Medication Calculation and Examples
a. Measurement and Conversion – Metric System
The metric system is the standard in healthcare. Basic units include:
• Length = meter (m)
• Weight = gram (g)
• Volume = liter (L)
Example: Convert 500 mg to grams.
1 g = 1000 mg
500 ÷ 1000 = 0.5 g
Answer: 500 mg = 0.5 g
b. Calculation Methods (DO / DA × Q)
Formula: DO ÷ DA × Q = Amount to give
Tablets/Capsules Example:
Doctor ordered 500 mg Paracetamol. Available: 250 mg per tablet.
500 ÷ 250 × 1 = 2 tablets
Answer: Give 2 tablets.
Vials Example:
Order: 1 g Ceftriaxone IV. Available: 500 mg per vial.
1000 ÷ 500 × 1 = 2 vials
Answer: Reconstitute and give 2 vials.
Ampules Example:
Order: 4 mg Ondansetron IV. Available: 2 mg/mL.
4 ÷ 2 × 1 = 2 mL
Answer: Draw 2 mL from ampule.
c. Intravenous Calculation
Drops per Minute (gtt/min):
Formula: (Volume × Drop Factor) ÷ Time (min)
Example: 1000 mL in 8 hrs, drop factor 15 gtt/mL.
(1000 × 15) ÷ 480 = 31 gtt/min
Milliliters per Hour (mL/hr):
Formula: Total Volume ÷ Time (hr)
Example: 1000 mL in 8 hrs.
1000 ÷ 8 = 125 mL/hr
Answer: Set IV pump to 125 mL/hr.
d. Pediatric Calculation (Clark’s Rule)
Child’s Dose = (Weight in lbs ÷ 150) × Adult Dose
Example: Adult dose = 300 mg, child weight = 30 lbs.
(30 ÷ 150) × 300 = 60 mg
Answer: Give 60 mg.
e. Parkland Formula (Burn Patients)
Fluid Requirement = 4 mL × Weight (kg) × %Burned BSA
Example: 70 kg, 20% burn.
4 × 70 × 20 = 5600 mL in 24 hrs
½ in first 8 hrs = 2800 mL
½ in next 16 hrs = 2800 mL