Sig code: route
AD medical abbreviation
AD means "right ear", from the Latin "auris dextra".
On the ISMP List of Error-Prone Abbreviations. ISMP suggests: Write "right ear".
Each meaning matched at least two public references (2 in all for AD), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
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What AD means
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| right ear | auris dextra | Prescriptions, Medication labels |
Example
Training example of an error-prone entry: "AD" on an ear-drop label.
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 AD mean in medical terms?
AD means "right ear", from the Latin "auris dextra".
What does AD stand for in Latin?
AD comes from "auris dextra", meaning "right ear".
Where is AD used?
AD shows up in prescriptions and medication labels. Its category here is sig code: route.
Is AD on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No, but ISMP lists AD as an error-prone abbreviation. ISMP's suggested practice: Write "right ear".