Sig code: route
NPO medical abbreviation
NPO means "nothing by mouth", from the Latin "nil per os".
Each meaning matched at least two public references (3 in all for NPO), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
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What NPO means
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| nothing by mouth | nil per os | Prescriptions, Medication labels |
Also written: n.p.o.
Example
Sample pre-procedure note: "NPO after midnight."
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 NPO mean in medical terms?
NPO means "nothing by mouth", from the Latin "nil per os".
What does NPO stand for in Latin?
NPO comes from "nil per os", meaning "nothing by mouth".
Where is NPO used?
NPO shows up in prescriptions and medication labels. Its category here is sig code: route.
Is NPO on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No. NPO is not on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list or the ISMP error-prone list as checked on October 23, 2026.