What do these letters mean after these medications?

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

Calan SR

Humabid LA

Bactrim DS

Opana ER (I assume this one is extended release)

Oxycontin IR

Would appreciate some help.

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They mean it's time to get a drug book ;)

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
They mean it's time to get a drug book ;)

​BWAH! Touche'!

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Specializes in MICU.

Sr= sustained release

La=long acting

Er= extended release

Ir= immeduate release

Ds= no idea

I learned all these when I was practicing med math from calculaying with confidence by mosby 6th edition

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I'm using the 2015 drug handbook and it doesn't tell me what the two letters mean.

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Sr= sustained release

La=long acting

Er= extended release

Ir= immeduate release

Ds= no idea

I learned all these when I was practicing med math from calculaying with confidence by mosby 6th edition

thanks you.

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Specializes in MICU.

I think the "ds" is dr= delayed release but am not sure

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Specializes in MICU.

Dont worry someone will chip in soon. It is allnurses

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Ds stands for double strength an example is bactrim which also has a bactrim ds antibiotic

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thanks guys, much appreciated.

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Ok, so since you have a drug book, it will usually tell you in the first few pages or in an appendix of abbreviations.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

The membership has been very nice to you.

I ALWAYS ask students to post what they think first so I can better help the student. GBW...research is going to be an important part of your nursing carer. When you don't know something you have to look it up. While we love to help we do not give answers or do the work for you.

Here is an excellent free resource online.

Common medical abbreviations

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