What does TOP mean on a prescription?
TOP means topically, that is, applied to the skin.
What it stands for
TOP comes from the Latin topicus, from the Greek topikos, meaning of a place. It tells you the route: the medication goes on a specific area of skin.
How it looks on a real label
| Sig code | Label directions |
|---|---|
apply top bid | Apply topically twice daily |
apply small amount top tid prn itching | Apply small amount topically three times daily as needed for itching |
A topical sig uses "apply" rather than "take", and the amount is usually descriptive rather than numeric: a thin layer, a small amount, or a fingertip unit.
Topical does not mean local only. Enough medication can cross the skin to have a whole-body effect, particularly on broken skin, under a dressing, or over a large area, which is why some topical products carry the same cautions as an oral one.
Related codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
AP | apply |
SL | under the tongue |
PR | rectally |
PO BID | by mouth twice daily |
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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.