What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'gm' in the context of medication?

The abbreviation 'gm' stands for gram, which is a unit of mass in the metric system. In the context of medication, it is commonly used to specify the quantity of a substance, particularly when measuring medication dosages. Understanding this abbreviation is crucial for accurately interpreting medication labels, prescriptions, and administering doses. For example, a medication dosage of 500 gm indicates that a patient should receive 500 grams of that substance, which is essential for ensuring the correct therapeutic effect and minimizing the risk of overdosing or underdosing. This makes familiarity with such abbreviations important for anyone working in healthcare, as precise measurements are vital for patient safety and effective treatment.