What does STAT mean on a prescription?
STAT means immediately, as a single dose given right away.
What it stands for
STAT comes from the Latin statim, meaning immediately. It tells you the timing: this dose is given now rather than at the next scheduled time.
How it looks on a real label
| Sig code | Label directions |
|---|---|
1 tab po stat | Take 1 tablet by mouth immediately |
2 tabs po stat then 1 tab po bid | Take 2 tablets by mouth immediately then 1 tablet by mouth twice daily |
STAT belongs to the hospital and urgent-care world far more than the retail counter. You will meet it on inpatient orders and in emergency settings, where the difference between now and the next scheduled round matters.
It often introduces a loading dose: a larger first dose to bring the level up quickly, followed by a smaller regular one. That is what the second example is doing.
Related codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
UT DICT | as directed |
PRN | as needed |
SL | under the tongue |
Q4-6H | every 4 to 6 hours |
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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Always follow the directions on your own prescription and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.