What does "p.c." or "pc" indicate for medication timing?

The abbreviation "p.c." stands for "post cibum," which is Latin for "after meals." When a medication is prescribed to be taken p.c., it means that the patient should take the medication after they have eaten. This timing can be important for certain medications to enhance absorption, reduce nausea, or prevent gastrointestinal discomfort that might occur if a medication is taken on an empty stomach.

The other options refer to different timing or contexts for medication administration. For instance, "before bed" would indicate a nighttime regimen, while "after lunch" specifies a particular meal rather than all meals. "Prior to medication" is not a recognized abbreviation in medication timing, which means it doesn't apply to the appropriate context for administering medications. Thus, understanding the meaning of "p.c." ensures that medications are taken at the correct times for optimal effectiveness.