ACTIVITY GUIDE 3: DRUG DOSAGE PROBLEMS

It is not possible to manufacture medications in all possible dosages that a doctor might order. The nurse
may therefore find that the amount of a drug ordered differs from the amount on hand in a single tablet
or in one ml. of solution. In that event, it is necessary to be able to calculate the amount of drug to be
given from the size, strength, or concentration available.
A.

Dosage Problems: Setting up an equation involving simple proportion and solving it for the
unknown amount to be given may solve dosage problems.

The formula for setting up this proportion is:

D X

H Q

D = desired dosage (what the doctor has ordered)

H = dosage on hand (the dosage strength available)
X = desired quantity (how many tablets or how much solution you will give to carry out the
order)
Q = quantity on hand (the amount or volume in which the dosage on hand is contained)

*RULE: D and H must be in the same units of measurement; X and Q will also be in the same
units of measurement.
SOLID MEDICATIONS:
Example 1:
D X

H Q

Give aspirin 975 mg from the available aspirin tablets 325 mg

975mg Xtab

325mg 1tab

[cancel out the units and solve for X]

975mg Xtab

325mg 1tab

Solve for X in the equation by cross-multiplying the means and the extremes:
975 X

325 1

(325)(X) = (975)(1)
Divide both sides of the equation by 5 (to leave X alone on one side of the equation):
(975)(1)
X
325
975
X
325
Carry out indicated multiplication:
Carry out indicated division:

X 3

Now place the value which you have determined for (X = 3) back into your original equation:
975mg 3tab

325mg 1tab

Since X is the quantity, which you must give to carry out the doctors order, you would give 3
tablets (325 mg each). Check 3 x 325 mg = 975 mg (the ordered quantity).

ACTIVITY GUIDE 3: DRUG DOSAGE PROBLEMS (Continued)

LIQUID MEDICATIONS:
Example 2: Give Demerol 50 mg. from Demerol 100 mg. per cc
D X

H Q

50mg. Xcc

100mg. 1cc
50 X

100 1

100X = 50
X

50
100

X = 0.5
Answer: Give 0.5 cc
Check: 0.5 x 100 mg. = 50 mg.
Example 3: Give Benadryl Elixir 15 mg. from a bottle labeled Benadryl 10 mg. per 4 ml.
D X

H Q

15mg. XmL

10mg. 4mL
15 X

10 4

10X = 60
X=6
Give 6 ml. of solution
Check: 6 x 10 mg./4 ml. = 6 x 10 = 15 mg.
4

ACTIVITY GUIDE 3: DRUG DOSAGE PROBLEMS (Continued)

B.

Test Yourself:
See how well you understand the use of this formula for solving dosage problems. Use an
equivalent chart as necessary. Then look at the answers which follow:
1.

To give 0.5 mg. of Ativan when you have tablets marked 0.25 mg:
tablets.

2.

Give Tigan 150 mg. from ampules of Tigan 200 mg./Ml:________________mL

3.

Give Ceclor 375 mg. from a solution of Ceclor 125mg./5mL:___________mL

Now look at the answers on the next page. If you missed any of these items try to determine
whether you had difficulty with the arithmetic, with the measurement system, or with setting up
the dosage problem (or perhaps a combination of these things). Consult library references or
previous activity guides to obtain help or seek assistance from either a nursing instructor or an
instructor in the Learning Assistance Center.