What it means
From the Latin oculus dexter, OD has long meant the right eye. It has also been written for "once daily" and, in emergency notes, for an overdose. ISMP lists both the right eye and the once-daily uses as error-prone: oral liquid medicines meant for "OD" (once daily) have been put in a client's eye, and OD has been read as OS (left eye) or AD (right ear). Write "right eye" and "daily" instead.
For the nurse
Do not write OD. If an order uses it, contact the prescriber to clarify the route or frequency before giving the drug.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | OS (left eye) and OU (each eye) are on the same ISMP list |
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Related terms
OS
An abbreviation for left eye, from the Latin oculus sinister.