What does the abbreviation "IU" stand for in medication terms?

The abbreviation "IU" stands for International Unit in medication terms. This unit of measurement is commonly used in pharmacology to quantify vitamins, hormones, some medications, and vaccines. The use of International Units allows for consistent dosing across various substances that may differ in potency and concentration. For example, the potency of vitamins such as A, D, and E can vary significantly from one source to another, and using a standard unit helps ensure that patients receive effective and safe amounts, regardless of the specific product they are using.

In contrast, the other terms—Intravenous Unit, Intrauterine, and Independent Unit—do not have the same recognized meaning in the context of medication measurement, making them less applicable in medical and pharmaceutical terminology.