Why Rx Abbreviation for Prescriptions or Drugs?

The Origin of the Rx Symbol

The Rx symbol is commonly used to represent prescriptions and prescription drugs. However, the origin of this symbol is somewhat disputed.

One theory is that the Rx symbol is derived from the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol associated with healing powers. This theory refers to an ancient Egyptian god named Horus, who had a very difficult time when it came to his eyes. One of poor Horus’s eyes was stolen, and his other eye got cut regularly by another god named Thoth. But it wasn’t all bad for Horus because his remaining eye would be restored every month. As a result, Horus’s eye came to represent healing, and, according to some accounts, this ancient symbol used to represent the eye had much in common with the letter “R” in use today.

Another theory is that the Rx symbol is derived from the astrological sign for Jupiter. This theory is supported by the fact that Jupiter was considered a patron of medicine in ancient Roman times. To invoke Jupiter’s blessing on a drug, Roman physicians would place the astrological symbol for Jupiter on the prescription. This symbol looked somewhat like a modern-day “R” with a slanted slash across the letter’s “leg.”

A third theory is that the Rx symbol is simply a Latin abbreviation for the word “recipe,” which means “take.” This theory is supported by the fact that the Rx symbol is customarily part of the superscription (heading) of a prescription. By starting a prescription with Rx, the doctor is admonishing the patient to take the drug he/she is giving them at a certain frequency or time of day.

Ultimately, the origin of the Rx symbol is still unknown. However, the most popular theory is that it is derived from the astrological sign for Jupiter. This theory is supported by the fact that Jupiter was considered a patron of medicine in ancient Roman times, and the symbol for Jupiter looked somewhat like a modern-day “R” with a slanted slash across the letter’s “leg.”

No matter its origin, the Rx symbol is now a universally recognized symbol for prescriptions and prescription drugs. If you see the Rx symbol on a bottle of medication, you know that it is a prescription drug that should only be taken as directed by your doctor.

If you are looking for a way to save money on prescription drugs, consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). Medicare Part D plans can help you pay for your prescription drugs, and they can also help you save money on your out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about Medicare Part D plans, contact Ashford Insurance.