What does the abbreviation 'p.c.' stand for in prescribing context?

In the context of prescribing, the abbreviation 'p.c.' stands for "after meals." This is a critical instruction for patients regarding the timing of their medication intake. Administering medication after meals can influence the drug's absorption and effectiveness, as certain medications may cause gastrointestinal upset if taken on an empty stomach or may require the presence of food to be properly metabolized.

The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of 'p.c.' and might lead to confusion in medication administration. For instance, 'prior to meals' describes a different timing for medication which is indicated by 'a.c.' (ante cibum) instead. 'Per calendar' does not pertain to a timing reference for when to take medication, and 'post consultation' similarly does not relate directly to meal timings or instructions regarding drug administration. Therefore, understanding that 'p.c.' specifically denotes "after meals" is fundamental for proper patient guidance in medication schedules.