DOSAGE CALCULATION

System Of Measurement
Metric System
Weight:
1 Kg = 1000g
1g = 1000mg
1mg = 1000mcg
Volume:
1L = 1000ml
1L = 10dl
1ml= 1cc
Length :
1m = 100cm
1m = 1000mm

Apothecary to Metric
Weight:
1 lb = 454g
1 oz = 30g
1gr = 65mg
1kg = 2.2lb
1g = 15gr
Volume:
1 floz = 30ml
1 pt = 480ml
1 gal = 3840ml

Household to Metric
Volume:
1 tsp = 5ml
1 tbsp = 15 ml
1 ml = 20 gtt
1 cup = 240ml

CONVERSION
Given W/ UNIT X EQUIVALENT VALUE FROM THE SOM
SOM VALUE (UNIT OF THE GIVEN)

Example:
0.5kg = _____g
SOM 1kg = 1000g

0.5kg X 1000g =500g
1kg



RATIO & PROPORTION
REQD : : GIVEN

WEIGHT : : WEIGHT
VOLUME VOLUME

Note: for easy solving make sure the 2 numerator
are the same units, convert unit if necessary
Hint: Read question carefully for requested

Example:
If the drug label 12.5mg in every 5ml. How
many milligram would be needed for a RX of
75ml.

REQD : : GIVEN
__X__ : : 12.5MG (CROSS MULTIPLY)
75MG 5ML

X (5ML) = (12.5MG)(75ML)

_X (5ML) = (12.5MG) (75ML)
(5ML) (5ML)

X = 12.5MG (75) X = 937.5 MG
5 5

X = 187.5 MG

DOSE/BODY WEIGHT/ DAILY REGIMEN
(MG/KG/DAY)
Step 1: convert weight into kg
Step 2: multiply pt weight in kg by the
recommended dose
Step 3: find daily regimen (QID or q6h; TID or q8h;
BID or q12h). Divide step 2 by daily regimen

Example:
Recommended pediatrics dose for amoxicillin is
0.25mg/kg QID. What is the best dose for a 12
year old child who weights 95lbs?
Dose 0.25mg/kg
Body Weight 95lbs
Daily Regimen QID

Step 1: 95lbs X __1kg__ = 43.18kg
2.2 lb

Step 2: 0.25mg X 43.18kg = 10.8mg
Kg

Step 3: 10.8mg = 2.7mg
4

Flow Rate(AKA infusion rate)
Flow Rate formula (gtt/min)
Volume (ml) X Drop Factor (gtt/ml)
Time (min)
OR
Flow Rate (ml/hr)
Volume (ml)
Time (hour)
Note: If drop factor not given use 60gtt/ml

Example:
Flow Rate Formula (gtt/min)
What will be the rate in gtt/min, if the pt receives 1L
over an 8hr period of time and the drop factor is 15
gtt/ml?
Vol (ml) X DF gtt/ml
Time (min)

1L X 15 gtt/ml (1L som: 1L=1,000ml)
8 hour conversion ans: 1000ml
(8h som: 1h= 60min)
1000ml_ X 15gtt__ Conversion ans: 480min
480min ml

15000gtt = 31.25 gtt/min
480min

Example:
Flow Rate (ml/hr)
RX antibacterial 300ml over 2.5hr. What is the infusion
rate in ml/hr?
Volume(ml)
Time (hr)

300ml___ = 120ml/hr
2.5hr


INFUSION RATE
Step 1: Flow rate (gtt/min) ans should be: ml_
Drop Factor (gtt/ml) min

Step 2: volume (ml)
ml/min

Step 3: minutes or hours

Note: DF is the IV set delivery given by the
manufacturer

Example:
RX NSS 500ml
The IV administration set delivers 20gtt/ml and
the flow rate set is at 40gtt/min. What is the infusion
time in hours?

Step1: 40 gtt/min = _2ml_
20 gtt/ml min

Step2: _500ml_ = 250 min
2ml/min

Step 3: 250min X _1hr_ = 4.17hrs
60min