When taking medication described as QOD, how often should it be taken?

The term QOD stands for "every other day." It is commonly used in prescribing medication to indicate that the patient should take the medication on one day and then skip the next day, continuing in this alternating pattern. This dosing schedule can be important for medications that need to be spaced out to prevent accumulation in the body, reduce side effects, or for conditions that require intermittent treatment. Understanding abbreviations like QOD is essential in nursing practice to ensure proper administration and adherence to prescribed regimens.