q2h

Medical abbreviation · Prescription

q2h
Stands forEvery 2 hours
CategoriesMedical

q2h stands for Every 2 hours, a prescription abbreviation.

Frequent interval dosing or monitoring, twelve times in 24 hours. It appears on orders for eye drops in severe infections, PRN pain medication, turning and repositioning schedules and close neurological checks.

Example: Moxifloxacin 0.5% one drop OD q2h while awake for bacterial keratitis.

Usage notes

Also written Q2H or q 2 hr. Orders for drops "q2h while awake" deliberately exclude sleeping hours, which should be stated explicitly. Intensive regimens for corneal ulcers may start even more often, hourly (q1h), around the clock.

More prescription abbreviations

  • PC – Post cibum (after meals)
  • PRN – Pro re nata (as needed)
  • q.s. – Quantum sufficit (a sufficient quantity)
  • q12h – Every 12 hours
  • q1d – Once daily
  • q24h – Every 24 hours
  • q2wk – Every 2 weeks
  • q3h – Every 3 hours
  • q4-6h – Every 4 to 6 hours
  • q4h – Every 4 hours
  • q5min – Every 5 minutes
  • q6h – Every 6 hours

See all 77 prescription abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.