The patient’s weight is an important factor in dosing since the size of the body influences the drug’s

concentration in the body fluids and at its site of action. Dose calculations based on body weight have
become standard for certain drugs in dosing both adult and pediatric patients. Example Calculations of
Dose Based on Body Weight The doses of the majority of drugs based on body weight are conveniently
expressed in terms of mg/kg, since the doses of most drugs are administered in milligram amounts.
However, this is not always the case. Depending on the drug, dosage form, and/or route of
administration, the doses of some drugs are expressed in other units of measure, such as micrograms or
milliliters per pound or kilogram of body weight. A useful equation for the calculation of dose based on
body weight is: Patient’s dose (mg) Patient’s weight (kg) Drug dose (mg