What does the abbreviation "a.c." mean?

The abbreviation "a.c." stands for "ante cibum," which is Latin for "before meals." It is commonly used in medication administration to instruct that a particular medication should be taken before a meal to ensure optimal absorption or effectiveness. This timing is crucial, as certain medications may interact with food or may be better absorbed on an empty stomach. Understanding this abbreviation is essential for providing proper medication administration and ensuring patient safety.

The other options represent different timing related to medication administration but are not applicable to "a.c.," which specifically indicates taking a medication before eating.