What does "pc" mean in medical prescriptions?

In medical prescriptions, "pc" stands for "post cibum," which is a Latin term meaning "after meals." This term is commonly used to indicate that a medication should be taken after a meal, as this can affect the absorption of the medication and help minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate dosing instructions clearly, as timing related to meals can enhance the effectiveness of treatment while ensuring patient safety and comfort. The other terms provide different timing instructions that do not correspond to "pc": for instance, "before meals" or specific frequencies like "4 times a day" or "once a day."