What Does qid Mean in Medical Terms?

qid stands for four times a day (lowercase form). Frequency in lowercase charting.

four times a day (lowercase form)

Frequency in lowercase charting.

quater in die

Four times a day.

Where you will see qid

You will most often see qid in medication orders and prescriptions, nursing notes, care plans and handovers.

Example

A medication order might be written with “qid” as shorthand for four times a day (lowercase form).

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.