What does "s" mean when seen on a medical prescription?

In medical prescriptions, the abbreviation "s" is derived from the Latin word "sine," which means "without." This abbreviation is commonly used by healthcare professionals to indicate that a medication or treatment should be administered without a particular substance or component. For instance, if a prescription states “s food,” it would mean to take the medication without food. Understanding this terminology is crucial for ensuring proper medication administration and patient safety, as it clarifies specific instructions that could impact treatment efficacy or patient well-being. This abbreviation plays a key role in effectively communicating important instructions between healthcare providers and patients.