Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

If a medication is to be taken p.c., when should it be taken?

1. After meals

2. In the evening

3. Before meals

4. In the morning

The correct answer is: After meals

When a medication is instructed to be taken "p.c.," it means "post cibum," which is Latin for "after meals." This term is commonly used in medical prescriptions and helps healthcare providers indicate the timing of medication relative to food intake. Taking the medication after meals can sometimes enhance absorption or minimize side effects, which may occur when medications are taken on an empty stomach. The confusion with other timing instructions often arises from similar abbreviations that refer to different meal times. However, in this context, the definitive action is to administer the medication after the patient has eaten.