What does 'O.U.' indicate when referring to medication?

' O.U.' stands for "oculus uterque," a Latin term that translates to "both eyes." This abbreviation is often used in medical prescriptions to specify that a medication, such as an eye drop or ointment, should be administered in both eyes, ensuring that the treatment is applied uniformly.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for accurately administering medications as it helps to avoid miscommunication or errors in medication dispensing, especially in treatments that involve the eyes. Each of the other terms you might encounter, such as those referring to oral administration or injections, have distinct abbreviations that differ from 'O.U.' It is essential for medication aides to be familiar with these abbreviations to provide effective care.