Posology – The study of the dosage of medicines
Avoirdupois System – commercial, non-
1. Minimum dose – the least dosage amount
of a drug that can be given to achieve a
therapeutic effect (in a day)
2. Maximum dose – the highest dosage
amount that can be given in a day, if it
exceeds, toxic effect may occur
3. Daily dose – the total dosage amount that is
given to a patient in a day to achieve
therapeutic effect.
4. Maintenance dose – the total dosage
amount that must be given to maintain a
state of wellness.
5. Single dose – the dosage amount that is
given only once.
6. Loading dose – the amount of drug which is
given more than the usual dose because the
drug actions is needed quickly
7. Toxic dose – the amount of drug which
when given will cause danger to the patient
and possible death
8. Lethal dose – the amount of drug which
when given will cause imminent death to
the patient.
Objectives:
1. Describe four measuring systems in drug
therapy
2. Convert between measuring systems
3. Calculate correct dose of drug when given
doctor’s order
Four Measuring Systems (M-A-H-A)
1. Metric System – an internationally agreed
decimal system of measurement
 Grams (g, mg, kg, mcg)
 Liters (l, ml)
 Meter (m, cm, km)
2. Apothecary system – Apothecaries means
pharmacist
- An old system used for measuring and
weighing drugs and solutions by use of
fractions
- Ounce, grains, pound, dram, quart, pint,
minim, gallon
3. Household system – teaspoon, tablespoon,
fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, gallon
4.
decimal point system of weights.
-Grains, ounces, pounds
Measuring systems: Other systems:
A. Milliequivalent (mEq):
- Refers to the ionic activity of the drug
- Measure electrolytes
B. International Units (IU):
- Measures certain vitamins or enzymes
Formulas to remember:
1. Weight conversion
2. Calculation by weight/age (adult & pedia)
3. Dosage conversion
a. Conversion units
b. Dosage conversion of non-parenteral
drugs (solid & liquid)
c. Dosage conversion of parenteral drugs
d. Dosage calculation for IV fluid regulation
Formula 1: Weight Conversion
1. Pounds (lbs) to Kilogram (Kg)
-Use division
2. Kilogram (Kg) to Pounds (lbs)
-Use multiplication
Formula 2: Calculation by weight/age
2a. Calculation by weight
-Required dose = Weight in kgs X Dosage per kg
2b. Calculation by weight/age(pedia)
Calculation by pediatric dose
Calculation by pediatric dose
Clark’s Rule Adult Dose X (Weight / 150)
Young’s Adult Dose X (Age / [Age + 12])
Rule
Fried’s Rule Infants age in months X Average
150 months Adult Dose
Pediatric Dose: Clark’s Rule
*Always in Pounds (lbs)
Adult Dose X (Weight / 150) = Child’s Dose