Common Abbreviations of Drug Names

ACh - Acetylcholine
AMP - Ampicillin
APAP - Acetaminophen
ASA - Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
D5W - 5% Dextrose in Water (IV fluid)
D5NS - 5% Dextrose in 0.9% NaCL (Normal Saline) (IV fluid)
DCN - Darvocet N
EPO - Erythropoietin
GENT - Gentamycin
HCTZ - Hydrochlorothiazide
IDU - Idoxuridine
IFN - Interferon
INH - Isoniazid
LR - Lactated Ringers
MCD - Macrodantin
MS - Morphine Sulfate
MTX - Methotrexate
NS - Normal Saline
NTG - Nitroglycerin
PCN - Penicillin
SK - Streptokinase
TCN - Tetracycline
5-HT - Serotonin

Note that in the abbreviations for IV fluids, the sugar content is listed first (if it contains sugar) as Dextrose. The number which follows the "D" is the concentration of the sugar. Next comes the fluid used as a diluent. This may be water (W), Sodium Chloride as a fraction of Normal Saline (NS), Lactated Ringers Sloution (LR) or others. Become familiar with the order and meaning of these ingredients.