METHODS FOR CALCULATION

Two general methods for calculating drug doses are the basic
formula and the ratio and proportion. These methods will be used
for calculating oral and injectable drug doses. For drugs that
require individualized dosing, calculation by body weight (BW) or
body surface area (BSA) may be necessary

ADULT DRUG CALCULATION

1. BASIC FORMULA
Formula is D
X V = A
H

D is the desired dose : or the drug dose ordered by the physician

H is the on-hand dose: drug dose on the label of the container
V is the vehicle : drug form which the drug comes (tablet, capsule,
liquid)
A is the amount calculated to be given to the client
Examples

Order: Ampicillin .5 g P.O BID Available:

Ampicillin 250 mg/capsule

D x V=A 500 mg
H X 1 capsule 500 = 2 capsules
250 mg
250

Order: Dexamethasone (Hexadrol) 1 mg P.O

Available: .5 mg tablet
1mg
X 1 tab = 2 tablets
.5 mg
2. RATIO & PROPORTION
Formula
is
KNOWN DESIRE
H V :: D X
Means
Extremes

H is the drug on hand available

V is the vehicle or drug form Multiply the MEANS &
the EXTREMES and
D is the desired dose (as ordered) solve for X which is the
X is the unknown amount to give divisor
and :: stands for “as” or “equal to”
 Example
Order: Aspirin (ASA) gr. X q4h, PRN Available:
Aspirin 325mg/tablet Convert to one system & unit
of measure . Change grains to milligrams

H V = vehicle D X

325mg 1 tab :: 600(650) mg X

325X = 600
325 325
X = 1.8 tab or 2 tab

Problem set:

A drug order calls for propanolol 100 mg P.O q.I.d, but the
only available form of propanolol is 40 mg tablets. How
many tablets must you administer?
 Solution
40mg : 1 tab :: 100mg : X
40 X = 100
40 X = 2.5 tab
40
PEDIATRIC DRUG CALCULATION
The purpose of learning how to calculate pediatric dosages is
to ensure that children receive the correct dose within the
approved therapeutic range.
1. PEDIATRIC DOSAGE PER BODY WEIGHT
Example Solution

Order: Cefaclor (Ceclor) 50 mg QID 1. Check drug parameters

Child weighs: 15 lbs or 6.8 kg (/ by 2. Check against dose
2.2) orders
Drug parameter: 30mg-40mg/day 3. Compute using basic
Available: Cefaclor 125 formula or ratio &
mg/ 5ml Is the prescribe proportion
dose safe?