What does "w" typically represent in dosage instructions?

In dosage instructions, "w" commonly stands for "weekly." This means that the medication is to be taken or administered once every week. This is particularly relevant when prescribing medications that may not require daily administration, allowing for a more convenient schedule for patients who may be managing multiple treatments or strict regimens.

While daily, hourly, and monthly are all potential dosing schedules, they are usually denoted by different abbreviations or terms (e.g., "d" for daily, "h" for hourly, and "mo" for monthly). Therefore, understanding that "w" is linked to a weekly schedule helps in accurately interpreting and following medication instructions, ensuring effective treatment without confusion.