Other Terms found on Labels

28.7.2 Other Terms found on Labels The following terms may also be on the label:

Recommended Dose:

The effective, safe dose for a specific animal.

Maximum Dose:

The maximum dose which should be given regardless of the weight of the animal.

Administration:

How to give the medicine. The following abbreviations may be used:

IM = intramuscular (in the muscle)

SC or SQ = subcutaneous (under the skin)

IV = intravenous (in the vein)

Orally, Per Os, PO = in the mouth Topically = on the skin or wound Frequency:

How often to give the medicine. The following abbreviations might be used:

SID = once per day BID = twice per day TID = three times per day QID = four times per day “q” means “every.” For example, “q12 hours” means “every twelve hours”

Protection/Caution/Warning:

Special instructions for special situations (e.g. pregnancy, lactation) or animals (e.g. young animals, certain species of animal).

Withdrawal Time:

The amount of time needed to rid the body of the medicine or its residues. Withdrawal times can be indicated for slaughter of the animal, or for its milk.

Examples of Withdrawal Time:

If the milk withdrawal time is 72 hours, the animal's milk is not safe to drink for the first 72 hours after the medicine was given, because the milk may contain harmful medicine residues. After 72 hours, the cow's milk is safe to drink by humans.

If the meat withdrawal time is 1 week, then the animal should not be slaughtered for at least 1 week after the medicine was given.

Species:

Some medicines should only be used on certain species of animals.

Liveweight or Bodyweight:

This refers to the weight of the animal and is often abbreviated as “l.w” or b.w..” The term is used when indicating doses.

Toxic Dose:

The toxic dose is usually the maximum dose which can be given safely. If the toxic dose is exceeded, the animal may die.