food in the stomach or may cause gastrointestinal side effects if not taken on an empty stomach. Understanding this terminology is crucial for ensuring that patients receive medications correctly, as it can significantly impact the efficacy of treatment and the patient’s overall health outcomes. The other options refer to different times or conditions for medication administration, but 'ac' specifically pertains to the timing of taking medications in relation to meal consumption.