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CHAPTER

5
Dosage Calculations

L earning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you
should be able to:

• Solve one-step pharmaceutical

dosage calculations.
• Set up a series of ratios and
INTRODUCTION
proportions to solve a single
dosage calculation. Proper dosing of medications is important to ensure patient
safety. Calculating dosages, dosage regimens, and
• Determine what information
you will need to solve for, in compounding formulas involves the use of simple math
addition to any given principles. You can solve many of these problems by setting
information, to properly up ratios and proportions using the information given in the
calculate dosages.
question and keeping like units consistent.
• Convert pediatric weights from
pounds to kilograms.
• Accurately determine dosages
based on mg/kg/day.
• Define common sig (signa)
codes used on prescriptions.

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Sig Refresher
The sig portion of the prescription order, meaning signa, is where the instruc-
tions for the patient are written. Pharmacy technicians enter the information
from the prescription order into the computer. The sig is an important value
to remember in order to properly determine pediatric dosages. The following
are some of the more common sigs you will find on prescriptions:

qd = every day
qod = every other day
d = daily bid = twice a day
tid = three times a day
qid = four times a day
q4h = every 4 hr
q6h = every 6 hr
q8h = every 8 hr
q4–6h = every 4–6 hr
prn = as needed

Depending on the workplace, you may also see sigs such as the following:

q3d = every three days

qmwf = every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
qw = every week

Dosage Calculations
Dosage calculations include calculating the number of doses, dispensing
quantities, and ingredient quantities; these calculations are performed in the
pharmacy on a daily basis. The pharmacy technician must have a full work-
ing knowledge of how to perform these calculations.
To perform dosage calculations, you will utilize the information and
principles introduced in the previous chapters of this book. You can solve
these calculations by setting up ratios and proportions, keeping like units
consistent, and cross-multiplying.

CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF DOSES

To calculate the number of doses, you should first determine which informa-
tion presented is actually applicable to the question. Too often mistakes are
made on dosage calculations because we overcomplicate them.

EXAMPLE 5.1 How many 1-tsp doses are in a 4 oz bottle of Prozac® Liquid
Solution 20 mg/5 mL?
Rx Prozac® Solution
..
TT tsp. po qd

Disp. # 4 oz

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Figure 5-1 Drug label for Prozac.

(Courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company.)

Let’s look at the information that has been provided:

..
✓ TT tsp po—the dose
✘ qd—the frequency
✓ 4 oz—the quantity dispensed
✘ Prozac® Solution 20 mg/5 mL—the drug name and strength
✘ 120 mL—the quantity of the stock bottle

The question is simply asking how many doses make up the total amount
being dispensed. The strength of the drug, frequency of dosage and quantity
of the stock bottle have no relevance in performing this calculation.
So now we know that we are working with 1 tsp. doses and a total quan-
tity of 4 oz, but to solve this calculation using a ratio/proportion we have to
have similar units of measure—in this case mL.
We know that 1 tsp = 5 mL and we should also know that 4 oz. = 120 mL,
but if you didn’t that could also be solved by using a ratio/proportion.
1 oz 4 oz
=
30 mL x mL
Cross-multiply and solve the equation for x.
30 * 4 = 120 and 1 * x = (1) x
(1)x = 120
Now that you have both quantities converted to units in mL, we can set
up our ratio/proportion and solve.
1 dose x doses
=
5 mL 120 mL
Cross-multiply
5 * x = 5x and 1 * 120 = 120

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Now set up your equation and solve for x.

5x = 120
To solve for x, divide both sides by 5.
2x 120
=
2 2
120 , 5 = 24
x = 24
So, there are 24 doses (of 5 mL) in a 4 oz (120 mL) bottle.

CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF DOSES

EXAMPLE 5.2 How many doses are provided in the prescription below?
Rx—Ibuprofen 400 mg
. ..
T -TT po q 6 hr prn pain
Disp. # 120

Let’s look at the information that has been provided:

. ..
✓ T -TT po—the dose
✘ q 6 hr prn pain—the frequency
✓ 120—the quantity dispensed
✘ Ibuprofen 400 mg—the drug name and strength

Workplace Wisdom Always use the higher dosage amount when perform-
ing dosage calculations on prescriptions that have a range for the dose, as in
Example 5.2. This will provide the most conservative solution and ensure
the most accurate potential for days supply.
Using the information provided, set up the ratio/proportion and solve.
1 dose x doses
=
2 tabs 120 tabs
Cross-multiply
2 * x = 2x and 1 * 120 = 120
Now set up your equation and solve for x.
2x = 120
To solve for x, divide both sides by 2.
2x 120
=
2 2
120 , 2 = 60
x = 60
So, there is a minimum of 60 doses prescribed.

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.1

1. How many dosages are provided in the prescription listed below?
________________
Rx—Cardura® 2 mg
..
TT po qd

Disp. # 90
2. How many droppersful (a 2.5 mL dosage) are in a 50 mL bottle of
EryPed® Drops? ________________

Figure 5-2 Drug label for EryPed Drops.

(Reproduced with permission of Abbott Laboratories.)

3. How many dosages are provided in the prescription listed below?

_____________________
Rx—Vicodin® 5/500
..
TT po q8hr

Disp. # 50
4. How many 1 tsp doses are in each bottle of Zithromax® 200 mg/5 mL as
listed below, when mixed? ________________

Figure 5-3 Drug label for Zithromax.

(Registered Trademark of Pfizer Inc. Reproduced with permission.)

5. How many dosages are provided in the prescription listed below?

________________
Rx—Regular Insulin U-100 (100 units/mL)
Inject 20 units qAM
Disp. # 1 vial (10mL)

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CALCULATING THE QUANTITY TO DISPENSE

EXAMPLE 5.3 How many Biaxin® 250 mg tablets should be dispensed?
Rx—Biaxin® 250 mg
..
TT po BID
10d

Figure 5-4 Drug label for Biaxin.

(Reproduced with permission of Abbott Laboratories.)

Again, to solve this dosage calculation it is important to first determine

which information is necessary; it is also critical to know the common SIG
codes to perform dosage calculations.
Let’s look at what information that has been provided:
..
✓ TT po—the dose
✓ BID—the frequency
✓ x 10d—the duration
✘ Biaxin® 250 mg—the drug name and strength
✘ 100 tablets—the quantity of the stock bottle

To calculate the appropriate quantity to dispense, use the following

formula:

dose
frequency
duration  quantity to dispense

Using the information provided in the prescription, you can set up the
calculation as such:

1
2
10  x
dose frequency duration quantity to dispense
1
2
10  20
20  x

So, 20 tablets of Biaxin® 250 mg should be dispensed.

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CALCULATING THE QUANTITY TO DISPENSE

EXAMPLE 5.4 How much Promethazine w/Codeine syrup should be dispensed?
Rx—Promethazine w/Codeine Syrup 6.25/10
..
TT tsp. po QID
4d
Let’s look at what information has been provided:
..
✓ TT tsp. po—the dose
✓ QID—the frequency
✓ x 4d—the duration
✘ Promethazine w/Codeine Syrup 6.25/10—the drug name and strength
To calculate the appropriate quantity to dispense, use the following formula:
dose
frequency
duration  quantity to dispense
Using the information provided in the prescription, you can set up the
calculation as such:
1tsp
4
4  x
dose frequency duration quantity to dispense
1
4
4  16
16  x
So, 16 teaspoonsful, or 80 mL, of promethazine w/codeine should be
dispensed.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.2

1. What quantity should be dispensed for the prescription listed below?
________________
Rx—Zoloft® 50 mg
..
TT po qd
Disp. 1 mo. supply
2. What quantity should be dispensed, using the stock medication below,
to provide 20 mg of diazepam prior to the procedure and 10 mg
following? ________________

Figure 5-5 Drug label for

Diazepam.
(Used with permission of
Roxane Laboratories, Inc.)

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3. What quantity should be dispensed for a three-month supply of the

following prescription? ________________
Rx—furosemide 20 mg
..
TT po QOD
4. What quantity should be dispensed if 50 mg of amitriptyline has been
prescribed daily for 3 weeks, if the medication listed below is all that is
available? ________________

Figure 5-6 Drug label for Amitriptyline HCL.

(Courtesy of Geneva Pharmaceuticals.)

5. What quantity should be dispensed for a 30-day supply of the following

prescription? ________________
Rx—Soma® 350 mg
..
TT po BID – TID prn muscle spasms

CALCULATING THE QUANTITY OF INGREDIENT

EXAMPLE 5.5 How much codeine is in each dose of Codeine Phosphate Oral
Solution 15 mg/mL?
Rx—Codeine Oral Soln. 15 mg/mL
..
TT tbsp po prn pain
Disp. # 4 oz

Figure 5-7 Drug label for

Codeine Phosphate Oral
Solution.
(Used with permission of
Roxane Laboratories, Inc.)

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Let’s first look at all of the information provided to determine which will
be used in solving the problem:
..
✓ TT tbsp po—the dose
✘ prn—the frequency
✘ 4 oz—the quantity to dispense
✓ Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution 15 mg/mL—the drug name
and strength
✘ 500 mL—the quantity of the stock bottle

To solve this problem, we need to set up a ratio/proportion using the dose

and strength, but again remember that units of measure must be the same.
The dose (1 tbsp) is equivalent to 15 mL—which you should know.
Now we can set up the ratio/proportion.
15 mg 15 mg
=
5 mL 1 mL
Cross-multiply and then set up the equation to solve for x.
15 * 15 = 225 and 5 * x = 5x
5x = 225

Now divide both sides by 5 to solve for x.

5x 225
=
5 5
x = 45

So, the answer is 45 mg of codeine in each 1 tbsp dose.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.3

Perform the following dosage calculations.

1. Promethazine with codeine syrup contains 6.25 mg promethazine and

10 mg codeine per 5 mL. How many milligrams of promethazine are in
2 tsp? ________________
2. Rx hydroxycobalamine 10,000 mcg/cc 30 cc Sig: 1 cc IM hs
How many milligrams are in each dose?________________
3. Rx acetaminophen with codeine#3 acetaminophen 300 mg/codeine
30 mg 30 tablets
How many grains of codeine are in each tablet? ________________

CALCULATING THE QUANTITY OF INGREDIENT

EXAMPLE 5.6 How many mL of stock Dopamine must be added to the IV solution?
Rx—Dopamine 400 mg added to 500 mL of NS
Stock: Dopamine HCl Injection 80 mg/mL

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Let’s first look at all of the information provided to determine which will
be used in solving the problem:
✓ 400 mg—the dose
✘ 500 mL—the quantity to dispense
✓ Dopamine HCl Injection 80 mg/mL—the drug name and strength

To solve this problem, we must determine how many milliliters of the stock
Dopamine will need to be added to the normal saline IV solution bag.
We must set up a ratio/proportion.
80 mg 400 mg
=
1 mL x mL
Cross-multiply and then set up the equation to solve for x.
1 * 400 = 400 and 80 * x = 80x
400 = 80x
Now divide both sides by 80 to solve for x.
400 80x
=
80 80
x = 5
So, the answer is 5 mL of the stock Dopamine HCl Injection must be
added to the IV solution.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.4

1. Z-Pak®s contain 6 tablets of azithromycin 250 mg, which is taken over
the course of five days. How many total mg of active ingredient are
contained in a Z-Pak®? ________________
2. How many mcg of Fentanyl® would be contained in 1.5 mL?
________________

Figure 5-8 Drug label for

Fentanyl.
(Courtesy of ESI Lederle, a Business
Unit of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,
Philadelphia, PA.)

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3. How many milligrams of acetaminophen are contained in 2 Lortab 2.5

(2.5 mg hydrocodone/500 mg acetaminophen)® tablets? ____________
4. How many milligrams of dexamethasone are contained in the stock
bottle (500 mL) below? ________________

Figure 5-9 Drug label for

Dexamethasone Oral Solution.
(Used with permission of Roxane
Laboratories, Inc.)

5. How many mg of hydrocortisone are found in 1 tbsp of Cortef ®

10 mg/5 mL? ________________

Figure 5-10 Drug label for

Cortef.
(Courtesy of Pharmacia
Corporation.)

CALCULATING THE CORRECT DAYS SUPPLY

EXAMPLE 5.7 How many days should the following prescription last?
Rx—Pamelor® 75 mg
..
TT po BID
Disp. # 50

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Figure 5-11 Drug label for Pamelor.

(Copyright Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Reprinted with permission.)

Let’s determine which information provided will be needed to solve the

problem.
..
✓ TT po—the dose
✓ BID—the frequency
✓ 50—the quantity to dispense
✘ Pamelor® 75 mg—the drug name and strength
✘ 100 capsules—the quantity of the stock bottle

To calculate the appropriate days supply, use the following formula:

Qty. Dispensed
Days Supply =
(Dose * Frequency)
Using the information provided, set up the formula as below.
50 (qty. dispensed)
x =
(1 * 2) (Dose * Frequency)
This becomes . . .
50
x = or x = 25
2
So, this prescription should last for 25 days.

CALCULATING THE CORRECT DAYS SUPPLY

EXAMPLE 5.8 How many days should the following prescription last?
Rx—Kaletra® 133.3 mg/33.3mg
..
TT po BID food.
Disp. # 360

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Let’s determine which information provided will be needed to solve the

problem.
..
✓ TT po—the dose
✓ BID—the frequency
✓ 360—the quantity to dispense
✘ Kaletra® 133.3 mg/33.3mg—the drug name and strength
To calculate the appropriate days supply, use the following formula:
Qty. Dispensed
Days Supply =
(Dose * Frequency)
Using the information provided, set up the formula as below.
360 (qty. dispensed)
x =
(2 * 2) (Dose * Frequency)
This becomes. . .
360
x = or x = 90
4
So this prescription should last for 3 months, or 90 days.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.5

1. How many days will the following prescription last? ________________
Rx—Diabinese® 100 mg
..
TT po qAM
Disp. # 45
2. How many days will a 150 mL bottle of Ceclor® 125 mg>5 mL last, if the
patient is to take 2 teaspoonsful three times daily? ________________

Figure 5-12 Drug label for Ceclor.

(Courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company.)

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3. How many days will the following prescription last? ________________

Rx—Valium® 5 mg
..
TT po BID
Disp. # 60

4. How many days should 10 tablets of Cialis® 5 mg last, if the

prescribed directed to use is a maximum of one tablet q3
days?________________

5. How many days will the following prescription last? ________________

Rx—Keflex® 250 mg
..
TT po TID
Disp. # 42

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.6

1. Rx—Amoxil 250 mg/5 mL
..
TT tsp TID
10d

a. What is the appropriate quantity to dispense? ________________

b. How many total doses are to be dispensed? ________________
c. What is the total amount of amoxicillin, in mg, to be dispensed?
________________
d. How many days should this prescription last? ________________

2. Rx—Dexamethasone Oral Soln. 0.5 mg>5 mL

Give 0.25 mg QOD
Disp. 6 mg

Figure 5-13 Drug label for

Dexamethasone Oral
Solution.
(Used with permission of
Roxane Laboratories, Inc.)

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a. What is the appropriate quantity to dispense?________________

b. How many total doses are to be dispensed? ________________
c. What is the total amount of dexamethasone, in mg, to be dispensed?
________________
d. How many days should this prescription last? ________________

3. Rx—Proventil® Inhaler 17gm (200 inhalations)

..
Use TT puffs BID
Disp. # 1
a. What is the appropriate quantity to dispense? ________________
b. How many total doses are to be dispensed? ________________
c. What is the total amount of albuterol, in mcg, per inhalation?
________________
d. How many days should this prescription last? ________________

4. Rx—Xanax 0.25 mg
. ..
T -TT TID prn
14d

a. What is the appropriate quantity to dispense? ________________

b. What is the maximum number of doses available if 60 tablets are
dispensed? ________________
c. What is the maximum amount of alprazolam, in mg, to be taken
daily? ________________
d. How many days could this prescription last, if 60 tablets are
dispensed? ________________

Pediatric Dosing
Pediatric patients, which include both infants and children, require spe-
cial dosing that is adjusted for their body weight. A number of formulas
have been used throughout the years to determine the best dose for pedi-
atric patients, but the most commonly used method is stated as mg/kg of
body weight.

Pediatric Formulas Children need lower dosages of medication com-

pared to adults. Three formulas are used to help calculate a pediatric
dosage based on whatever information is available. In some children’s hos-
pitals the pharmacy may have a preferred formula. However, the pharmacy
technician should be able to calculate the correct pediatric dosage using
each formula.

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FORMULA Pediatric Dosing

Fried’s Rule
Age in months
Child’s dosage = * Adult dosage
150

Young’s Rule
Age of child in years
Child’s dosage = * Adult dosage
Age of child in years + 12

Clark’s Rule
Child’s weight in pounds
Child’s dosage = * Adult dosage
150

CALCULATING PEDIATRIC DOSAGES

USING FRIED’S RULE
EXAMPLE 5.9 An infant, 15 months old and weighing 20 pounds, needs
Streptomycin Sulfate, which is usually administered to adults as
1 gm (1000 mg), as a daily IM injection. What is the appropriate
dosage for the infant?
To calculate the pediatric dosage based on a child’s age in months, simply
use the formula for Fried’s Rule. Using the information provided, you can set
up the calculation as follows:
15 (Age in months)
Pediatric Dose = * 1000 mg (Adult Dose)
150
15
Pediatric Dose = * 1000
150
Pediatric Dose = 0.1 * 1000
Pediatric Dose = 100 mg
So, according to Fried’s Rule, the pediatric dosage appropriate for a
15-month-old would be 100 mg.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.7

1. A child, 24 months old, needs acetaminophen, and the normal adult
dose is 650 mg. What is the appropriate dosage for the
child?________________
2. An 18-month-old needs amikacin sulfate, and the normal adult dose is
250 mg. What is the appropriate dosage for the child? ________________
3. A child, 30 months old, needs erythromycin, and the normal adult dose
is 250 mg QID. What is the appropriate dosage for the child?
________________

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CALCULATING PEDIATRIC DOSAGES

USING YOUNG’S RULE
EXAMPLE 5.10 Now, let’s reexamine Example 5.9 using Young’s Rule, which uses
the child’s age in years. The age of a 15-month-old could be
expressed as 1.25 years old, since he or she has lived for 12 months
(1 year)  3 months (1/4 or 0.25 of a year).

Using an age of 1.25 years and the information provided in Example 5.5,
set up the calculation, using Young’s Rule, as follows:
1.25 (Age in years)
Pediatric Dose = * 1000 mg (Adult Dose)
13.25 (Age of child + 12)
1.25
Pediatric Dose = * 1000
13.25
Pediatric Dose = 0.094 * 1000
Pediatric Dose = 94 mg

So, according to Young’s Rule, the pediatric dosage appropriate for a

15-month-old would be 94 mg.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.8

1. A 2-year-old child is prescribed amoxicillin, and the normal adult dose is
500 mg. What is the appropriate dosage for the child?________________
2. A 7-year-old needs propylthiouracil, and the normal adult daily dose is
150 mg. What is the appropriate dosage for the child?________________
3. A child, 10 years old, is prescribed Tavist® syrup, and the normal adult
dose is 1.34 mg BID. What is the appropriate dosage for the
child?________________

CALCULATING PEDIATRIC DOSAGES

USING CLARK’S RULE
EXAMPLE 5.11 Now, let’s reexamine Example 5.9 using Clark’s Rule, which uses
the child’s weight in pounds.

Using a weight of 20 pounds and the information provided in Example

5.5, set up the calculation, using Young’s Rule, as follows:
20 (Weight in pounds)
Pediatric Dose = * 1000 mg (Adult Dose)
150
20
Pediatric Dose = * 1000
150
Pediatric Dose = 0.133 * 1000
Pediatric Dose = 133 mg

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So, according to Clark’s Rule, the pediatric dosage, appropriate for a

15-month-old, weighing 20 pounds, would be 133 mg.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.9

1. A child, weighing 85 pounds, is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide, and
the normal adult dose is 50 mg. What is the appropriate dosage for the
child?________________

2. A child, weighing 70 pounds, is prescribed quinine sulfate, and the

normal adult dose is 325 mg TID. What is the appropriate dosage for
the child?________________

3. A child, weighing 112 pounds, is prescribed Kaletra®, a protease

inhibitor combination therapy. The normal adult dose is 400 mg
lopinavir/100 mg ritonavir. What is the appropriate dosage for the
child?________________

Converting Pediatric Weight

To solve pediatric dosing calculations using the mg/ kg method, you must
first determine the patient’s weight in kilograms. To convert weight in
pounds to kilograms, use the following formula:

FORMULA Weight Conversion

1 kg = 2.2 lb

CONVERTING WEIGHT FROM POUNDS TO KG

EXAMPLE 5.12 If the infant weighs 20 pounds, what is his or her weight in kg?

Using the weight conversion formula, you divide the patient’s weight,
which in this case is 20, by 2.2 to convert the weight from pounds to kg.
20 , 2.2 = 9.09
So, the infant weighs 9.09 kg.

EXAMPLE 5.13 If a person weighs 180 lb., divide by 2.2 to find weight in
kilograms.
180
2.2 = 81.82 kg

So 180 lb. equals 81.82 kg.

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.10

Convert the following.
1. 115 pounds = ________________ kg
2. 18 kg = ________________ pounds
3. 74 pounds = ________________ kg
4. 50 kg = ________________ pounds
5. 41 kg = ________________ pounds
6. 60 pounds = ________________ kg
7. 24 kg = ________________ pounds
8. 100 pounds = ________________ kg

Mg / Kg / Day
When the dose is stated in the manufacturer information as mg/kg/day, this
means we can calculate the patient’s weight in kilograms, multiply the rec-
ommended dose, and take into account the number of times per day the dose
is to be given. The goal is to determine how many milligrams can be given in
each dose.

Step 1: Determine weight in kilograms.

Step 2: Multiply by the recommended dose.
Step 3: Divide by the number of doses given daily.

CALCULATING DOSAGES USING MG/KG/DAY

EXAMPLE 5.14 Using the infant from Example 5.9, determine the pediatric dosage
if it is recommended to administer 20 mg/kg/day (maximum of
1gm) of Streptomycin Sulfate.

The infant’s weight in kg has already been calculated as 9.09, so now we

will multiply the recommended number of milligrams by her weight in kilo-
grams to calculate the appropriate daily pediatric dosage.
20 mg * 9.09 kg * 1 day = Pediatric Daily Dosage
20 * 9.09 * 1 = Pediatric Daily Dosage
181.8 = Pediatric Daily Dosage

So, according to mg/kg/day, the patient should be given 181.8 mg of

Streptomycin Sulfate as a daily IM injection.

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Using the patient from Example 5.13, an order is given for a dose stated
as 20 mg/kg tid.

Step 1: The weight has been determined to be 81.82 kg.

Step 2: Multiply 81.82 by 20 mg, which equals 1634 mg.
Step 3: Divide the total number of milligrams for the day by the number of
doses for the day: 1634 mg>3 = 544 mg.

Based on his weight, the patient should receive 544 mg of drug per dose.
The patient used in the preceding example weighs 180 lb. and is probably
an adult. The same principles apply to calculating appropriate dosages for a
child based on body weight in kilograms.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.11

1. A dose of 4 mg/kg/day of Plaquenil® can be recommended for certain
children suffering from lupus. What would be the appropriate dosage
for a patient weighing 47 kg? ________________
2. The daily dose of Omnicef®, in children, is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum
dose of 600 mg/day. What is the appropriate daily dosage for a patient
who weighs 98 pounds? ________________
3. The recommended dosage of fluconazole is 6 mg/kg on day one,
followed by 3 mg/kg/day for oropharyngeal candidiasis. What are the
appropriate dosages for a child weighing 30 kg? ________________
4. A child, weighing 76 pounds, is prescribed the antibiotic, Cefaclor. It is
recommended for children to receive 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses
every 8 hours. How many mg should the child take per dose?
________________
5. Acute lymphatic leukemia in children can respond well to methotrexate
given 2.5 mg/kg every 14 days by IV. What would be the appropriate
dosage of methotrexate to administer biweekly to a child weighing
110 pounds? ________________

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 5.12

Perform the following pediatric dosage calculations.
1. Rx tetracycline 25 mg/kg in four equal doses
Your patient is 10 years old and weighs 88 lb.
a. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the total dosage for this prescription?________________
c. How much is each dose? ________________

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2. Rx amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate 45 mg/kg/day q12h

Your patient is 6 years old and weighs 68 lb.
a. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the total dosage per day? ________________
c. How much is each dose? ________________
3. Rx furosemide 1 mg>kg daily
Your patient is 3 years old and weighs 22 lb.
a. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the daily dose? ________________
4. Rx albuterol oral syrup 2 mg/5 mL 0.2 mg/kg/day in three divided
doses
Your patient is 5 years old and weighs 62 lb.
a. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the total dosage per day? ________________
c. How much is each dose? ________________
5. Rx amantadine 6.6 mg/kg/day in two doses, not to exceed 150 mg
per day
Your patient is 6 years old and weighs 54 lb.
a. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the total dosage per day? ________________
c. How much is each dose? ________________

SUMMARY
Dosage calculations are varied, and more than likely will be the pharmacy
calculations you perform most often. Dosage calculations include determin-
ing the number of doses, dispensing quantities, and ingredient quantities, for
both adult and pediatric patients.

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CHAPTER

5
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE 7. How many milligrams are in a 2-mL dose of
prochlorperazine injection 5 mg/mL given IM
1. How many 1-tsp doses are in 1 qt. of lactulose for severe nausea and vomiting?
solution, USP 10 g/15 mL?________________ ________________
a. 32 doses c. 128 doses a. 10 mg c. 2.5 mg
b. 64 doses d. 192 doses b. 5 mg d. 15 mg
2. How many milligrams of estradiol are delivered 8. How many milliliters of chloral hydrate syrup
over 72 hours by one 0.075 mg/day 500 mg/5 mL are required for a dose of
patch?________________ 100 mg?________________
a. 0.225 mg c. 8 mg a. 2.5 mL c. 2 mL
b. 1.6 mg d. 0.075 mg b. 5 mL d. 1 mL
3. You are asked to compound maldroxyl 60 mL, 9. The recommended pediatric dose for promet-
diphenhydramine elixir 60 mL, and viscous li- hazine is 0.25 mg/kg qid. What is the best
docaine 2%, qs to 200 mL. How much viscous dose for a 12-year-old male who weighs
lidocaine 2% will you need to prepare the 95 lb?________________
order?________________
a. 2.5 mg c. 12.5 mg
a. 60 mL c. 80 mL
b. 10 mg d. 15 mg
b. 4 mL d. 200 mL
10. How many total grams of active ingredient are
4. The recommended pediatric dose of ampicillin in five syringes of testosterone 4 g/100 g topical
is 25 mg/kg/day q8h. Your patient is a 4-week- gel containing 3 g of gel each? What is the
old infant who weighs 8.7 pounds. Which is the percent strength of the final product?
best dose for this patient? ________________ ________________
a. 15 mg c. 33 mg a. 15 g, 0.4% c. 2.4 g, 40%
b. 25 mg d. 45 mg b. 0.6 g, 4% d. 60 g, 0.04%
5. How many days will 4 oz. of clemastine fumer-
ate syrup 0.5 mg/5 mL last if the dose is 1/2 tsp
daily?________________ TRUE OR FALSE
a. 24 days c. 30 days 11. When solving dosage calculations, it is helpful
b. 48 days d. 60 days to look for the given. ________________
6. How many grams of drug are in 480 mL of a. true b. false
docusate sodium syrup 60 mg/15 mL? 12. When setting up ratios and proportions to solve
________________ dosage calculations, it is best to keep like units
a. 28.8 g c. 1920 g consistent. ________________
b. 1.92 g d. 2.88 g a. true b. false

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13. The unknown, x, will always be located in the
upper left corner when setting up dosage
calculations. ________________
a. true b. false
14. When choosing the answer in a multiple-choice
question, you should find the numerical answer
regardless of units. ________________
a. true b. false
15. You can solve most dosage calculations by
cross-multiplying. ________________
a. true b. false
17. Name three types of dosage forms.
________________ ___________ ___________
18. Which dose is larger, 4 mg/mL or 1 mL of 4%
gel? ________________
19. How many milligrams of drug are in 0.5 mL of
a cream that is 4 mg/mL? ________________
20. How many milliliters will be required to pro-
vide the necessary dose of albuterol oral syrup
2 mg/5 mL to be given 0.2 mg/kg/day tid for a
patient who weighs 88 lb.? ________________

SHORT ANSWER
16. Describe why proper dosing of medications is
important to ensure patient safety.
________________

24 Chapter Five Dosage Calculations