W EIGHTS & M EASURES

I- The Metric System:

This system is the legal standard of measures in the USA since 1893. It is used exclusively in stating
quantities, doses etc. both in the USP & the NF. Additionally, it is the system used in chemistry,
physics, research & pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Metric Equivalents of Weights & Measures

Metric Equivalents of Weight
1 kilogram (kg)

= 1,000 gm

1 hektogram (hg) =

100 gm

Metric Equivalents of Measures

1 kiloliter (kL)

= 1,000 L

1 hektoliter (hL) =

100 L

1 decagram (Dg)

10 gm

1 decaliter (DL)

10 L

1 decigram (dg)

0.1 gm

1 deciliter (dL)

0.1 L

1 centigram (cg)

= 0.01 gm

1 centiliter (cL)

= 0.01 L

10 gm

1 milliliter (mL) =

10-3 L

1 microgram (g) = 10-6 gm

1 microliter (L) =

10-6 L

1 milligram (mg) =

-3

10-9 gm

1 nanogram (ng)

1 Picogram

= 10-12 gm

1 Femtogram

= 10-15 gm

II- The Apothecary System:

This is not an official system but has long been used. Many physicians still use this system.
The Apothecary Weights

The Apothecary Measures

1 pound (lb) = 12 ounces

1 gallon (cong)

= 4 quarts

1 ounce (z)

= 8 drams

1 quart (qt)

= 2 pints

1 dram (z)

= 3 scruples

1 pint (pt)

= 16 fluid ounces

1 scruple () = 20 grains (gr)

N.B:

1 fluid ounce (f
z) = 8 fluid drams

1 fluid dram (fz) = 60 minims (m)

When weighed in air at 25oC & 760 mm Hg, 1 f z of water weighs 454.6 grains.

At 4oC, 1 f z of water weighs 456.4 grains.

III- The Avoirdupois System:

This system is used in buying & selling drugs & chemicals except for those which have been
compounded in Rxs. E.g. Aspirin was sometimes bought by the avoirdupois system & dispensed on
Rxs in the apothecary measures.
The avoirdupois system has been used in large scale manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
The grain is the only weight which is identical in the apothecary & the avoirdupois systems of
weight.

The Avoirdupois Weights:

1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces
1 ounce (oz) = 437.5 grains (gr)

IV- Metric Equivalence to the Apothecary & Avoirdupois Systems

A- Metric Equivalence to the Apothecary System
1 gm = 15.432 gr

1 ml = 16.23 minims

1 gr = 64.8 mg

1 f z = 29.57 ml

B- Metric Equivalence to the Avoirdupois System

1 pound (lb) = 453.4 gm (~ 454 gm)

1 kg = 2.2 lb

V- House Hold Measures

1 tea spoonful

= 5 ml

1 measuring cup

= 240 ml

1 dessert spoonful

= 10 ml

One glassful

= 240 ml

1 table spoonful

= 15 ml

One wine glassful

= 60 ml

1 tea cupful

= 120 ml

1 ml

= 32 drops

C. Pediatric Doses:
1. Youngs Rule:

Child dose = [Age X Adult dose] / (Age + 12)

2. Coulings Rule:

Infant dose = [Age (at next birthday) X Adult dose] / 24

3. Frieds Rule:

Infant dose = [Age (in months) X Adult dose] / 150

4. Clarks Rule:

Child dose = [Weight (in lbs) X Adult dose] / 150