What Does Take 'Two Capsules Every Day' Mean?

Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out and trying to clarify your prescription directions. I am more than happy to help. In fact, this is a topic I have written about before (you can find that article here).

In most cases, if your prescription directions read 'take two capsules by mouth every day' that means you should take two capsules at the same time every day.

If your doctor intended for you to space the dosing of your medication, your prescription directions would read 'take one capsule by mouth twice a day'.

How Prescription Directions Are Formed

In order to reduce prescription drug errors, several organizations have set out to standardize how prescription drug directions are formatted.

One such standardization for formatting directions is as follows:

• Directions = [Verb] + [Quantity] + [Dosage Form] + [Route Of Administration] + [Frequency]

Let's use your example.

• Verb = Take
• Quantity = Two
• Dosage Form = Capsules
• Route of Administration = By mouth
• Frequency = Every day

Again, if your doctor intended for you to take your prescription as one capsule twice a day, they would have written the directions differently (they would have changed the last part of the prescription directions, the 'frequency').

Always Check With Your Doctor Or Pharmacist If You Are Unsure

I will say here that I don't know what you are being treated for, or what the medication in question is, so I can't double-check if your directions make sense with how your drug is typically prescribed.

There is always a chance your doctor isn't following the usual standard that I have outlined here, so I have to emphasize that if you are unsure how to take your medication, please reach out to them for clarification.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question. Reach back out anytime.