Twice a Day (bis in die)
(BID)
Description
Twice a Day (bis in die): What It Means, Why It Matters, and How We Use It
Ever see the word “bis in die” or the ‘”BID” abbreviation on a medicine bottle or prescription? They’re just Latin words saying “twice a day.” So if a doctor says to take something “twice a day,” he’s telling you to take it two times in each 24 hours. You think it’s simple, but this is pretty important for your health and safety—especially with medicines.
This “twice a day” is pretty obviously to do something twice in a day. You may see “BID” on your prescription. What do doctors, nurses, and pharmacists said to show the time people have to take their medicine? “BID,” –that’s one Latin word, actually, “bis in die” meaning “twice a day.” Doctor, nurses and pharmacists uses such terms to indicate how many times patients have to take medicine.
For example, if you were to get an infection and the physician gave you some antibiotic medicine to “take it twice a day,” it means you are supposed to take one dose during the morning and one in the evening. Usually, there ought to be approximately 12 hours between each dose, but it’s always preferable to go by your doctor’s specific instructions.
Twice a Day Meaning
One, two times a day dose scheduling helps in sustaining favorable levels of the drug in systemic circulation. Hence, if you take it only once or you missed the prescribed time, it may not work as well. But if you take more than you should, it is not a healthy risk. Drugs generally work better when taken at uniform intervals. Thus, it follows that you must get in the habit of taking those “two per day” medications.
Most medications, among which are antibiotics, analgesics, and drugs for chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, fall under predominantly ‘twice a day’ for many types of medication. Doing so can help make you get well more quickly or keep your illness under better control.
How to Remember to Take Medicine Twice a Day?
Taking medicine is something that’s easy to forget, especially when you’re busy. Here are a few very basic ways to help you remember:
- Alarm clock: You may set your phone or a clock to remind you about something in the morning or at night.
- Pill Box: There are compartments in the pill box for every day that remind you to take your pills at that time.
- Linked to routine: Remember one of your meal times by using that as a cue to take it with breakfast or dinner, or when you brush your teeth.
- Track: Keep a table or calendar and mark off each dose when taken.
“Twice a Day” in Other Forms
The direction “twice a day” does not relate to only medications, but you will find this instruction for some other things such as ointments, tooth brushing, or routines of exercises. For example, a dentist will commonly say “Brush your teeth twice a day” to have clean and healthy teeth. In cases of injury, your doctor may recommend particular stretches or exercises that will help you get well and so that you heal well and do these twice a day.
Missing a dose of your medicine is not a problem. Here’s what you need to do:
- Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember if it is a while before your next regularly scheduled dose;
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose; just continue with your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double up unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
If you’re not sure what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll tell you how and when to take your medication safely. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand.
Summary
Very simple and essential is that of “Twice a day” or “bis in die (BID)” when the instruction relates to medication. This is to mean carrying out an action twice a day, with approximately 12 hours between the timings. It helps a great deal in enhancing the efficacy of your medication as well as ensuring your own safety.
Set up alarms, pill boxes, and similar reminders to remind you, and always ask for help if you are unsure what to do.
After all, one little way you establish a better overall well-being for yourself is paying attention to your health – and following directions like “twice a day” seems rather a small matter to heed.