BD / BID (Twice Daily)

Key Takeaways

• BD stands for bis die (Latin for "twice daily") and is also written as BID (bis in die)

• BD dosing means taking medication two times per day, typically 12 hours apart

• BD is the standard UK abbreviation; BID is more common in the United States

• Twice-daily dosing is frequently prescribed for conditions requiring consistent symptom management

What Is BD / BID?

BD is a medical abbreviation derived from the Latin bis die, meaning "twice daily." It is also written as BID (bis in die). When BD appears on a medical cannabis prescription, it instructs the patient to take their medication two times per day, typically spaced approximately 12 hours apart.

What Does BD Mean on a Prescription?

BD is one of the most frequently used dosing abbreviations in UK healthcare. According to the British National Formulary (BNF), BD dosing means taking a medication twice each day, usually in the morning and evening. A medical cannabis prescription might read: "1ml BD" — meaning take 1 millilitre of cannabis oil twice daily.

For medical cannabis patients, BD dosing is commonly prescribed for conditions requiring consistent symptom management throughout the day, such as chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia where an evening dose supports sleep.

Is There a Difference Between BD and BID?

BD and BID mean exactly the same thing. BD (bis die) is the standard abbreviation used in UK prescribing practice, while BID (bis in die) is more commonly seen in the United States and international medical literature. Your Releaf prescription will typically use BD.

How Should I Take Medical Cannabis BD?

When your prescription states BD, aim to space your doses evenly — approximately 12 hours apart. Common approaches include:

• Morning and evening (e.g., 8am and 8pm)

• With meals if advised — breakfast and dinner

• Consistent timing each day for optimal therapeutic effect

Maintaining a regular schedule helps sustain steady levels of cannabinoids in your system, which may provide more consistent symptom relief compared to PRN (as-needed) dosing.

Dosing Frequency Comparison

Is BD Dosing Right for You?

Every patient's needs are different. Your dosing schedule will be tailored during your consultation and may be adjusted as your treatment progresses. Check the Releaf+ membership for details on follow-up appointments and ongoing care.

If you're considering medical cannabis treatment, Releaf's team of 55+ specialist doctors can help find the right dosing schedule for you. Use our medical cannabis eligibility checker to get started — appointments are available this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does BD mean on a prescription?

A: BD stands for bis die, meaning "twice daily." It instructs you to take your medication two times per day, usually morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart.

Q: Is BD the same as BID?

A: Yes. BD and BID mean exactly the same thing — twice daily. BD is the standard abbreviation in UK prescribing practice, while BID is more commonly used in the United States.

Q: What time should I take BD medication?

A: Aim for approximately 12-hour intervals. Most patients take their morning dose around 8am and evening dose around 8pm, but your specialist may recommend specific times based on your symptoms.

Q: Can BD dosing be changed to once daily?

A: Yes. Your specialist may adjust your frequency at a follow-up appointment depending on how well your symptoms are managed. Some patients move from BD to OD (once daily) or PRN (as required). See Releaf+ membership for details on follow-up consultations.

Related Glossary Terms

• TDS (Three Times Daily) — take medication three times per day, approximately every eight hours

• PRN (As Required) — take medication only when symptoms arise, up to a daily maximum

• OD (Once Daily) — take medication once per day at a consistent time