Three times a day, in short
Three times a day (written TID or t.i.d. on prescriptions) usually means 3 doses spread across your waking hours, often with meals. It isn't always the same as every 8 hours (q8h), which spaces doses evenly around the clock, including overnight.
Three times a day schedules
A few common ways to fit 3 doses into a day. The calculator above spreads them evenly between your own wake-up time and bedtime.
| Schedule | Good for |
|---|---|
| 7am, 3pm, 11pm | Evenly spread over a 7am to 11pm day (the same as every 8 hours) |
| 8am, 2pm, 8pm | 6 hours apart, finished by early evening |
| 8am, 12pm, 6pm | With breakfast, lunch and dinner, when the label says to take it with food |
Three times a day vs every 8 hours
Three times a day usually allows more flexibility than every 8 hours, which is used when doses need to be evenly spaced around the clock. The calculator above spreads the doses from when you wake up to when you go to bed, which is the most even spacing you can get without a dose at night. If you're not sure how strict your timing needs to be, ask your pharmacist.
How many doses in a course?
| Course length | Doses (3 a day) |
|---|---|
| 5 days | 15 |
| 7 days | 21 |
| 10 days | 30 |
| 14 days | 42 |
Your pharmacist can confirm how many doses your prescription should have.
Common questions
What times should I take medicine 3 times a day?
Most people spread the doses across the hours they're awake: one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. With a 7am to 11pm day, that's 7am, 3pm and 11pm. If the label says to take it with food, breakfast, lunch and dinner work too.
Is three times a day the same as every 8 hours?
Not always. Three times a day (TID) usually means three doses spread across your waking hours, often with meals. Every 8 hours (q8h) means evenly spaced doses around the clock, including overnight. If you're not sure which your prescription means, ask your pharmacist.
Do I need to wake up at night for a three times a day medicine?
Usually not. Three times a day normally means doses during your waking hours. If your prescription says every 8 hours instead, or you're not sure, ask your pharmacist.
How many tablets is 1 tablet 3 times a day for 7 days?
21 tablets, which is 3 a day for 7 days. A 10 day course is 30 tablets.