When 's' is used in medication directions, what does it mean?

In medication directions, the letter 's' typically stands for the Latin term "sine," which translates to "without" in English. Therefore, when 's' appears in instructions, it indicates that the medication should be taken without food. This is important because certain medications can be affected by food intake, either by altering their absorption rate or by potentially diminishing their effectiveness. For example, some medications may require an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption, making it crucial for patients to follow the guidance indicated by the 's' in their medication instructions.