OD (Medical Term)
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Once Daily – A prescription directive indicating a medication should be taken once per day.
- Right Eye (Oculus Dexter) – Used in ophthalmology to refer to the right eye.
- Overdose – Refers to the consumption of a drug or substance in quantities higher than prescribed or safe, leading to toxic effects.
History and Origin
The abbreviation “OD” originates from Latin. In medical prescriptions, OD means Omni Die, translating to “once a day.” In ophthalmology, Oculus Dexter is Latin for “right eye.” The term “overdose” comes from modern English usage, combining “over” and “dose,” emerging in the 19th century to describe excessive drug intake.
Detailed Explanation
OD has varied meanings depending on the medical context:
- Once Daily – Commonly found in prescriptions, it directs patients to take medication once a day, typically at a consistent time for optimal efficacy.
- Right Eye – In ophthalmology, OD specifies treatments or conditions affecting the right eye.
- Overdose – This refers to taking an excessive amount of a substance, whether accidentally or intentionally, resulting in harmful effects. An overdose may require immediate medical intervention, especially in the case of toxic or narcotic substances.
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed the antibiotic to be taken OD, meaning once daily.
- The eye drops are labeled OD for application only in the right eye.
- She was rushed to the hospital due to an accidental overdose (OD) of painkillers.
- The prescription stated “OD” to indicate the tablet should be consumed every morning.
- In ophthalmology, OD is often used to record the vision of the right eye.
- Overdose symptoms (OD) include nausea, confusion, and breathing difficulties.
- Always clarify with your doctor if OD refers to “once daily” or “right eye” in your prescription.
- The label “OD” on the eye drops ensured they were used correctly on the right eye only.
- Drug abuse can lead to an unintentional OD with life-threatening consequences.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Once daily – Alternative wording for OD in prescriptions.
- Right eye – Non-abbreviated term for OD in ophthalmology.
- Overuse – Excessive consumption, often synonymous with overdose.
- Excessive dose – Similar to overdose, indicating more than the prescribed amount.
- Toxicity – The harmful effects resulting from an overdose.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Prescription – A medical directive where terms like OD are used.
- Ophthalmology – The medical field where OD refers to the right eye.
- Dosage – The prescribed amount of medication to be taken, like OD (once daily).
- Toxicology – The study of the harmful effects of substances, including overdoses.
- Medication – Substances prescribed with instructions like OD for frequency.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- QID – Refers to taking medication four times a day.
- BID – Refers to taking medication twice daily.
- TID – Refers to taking medication three times daily.
- Ophthalmic – Relating to the eyes, where OD is frequently used.
- Overmedication – Taking too much medication, leading to effects similar to OD.
Antonyms
- Subtherapeutic – A dose too low to be effective.
- Underuse – Failure to take enough medication as prescribed.
- Minimum dose – The smallest effective dose.
- Correct dose – The appropriate, safe amount of medication.
- Omission – Failing to take a prescribed dose.