What does "hs" stand for in medication timing?

The abbreviation "hs" stands for "hora somni," which is Latin for "at bedtime." In the context of medication timing, when a medication is prescribed to be taken "hs," it indicates that the patient should take the medication at night, typically before going to sleep. This timing is crucial for medications that may help with sleep, or those that need to be administered at a time that aligns with the body's natural rhythms or 24-hour cyclical patterns.

Understanding these abbreviations is essential for ensuring patient safety and adherence to medication regimens, as they can influence the effectiveness of the treatment and help prevent potential side effects associated with taking medications at the wrong time.