In a prescription dosage, what does "x" signify, as in "5 mg x 10 days"?

In a prescription dosage, "x" signifies "times" or "for a duration of." This usage indicates the quantity of medication to be taken over a specific period. For example, in the phrase "5 mg x 10 days," it conveys that the patient should take 5 mg of the medication each day for a total of 10 days. This clarifies the treatment regimen and helps ensure that the prescribed course of therapy is followed correctly.

Understanding this terminology is crucial in a pharmacy setting to ensure accurate communication of medication instructions, which can impact patient adherence and outcomes. Other options may involve operations related to dosage adjustments, but they do not reflect the meaning of "x" in this context of duration in medication prescriptions.