What does the abbreviation "ATC" indicate?

The abbreviation "ATC" stands for "around the clock." This term is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that medication should be administered consistently throughout the day at regular intervals, rather than only as symptoms arise or at specific times. This continuous administration is particularly important for medications that require stable blood levels to ensure their effectiveness, such as pain management or chronic condition treatments.

For example, a patient who has been prescribed pain medication on an ATC basis will receive doses at set times rather than waiting until they experience pain. This helps to prevent pain from becoming severe and ensures that the patient maintains a consistent level of medication in their system.

The other options—indications for dosage frequency or timing—do not accurately reflect what ATC encompasses and are thus not aligned with the meaning of the abbreviation.