Question

Read the medication labels where available, and calculate the number of tablets or capsules necessary to provide the dosage ordered. Include the label on your answer. Order: Carafate \(1,000 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. b.i.d. Available: Carafate tablets labeled \(1 \mathrm{~g}\):_____.

Short answer

1 tablet per dose, 2 tablets per day.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Prescription

The order states that Carafate is to be administered orally (p.o.) at a dosage of 1000 mg (1,000 mg) twice a day (b.i.d). This means the patient should take 1,000 mg of Carafate two times a day.

Read the Medication Label

According to the label, each available Carafate tablet contains 1 gram of the medication. Recall that 1 gram (g) is equivalent to 1,000 milligrams (mg).

Convert Units

Since 1 gram is equivalent to 1,000 mg, the amount per tablet on the label matches exactly the prescribed dose of 1,000 mg.

Calculate Number of Tablets per Dose

Since 1 tablet contains 1,000 mg of Carafate and the prescribed dose is 1,000 mg, the patient needs to take 1 tablet to fulfill one dose.

Determine Daily Tablet Usage

The prescription is to take this dose twice a day. Therefore, the total number of tablets the patient needs daily is 1 tablet per dose multiplied by 2 doses, which is 2 tablets per day.

Key concepts

Drug Label Interpretation

Understanding a medication label is crucial for accurate dosage calculation. It starts with identifying the active ingredient, its strength, and the form of the medication, such as tablet or liquid. For example, in the case of Carafate, the label clearly states that each tablet contains 1 gram of the active ingredient. Interpreting this correctly ensures the correct dosage is administered according to the prescription. Sometimes, the label will provide additional information like the expiration date or the manufacturer, which are not immediately relevant for dosage but are essential for safe medication practices. Always double-check that the label matches the prescription to avoid any error.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is a vital part of medication dosage calculation. Prescriptions might be in milligrams (mg), while the medication label uses grams (g). Knowing the conversion between these two units is essential. Keep in mind:

• 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

In the case of Carafate, the prescription is for 1,000 mg. By converting, it is easy to see that this equates to 1 g, matching the strength labeled on the tablet. This process is crucial for ensuring that the correct number of tablets is calculated and administered, maintaining patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Tablet Dosage

Determining tablet dosage requires understanding both the prescription and the medication label. First, align the prescribed dose with the drug's available form. Here, the order was for 1,000 mg of Carafate, which equates to 1 tablet of 1 g as per the label.
Remember, accuracy in tablet dosage is paramount. Incorrect dosage can lead to under-dosing or overdosing, both of which can have serious health implications. To calculate accurately:

• Match the prescription dose to the available strength, using unit conversion if needed.
• Determine how many tablets make up the prescribed single dose based on these calculations.

Prescription Fulfillment

Once the correct dosage is understood through label interpretation and unit conversion, ensuring the entire prescription is fulfilled daily and over the prescribed period is the next step. If a patient is prescribed 1,000 mg twice a day, they would take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 in the evening, totaling 2 tablets daily. It is crucial to maintain this routine unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.
Other considerations for prescription fulfillment:

• Always clarify any uncertainties with a pharmacist or doctor before dispensing medication.
• Keep track of the medication's stock to ensure there's always enough available to fulfill the prescription.

Following these steps ensures the patient receives the medication accurately and consistently, maximizing therapeutic benefits.