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