What does 'h.d.' stand for in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, 'h.d.' commonly stands for "at bedtime," referring to the timing of medication administration. This abbreviation is often used in prescriptions to indicate that a particular medication should be taken before going to sleep. The significance of this is particularly relevant for medications that might have sedative effects or need to be taken at a time when the patient can benefit from their action during sleep.

Understanding abbreviations like 'h.d.' is crucial for medical assistants, as they often assist with medication administration and patient education. When a medication is specified to be taken at bedtime, it helps ensure that patients receive the desired therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects that could occur during waking hours. Therefore, recognizing and correctly interpreting this abbreviation enhances patient care and safety.