Dosing calculations Flashcards
Deci-
What is the symbol and factor?
d
10(-1)
Centi-
What is the symbol and factor?
c
10(-2)
Milli-
What is the symbol and factor?
m
10(-3)
Micro-
What is the symbol and factor?
μ
10(-6)
Nano-
What is the symbol and factor?
n
10(-9)
What are the basic principles?
Check the BNF or SPC (summary of product characteristics) if required Check age or weight related dosing Check maximum doses Check co-mobidities / interactions e.g. renal impairment Apply logic to quantity / rate
What are the two main methods of calculating Body Surface Area (BSA)?
Dubois formula
Boyd method
Mr N is prescribed 25mg spironolactone in
liquid form (5mg/ml). What volume should he
take?
Concentration = Dose / Volume
Therefore volume required = Dose required / concentration = 5ml
A 35kg 8-yr old boy is prescribed amoxicillin at
30mg/kg intravenously. The drug is available as a
500mg/mL preparation.
How much volume is required?
Dose required = 30mg/kg x 35kg (= 1050mg)
Volume required = dose required / concentration
= 1050mg / 500mg/mL
= 2.1mL
Syringe drivers - what is the typical rate?
0.1 to 20 ml/hr
How do you calculate rate?
Rate required = Volume required / time
But usually need to count volume first i.e. volume = dose / concentration
Following a bolus, Mr N (80kg) is prescribed 10mg/kg
amiodarone over 24 hours. Intravenous amiodarone is made to a dilution to 500mg/500mL.
Give the rate (mL/min) required.
Dose required = 10mg/kg x 80kg = 800mg Volume required = Dose required /conc = 800mg / 500mg/500mL = 800mg / 1mg/mL = 800mL Rate required = Volume required /time = 800mL / 24hrs = 800mL / 24x60mins = 0.56mL/min
How do you calculate % (weight/volume)?
% (w/v) = grams of solute / 100ml of total solvent
What is the % (w/v) of glucose 5g/100ml?
5% Glucose
What is 1:1000 adrenaline in mg/ml?
1:1000 adrenaline
=1g/1000ml
=1mg/ml