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Dictionary · Abbreviation

IU

An abbreviation for international unit, banned by the Joint Commission because it is misread.

eye-YOO (said as letters) abbreviationDo not use

What it means

International units measure the activity of some drugs and vitamins, such as vitamin D and vitamin E. The abbreviation IU is on The Joint Commission's official "Do Not Use" list and ISMP's error-prone list, because it has been read as IV (intravenous) or as the number 10. Write "international units" in full.

For the nurse

If an order or label you are writing uses IU, write it out instead; if you receive an order with IU, clarify it with the prescriber before giving the drug.

Related terms

IV

Intravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.

vitamin E

A fat-soluble vitamin that protects cells from damage, found in nuts, seeds, plant oils and green leafy vegetables.

Filed under
AbbreviationsPharmacology

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