DRUG DOSAGE CALCULATIONS ✓ Formula,

✓ Proportion
Terms & Terminology
✓ Dimensional Analysis
FLOW RATE ➢ No one method is best for solving every type of problem.
Several good approaches are available, however, one of
is the volume per unit time usually expressed as ml/hr. can be the best in dimensional analysis
ml/min or ml/sec.
Rule #1 in drug calculations - STICK TO ONE METHOD!!!
DRIP RATE
Routes
is the number of drops per unit of time usually
IM– Intramuscular
expressed as drops/min(dpm).
IO– Intraosseous
DOSE
IV– Intravenous
amount of drug per unit time given to the patient expressed as
mg/min, g/hr, or IU/min. IVP– Intravenous Push

CONCENTRATION ID – Intradermal

amount of the drug in a given volume usually expressed as IN – Intranasal

mg/ml, g/l, or mIU/ml.
IP – Intraperitoneal
DROP FACTOR
IT – Intrathecal
is the number of drops per unit volume. Expressed as
IVPB – Intravenous piggyback
drops/ml.
p.o – By mouth
TITRATION
SC / SubQ – Subcutaneous
adjustment of the IV medication dosage within prescribed
parameters to achieve the desired effects. SL – Sublingual

Measurement Systems top. – Topical

Three main types: vag. – Vaginally

1. Apothecary Measurements
2. Household
3. Metric Kg – kilogram

gm – gram

mg – milligram

mcg – microgram

mEq - milliequivalent

L – liter

mL – milliliter

µg – microgram

gtt – drop

µgtt – micro drop

Calculation Methods tbsp – tablespoon

Various methods are used for solving medication calculation tsp – teaspoon

The most common methods are: mg/dL – milligrams per deciliter

Body Surface Area

Use either a normogram chart to fine the body surface area or

Recommended Volume for Administration Per Sites:

➢ Intradermal = 0.1 - 0.5 ml (allergy testing)

➢ Subcutaneous injection = 0.5 - 1.0 ml per site
➢ Intramuscular injection = 2.5 - 3.0 ml per site (1 ml in the
deltoid)
➢ IV injection (IV push) = 1 – 60 ml

Conversions