NCM 106 – PHARMACOLOGY

PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATION
GOALS:1. To determine the correct dose of a particular drug for a patient.
Consideration in determining the correct dose of a particular drug for a patient:
1. Sex
2. Weight
3. Age
4. Physical conditions
5. Other drugs that the patient is taking
2. To prepare and administer drugs in safe and correct manner.
3. To help prevent medication errors.
4. To ensure that the right patient is getting the right dose of a drug.
* The nurse, as the person who is administering the drug, is legally and professionally responsible for
any error that might occur.

4 DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF MEASUREMENT CURRENTLY USED IN DRUG

PREPARATION AND DELIVERY
1. Metric System or International System of Units (SI)
2. Apothecary System- old system of weight and measures
3. Household System
4. Avoirdupois System - old system of weight and measures

MEASURING SYSTEMS
1. METRIC SYSTEM – is the internationally accepted system of measure and the most widely used
system of measure. It is based on the decimal system, so all units are determined as multiple of 10.
The metric system uses:
 Kilogram- standard unit for measurement of weight and all other measures delivered
from it.
 Gram – basic unit for solid measure
 Liter – basic unit of liquid measure.
METRIC AND ENGLSIH UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
UNITS EQUIVALENT UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
WEIGHT (base – gram) 1 kilogram (Kg) = 1000 g = 2.2lb
1 gram (g,gm,G,GM) = 1000 mg
1 milligram (mg) = 1000 mcg
1 microgram (mcg) = 1000 ng (nanogram)

VOLUME (base – liter) 1 liter (L) = 1000ml (milliliters)

1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cc (cubic centimeter)
LENGTH (base – meter) 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meter
1 meter (m, M) = 100 centimeter
1centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters
2.54 cm = 1 inch
25.4 millimeters (mm) = 1 inch

Example:
1. 2 g = ______ mg
2 g x 1000 mg = 2000 mg
1g
2. 1500 ml = ______ L
1500 ml x __1 L _ = 1.5 L
1000 ml
3. 5 g = _______ mcg
5 g x 1000 mg x 1000 mcg= 5,000,000 mcg
1g 1 mg

1
2. Apothecary System – also known as “Troy system”, a very old system of measurement that was
specifically developed for use by apothecaries or pharmacists. This system is rarely seen in clinical
setting.
The apothecary system uses:
 Grain – basic unit of solid measure
 Minim – basic unit of liquid measure

SOLID EQUIVALENT UNITS LIQUID EQUIVALENT UNITS

60 grain = 1 dram (dr) 60 minim = 1 fluid dram (fl dr)
8 dram = 1 ounce (oz) = 30g= 437.5 8 fluid dram = 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 30ml
1 grain gr
= 65mg

Examples:
1. 80 gr = _____ dr
80 gr x 60 gr = 4,800 gr
1 dr

2. 9 fl oz = ______ minim
9 fl oz x 8 fl dr__ x 60 minim = 4,320 minim
1 fl oz 1 fl dr

3. Household System – is commonly used for community and home settings and the measuring
system that is found on a recipe book.
The household system uses:
 Pound – basic unit of solid measure
 Teaspoon – basic unit of liquid measure

SOLID EQUIVALENT UNITS LIQUID EQUIVALENT UNITS

1 pound =16 ounces (oz) = 454g 2 pints (pt) = 1 quart(qt) = 946ml
(lb) or 700gr 4 quarts (qt) = 1 gallon (gal) =3785ml
16 ounces (oz) = 1 pint =2 cups (c)=473ml
32 tablespoons (tbsp) = 1 pint (pt)
3 teaspoon (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbsp)=15ml
60 drops (gtt) = 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5ml
2 tablespoon (tbsp) = 1 ounce (oz) = 30ml
8 ounce (oz) = 1 cup (c) =236.5 ml
*Patients need to be advised that flatware teaspoons and drinking cups vary tremendously in volume
that they contain.
Examples:
1. 3 oz = _______ tbsp
3 oz x 2 tbsp = 6 tbsp
1 oz

2. 5 tbsp = ______ tsp

5 tbsp x 3 tsp = 15 tsp
1 tbsp

4. Avoirdupois System – is another old system that was very popular when pharmacists routinely
had to compound medications.
This system uses ounces and grains but they measure differently than those of the
apothecary and household system. This was seldomly use by prescribers but may be used for bulk
medications that come directly from the manufacturer.
Other Systems. These measures may reflect chemical activity or biological equivalence.
a. Unit – usually reflects the biological activity of the drug in 1 ml solutions.
b. Milliequivalents (mEq) – are used to measure electrolytes (e.g. potassium, sodium,
calcium, fluoride). mEq refers to the ionic activity of the drug.
2
 c. International units – are sometimes used to measure certain vitamins and enzymes.
These are also unique to each drug and cannot be converted to another measuring
form.

CONVERSION BETWEEN SYSTEMS

The simplest way to convert measurements from one system to another is to set up a ratio and
proportion equation. The ratio containing two known equivalents amount is placed on one side of
equation and the ratio containing the amount you wish to convert and its unknown equivalent is
placed on the other side.

Commonly Accepted Conversions between Systems of Measurements

1.0 lb

Examples:
1. Convert 6 fl oz (apothecary system) to the metric system of measure (in ml).
6 fl oz x 30 ml = 180 ml
1fl oz
Other Solution: (Ratio and proportion)

1 fl oz : 30 ml = 6 fl oz : X
1 fl oz = 6 fl oz
30ml X
1 fl oz (X) = 6 fl oz (30 ml)
1 fl oz (X) = 180 (fl oz) (ml)
X = 180 (fl oz) (ml)
1 fl oz
X = 180 ml
2. Convert 32 gr (apothecary system) to its equivalent metric system (in mg)

32 gr x 60 mg = 1920 mg
1 gr
Other Solution:
1 gr = 32 gr
60 mg X
1 gr (X) = 32 gr (60 mg)
1 gr (X) = 1920 gr (mg)
X = 1920 gr (mg)
1 gr
X = 1920 mg
3
 DRUG DOSAGE CALCULATIONS
ORAL DRUG
Drug dosage calculations are required when the amount of medication ordered (or desired) is
different from what is available on hand for the nurse to administer.

𝑫
𝑨= 𝒙𝑽
𝑯
Where:
D – desired dose
H – drug on hand
V – vehicle or volume of a drug form (tablet, capsule, liquid[ml])
A – amount calculated to be given to the patient
Examples:
1. Order: Cefalexin 0.5 g PO bid
Available: Cefalexin 500 mg capsule
How many capsules would the nurse administer?

Amount desired (D) = 0.5 g Amount on hand (H) = 500 mg tablets Quantity = 1

NOTE: When medication is given in tablets /capsule, the QUANTITY = 1 since the amount of
medication available is specified per (one) table/ capsule.

REMEMBER: UNIT MUST BE THE SAME:

Convert g to mg
1000𝑚𝑔
0.5 𝑔 𝑥 = 500𝑚𝑔
1𝑔
𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
500𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 1 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑒
500𝑚𝑔
A= 1 capsule
Answer: The nurse will administer 1 capsule per dose.
2. Toprol XL, 50 mg PO, is ordered. Toprol XL is available as 100 mg per tablets. How many
tablets would the nurse administer?
Amount desired (D) = 50 mg Amount on hand (H) = 100 mg tablets Quantity = 1
50mg (D) x 1 = 0.5 tablet
100mg (H)
Answer: The nurse would administer 0.5 of a tablet.

3. 1200 mg of Klor-Con is ordered. This medication is only available as 600 mg per tablet.
How many tablets should the nurse give?
Amount desired (D) = 1200 mg Amount on hand (H) = 600 mg Quantity = 1
1200mg (D) x 1 = 2 tablets
600mg (H)
Answer: The nurse should give 2 tablets.

THE SAME FORMULA can be used for dosage calculations where the medication is
available as Amount Per Certain Volume. In these types of calculations, the volume available on
hand is the QUANTITY

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 1. Dilantin-125 is available as 125 mg/5 mL. Dilantin-125, 0.3 g PO, is ordered. How much
should the nurse administer to the patient?
1. Givens: Amount desired (D) = 0.3 g Amount on hand (H) = 125 mg Quantity = 5
mL
2: Convert 0.3 g to mg (since the ordered dose is in grams but the drug is available on hand in
milligrams).
0.3 g x 1,000 mg/g = 300 mg
𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
300𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 5𝑚𝑙
125𝑚𝑔

𝐴 = 12𝑚𝑙 Answer: The nurse would administer 12 mL.

2. Furosemide is available as 40 mg in 1 mL. 10 mg is ordered to be administered through an IV.

What amount of furosemide should the nurse administer?
1. Givens: Amount desired (D)=10 mg Amount on hand (H) = 40 mg Quantity = 1 mL

10𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 1𝑚𝑙
40 𝑚𝑔
𝐴 = 0.4 𝑚𝑙 Answer: The nurse would administer 0.4 mL.

3. Order: Amoxicillin 100mg PO qid

Available: 250 mg per 5 ml
100𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 5𝑚𝑙
250𝑚𝑔

500 𝑚𝑔 (𝑚𝑙)
𝐴=
250 𝑚𝑔
𝐴 = 2.0 𝑚𝑙 Answer: The nurse will administer 2 ml per dose.

DOSAGE CALCULATIONS BASED ON BODY WEIGHT

Dosage calculations based on body weight are required when the dosage ordered and
administered is dependent on the weight of the patient. For example, many pediatric drugs are
ordered and given per weight (usually in kg).
𝑫
𝑨= 𝒙𝑽
𝑯
1. Medrol 4 mg/kg is ordered for a child weighing 64.8 lb. Medrol is available
as 500 mg/4mL. How many milliliters of medication must the nurse administer?

Step 1: Determine your givens.

Weight: 64.8 lb
Dosage ordered: 4mg/kg
Available on hand: 500 mg/4mL
Step 2: Convert 64.5 lb to kg since the infant’s weight is given in pounds (lb) but the dosage
ordered is in mg per kilogram.
64.8 lb x 1kg = 29.45 kg Therefore, the infant’s weight is 29.45 kg.
2.2lb
Step 3: Calculate the required dosage (mg) of medication based on the child’s weight.
Weight (kg) x Dosage Ordered (per kg) = Y (Required dosage)
29.45 kg x 4 mg = 117.8 mg
1 kg
Therefore, the required dosage of medication is 117.8 mg.

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 Step 4: Calculate the volume of medication (mL) to be administered based on what’s
available on hand.
𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
117.8 𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 4 𝑚𝑙
500 𝑚𝑔
𝐴 = 0.942 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒
Answer: The nurse must administer 0.942 mL of medication

2. Order: Cefaclor oral suspension 20 mg/kg/day in three divided doses of a pediatric patient who
weighs 66 lb
Available: Cefaclor Oral Suspension 125 mg/5ml

a. Convert pounds to kilogram. (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)

66 lbs x 1 kg = 30 kg
2.2 lbs
b. Multiplied the ordered dose by the patient weight in kilograms
mg X kg = patient dose
20 mg X 30 kg = 600 mg/day
c. Divide by the number of doses needed for the day.
600 mg ÷3 doses = 200 mg/dose

d. Determine the volume in milliliters (ml) to administer 960 mg.

𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
200 𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 5 𝑚𝑙
125 𝑚𝑔
1000 𝑚𝑔 (𝑚𝑙)
𝐴=
125 𝑚𝑔
𝐴 = 8 𝑚𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒

CALCULATION OF INTRAVENOUS DRIP RATES

PARENTERAL DRUG
𝑽 𝒙 𝒅𝒇 𝑽
𝑭𝑹 = or 𝑭𝑹 = 𝒙 𝒅𝒇
𝑻 𝑻
Where:
FR – Flow rate (drops or gtts /minute)
V – Volume of the solution per hour (ml/hr)
df – drop factor (gtts/ml)
T – time

REMEMBER TO ROUND OFF THE FINAL ANSWER TO THE NEAREST WHOLE NUMBER.

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 IV FLUIDS/SOLUTIONS FOR DROPS PER MINUTE

1. A client is to receive D5LRS at 75 ml/hr. the drop rate is 20 gtts/ml. What is the flow rate?
1. Given: Volume: 75 mL Time: 60 min Drop factor: 20 gtts/mL
2. Use the formula to calculate the IV flow rate
𝑽 𝒙 𝒅𝒇 𝑽
𝑭𝑹 = 𝑭𝑹 = 𝒙 𝒅𝒇
𝑻 𝑻
75 𝑚𝑙 𝑥 20𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠 75 𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅 = 𝑥 20𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠
60 min (𝑚𝑙) 60 min (𝑚𝑙)
1500 𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅 = 1.25 min 𝑥 20𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠
60 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑔𝑡𝑡 𝑔𝑡𝑡
𝐹𝑅 = 25 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐹𝑅 = 25 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Therefore, the IV flow rate is 25 gtts/min.
2. Calculate the IV flow rate for 250 mL of 0.5% dextrose to be administered over 180 minutes.
The infusion set has drop factor of 30 gtts/mL.
1. Given: Volume: 250 mL Time: 180 min Drop factor: 30 gtts/mL
2. Use the formula to calculate the IV flow rate
𝑽 𝒙 𝒅𝒇 𝑽
𝑭𝑹 = 𝑭𝑹 = 𝒙 𝒅𝒇
𝑻 𝑻
250𝑚𝑙 𝑥 30𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠 250𝑚𝑙 𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅 = 𝑥 30 ( 𝑚𝑙 )
180 min (𝑚𝑙 ) 180 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑔𝑡𝑡 𝑔𝑡𝑡
𝐹𝑅 = 41.66 min 𝐹𝑅 = 41.66 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Therefore, the IV flow rate is 42 gtts/min.
3. The infusion set is adjusted for a drop factor of 15 gtts/mL. Calculate the IV flow rate if 1500
mL IV saline is ordered to be infused over 12 hours.
1. Given: Volume: 1500 mL Time: 12 hours Drop factor: 15 gtts/mL

2. Convert 8 hours into minutes: 12 h x 60 min/h

12h x 60min = 720 min
1 hour
3: Use the formula to calculate the IV flow rate (gtts/min):

𝑽 𝒙 𝒅𝒇 𝑽
𝑭𝑹 = 𝑭𝑹 = 𝒙 𝒅𝒇
𝑻 𝑻
1500𝑚𝑙 𝑥 15𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠 1500𝑚𝑙 𝑔𝑡𝑡𝑠
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅 = 𝑥 15 ( 𝑚𝑙 )
720 min (𝑚𝑙 ) 720 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑔𝑡𝑡 𝑔𝑡𝑡
𝐹𝑅 = 31.25 min 𝐹𝑅 = 31.25 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Therefore, the IV flow rate is 31 gtts/min

7
 IV FLUIDS/SOLUTIONS FOR MILLLILITER PER HOUR
𝒎𝒍 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑭𝑹 𝒊𝒏 =
𝒉𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔

1. 1200 mL D5W IV is ordered to infuse in 10 hours by infusion pump. Calculate the flow rate in
milliliters per hour.
1. Given: Volume: 1200 mL Time: 10 h
2. Since the volume is given in mL and the time is given in hours, the flow rate can
be calculated in one step using the formula.
𝒎𝒍 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑭𝑹 𝒊𝒏 =
𝒉𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔

𝑚𝑙 1200 𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 𝑖𝑛 =
ℎ𝑟 10 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 = 120 ℎ𝑟

Therefore, the IV flow rate is 120 mL/hr.

2. 600 mL of antibiotic is to be infused over the 180 minutes by an infusion pump. Calculate the
flow rate (mL per hour).
1. Given: Volume: 600 mL Time: 180 min
2. Convert 180 min into hours since the flow rate must be stated in mL/h.
180 min x 1 hr = 3 hrs
60 min
3. Calculate the flow rate in mL/h using the formula.
𝑚𝑙 600 𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 𝑖𝑛 =
ℎ𝑟 3 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 = 200 ℎ𝑟

Therefore, the flow rate is 200 mL/h.

3. Order: 500 ml of PNSS to be infused over 8 hours. What is the flow rate for ml per hour?
𝑚𝑙 500 𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 𝑖𝑛 =
ℎ𝑟 8 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
𝑚𝑙
𝐹𝑅 = 62.5 ℎ𝑟

Therefore, the flow rate is 62.5 mL/h.

IV DRUGS (AMPULES AND VIALS)

1. Order: Aminophylline 100 mg IV

Available: 500 mg/2.5 ml
𝑫
𝑨= 𝒙𝑽
𝑯
100 𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 2.5 𝑚𝑙
500 𝑚𝑔
250 𝑚𝑔 (𝑚𝑙)
𝐴= 500 𝑚𝑔

𝐴 = 0.5 𝑚𝑙

8
 2. Order: Heparin 2,500 units
Available: Heparin 10,000 units per ml
𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
2,500 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝐴= 𝑥 1 𝑚𝑙
10,000 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝐴 = 0.25 𝑚𝑙 𝑜𝑟 0.3𝑚𝑙
3. Order: Fluoracil 12 mg per kg per day intravenous (IV) for a patient who weighs 176 lb
Available: 2 vials of Fluoracil 50 mg per ml

a. Convert pounds to kilogram. (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)

176 lbs x 1 kg = 80 kg
2.2 lbs
b. Multiplied the ordered dose by the patient weight in kilograms
mg X kg = patient dose
12 mg X 80 kg = 960 mg/day
c. Determine the volume in milliliters (ml) to administer 960 mg.
𝐷
𝐴= 𝑥𝑉
𝐻
960 𝑚𝑔
𝐴= 𝑥 1𝑚𝑙
50 𝑚𝑔
𝐴 = 19.2 𝑚𝑙
d. Administer heparin 5,000 units I.V. push. Available is heparin 10,000 units/mL.
How many mL will you need to administer to achieve a 5,000-unit dose?
5000 units (D) x 1ml = 0. 5ml (V)
10000 units (H)

PEDIATRIC CONSIDERATION/ CALCULATION

(Estimating /approximating doses for infants and children’s)
1. Clark’s rule – is the method generally used, which employs weight in determining the dose. It is
also a method of determining the correct drug dose for a child based on the known adult dose.
Clark's Rule uses Weight in Lbs, NEVER in Kg

Child’s dose =

 Example: What is the dose of a drug for a 45lb child if the average adult dose of the
medication is 15mg?

Child’s dose = 45 x 15mg= 4.5 mg

150

2. Fried’s Rule – (for infants up to 2 years of age), a method of determining a pediatric drug dose
for a child younger than 1 year of age, based on the child’s age and the usual adult dose.
Child’s dose =

 Example: What is the dose for a 9-month-old infant if the average adult dose is 35mg?

Child’s dose = 9 x 35 mg = 2.1 mg

150

9
3. Young’s Rule – (for children 2 years and older), a method of determining a pediatric drug dose
for a child 1 – 12 years old, based on the child’s age and the usual adult dose. (which makes it
easier to remember, the word young refers to age)

Child’s dose =

 Example: The adult dose of a drug is 7 grains(gr). What is the dose for a 3 year old
child?

Child’s dose = 3 x 7 gr = 1.4 gr

3+12

BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA)

BSA measures the total surface area of the
body and is used to calculate drug dosages and
medical indicators or assessments. The Mosteller
formula, which is the easiest to calculate and
remember, is the most commonly used formula in
practice and in clinical trials.

The Mosteller formula takes the square root

of the height (cm) multiplied by the weight (kg)
divided by 3600.

Example 1: Mrs. Williams

Weight in kg = 50 kg
Height in cm = 162 cm
𝒉𝒕 (𝒄𝒎)𝒙 𝒘𝒕(𝒌𝒈)
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = √
𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎

162 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 50 𝑘𝑔
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600

8,100
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √2.25
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = 𝟏. 𝟓 𝒎𝟐

Example 2: Mr. Jones’ height is 6’3’’ with a weight of 210 lbs.

Calculate weight in kilograms:
210 lbs X 1 kg = 95.45 kg
2.2 lbs

Calculate height in centimeters:

6 feet, 3 inches = 6 ft x 12 inch = 72 inches + 3 inches = 75 inches
1 ft

75 inches x 2.54 cm = 190.5 cm

1 in
𝒉𝒕 (𝒄𝒎)𝒙 𝒘𝒕(𝒌𝒈)
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = √
𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎

190.5 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 95.45 𝑘𝑔
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600

10
 18,183.225
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √5.051
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝒎𝟐

Example 3: Mr. Smith

Weight in kg = 72.65 kg
Height = 5’4’’
5 feet, 4 inches = 5 ft x 12 inch = 60 inches + 4 inches = 64 inches
1 ft
64 inches x 2.54 cm = 162.56 cm
1 in
𝒉𝒕 (𝒄𝒎)𝒙 𝒘𝒕(𝒌𝒈)
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = √
𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎

162.56 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 72.65 𝑘𝑔
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600

11,809.984
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √3.281
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟏 𝒎𝟐

CALCULATING CHILD’S DOSE USING BODY SURFACE AREA

𝐁𝐒𝐀 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 (𝒎𝟐 )𝒙 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒔𝒆

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 (𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱. ) =
𝟏. 𝟕𝟑 𝒎𝟐

**The average BSA for an adult has been given as 1.73 m2.

Example: The physician prescribed Benadryl for an 8-year old child who weighs 75 pounds and is 4
feet 2 inches tall. The normal adult dose is 25 mg q. i. d. How many mg of Benadryl will be
administered four times a day for the child?
Given:
Wt = 75 lbs x 1 kg = 34.09 kg
2.2 lbs
Ht = 4’2’’ 4 ft x 12 in = 48 in + 2 inches = 50 inches
1 ft
50 inches x 2.54 cm = 127 cm
1in

𝒉𝒕 (𝒄𝒎)𝒙 𝒘𝒕(𝒌𝒈)
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = √
𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎

127 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 34.09 𝑘𝑔
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600

4,329.43
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √
3600
𝐵𝑆𝐴 (𝑚2 ) = √1.203
𝑩𝑺𝑨 (𝒎𝟐 ) = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟎 𝒎𝟐

𝐁𝐒𝐀 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 (𝒎𝟐 )𝒙 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒔𝒆

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 (𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱. ) =
𝟏. 𝟕𝟑 𝒎𝟐
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 1.10 𝑚2 𝑥 25 𝑚𝑔
Child’s dose (approx. ) =
1.73 𝑚2
27.5 𝑚2 (𝑚𝑔)
Child’s dose (approx. ) =
1.73 𝑚2
Child’s dose (approx. ) = 15.89 𝑚𝑔

Therefore, the child’s dose is 16 mg q.i.d.

West Nomogram for Infants and Children

Direction:
1. Find Height
2. Find weight
3. Draw straight line that connects
height and weight
4. Where the line intersects on the
surface area column is the body surface
area in m2.

Answer: 1.3 m2

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