Example 1: Convert 0.5 gram to milligram.

0.5 grams x 1,000 mg = 500 mg ;

gram

◼ Calculating Drug Dosages

3 step are:
◼ Convert
◼ Compute
◼ Critically think
A= D x V
H

3
Example1
The physician prescribes 100
mg of a medication. The
medication is available in
50mg tablets.
4
= 100 mg x 1 tablet
50 mg

100mg/50mg x 1 tablet = 2 tablet.

You would administer 2 tablets
 The medicine container is labeled Lopressor 50 mg
per tablet. Calculate 1 dose.

⚫ The drug order reads: Lopressor 100 mg P.O. bid.

 ◼ Step 1 Convert. No conversion is necessary.
The units are in the same system (metric)
and the same size (mg)
◼ Step 2. Compute.
A= D x V
H

100 mg x 1 tablet = 2 x 1 tablet

50 mg
Answer : 2 tablets; given orally twice daily.

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 Step 3. Think
You want to administer 100 mg, and
you have 50 mg per tablet. You want
to give twice the equivalent of each
tablet, or you want to administer 2
tablets per dose.

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