Sig code: timing
AC medical abbreviation
AC means "before meals", from the Latin "ante cibum".
Each meaning matched at least two public references (4 in all for AC), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
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What AC means
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| before meals | ante cibum | Prescriptions, Medication labels |
Also written: a.c.
Example
Sample label text: "take AC."
A made-up line that shows the abbreviation in place. It is not about any patient and is not an instruction.
Related abbreviations
Elsewhere on Rivvi
Questions
What does AC mean in medical terms?
AC means "before meals", from the Latin "ante cibum".
What does AC stand for in Latin?
AC comes from "ante cibum", meaning "before meals".
Where is AC used?
AC shows up in prescriptions and medication labels. Its category here is sig code: timing.
Is AC on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No. AC is not on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list or the ISMP error-prone list as checked on October 23, 2026.