Question

Calculate the dosages to be given. Use labels where provided. Order: Amoxicillin \(100 \mathrm{mg}\) p.o. ti.d. Available: Amoxicillin oral suspension labeled \(250 \mathrm{mg}\) per \(5 \mathrm{~mL}\)

Short answer

Give 2 mL per dose, 3 times a day.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the doctor's order

The doctor has prescribed Amoxicillin 100 mg to be taken orally three times a day (t.i.d.). This means that the patient needs 100 mg of Amoxicillin in each dose.

Determine the concentration of the available suspension

The available suspension is labeled as 250 mg per 5 mL. This means that every 5 mL of the suspension contains 250 mg of Amoxicillin.

Calculate the volume needed for a single dose

To calculate how many mL of the suspension are needed to provide a dose of 100 mg, use the ratio from the suspension: 250 mg/5 mL.Set up a proportion to solve for the needed volume (x):\[\frac{250 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = \frac{100 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}}\]Cross-multiply to find x:\[250x = 500\]\[x = \frac{500}{250} = 2 \text{ mL}\]So, 2 mL of the suspension is needed for a 100 mg dose.

Calculate the total daily dosage

Since the medication is taken three times a day, and each dose requires 2 mL, the total daily dosage is:\[2 \text{ mL/dose} \times 3 \text{ doses/day} = 6 \text{ mL/day}\]Thus, the patient should receive a total of 6 mL of the suspension each day.

Key concepts

Amoxicillin Dosage

Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It's important to administer the right dosage to achieve effective treatment while minimizing side effects. When a doctor prescribes Amoxicillin, they will specify a certain amount in milligrams (mg) for each dose. In this exercise, the prescription is for 100 mg to be taken orally, three times a day. This means that for every dose, the patient should receive exactly 100 mg of the medication. If the dosage is incorrect, it could either lead to insufficient treatment or cause unwanted drug reactions. Knowing the exact amount is crucial for therapy success.

Proportional Calculation

Proportional calculation is a mathematical method used to determine unknown values based on their relationship to known values. In the context of drug dosage, it helps calculate how much of a liquid medication is needed to achieve the prescribed dose. To find the amount of Amoxicillin suspension required, set up a proportion using the concentration of the available drug.

• The available suspension contains 250 mg of Amoxicillin in 5 mL.
• The prescription requires 100 mg per dose.

Using the proportion \[ \frac{250 \text{ mg}}{5 \text{ mL}} = \frac{100 \text{ mg}}{x \text{ mL}} \] allows you to solve for \(x\), the required volume. Cross-multiplication determines that \(x = 2 \text{ mL}\), meaning 2 mL of the suspension gives the required 100 mg dose.

Medication Administration

Medication administration involves delivering the correct dose of medication to a patient, often in intervals. It's more than just giving a drug; it includes understanding how often to administer it. For Amoxicillin, being a three times daily dosage implies a regular schedule to keep a consistent therapeutic level. Administering medication requires careful timing:

• A three times daily schedule roughly means every 8 hours.
• Using a medication app can help schedule reminders.

Ensuring the medication is given on time maximizes its effectiveness and prevents the bacteria from regrowing, which could complicate treatment.

Pharmaceutical Calculations

Pharmaceutical calculations are significant in determining correct drug dosages and preparing the right medication safely. These calculations not only ensure dosing accuracy but also help in preparing the medication in a form suitable for patient use. In this example, performing the calculation:

• Identifies how much suspension is needed per dose.
• Helps calculate the total daily volume needed: \(2 \, \text{mL/dose} \times 3 \, \text{doses/day} = 6 \, \text{mL/day}\).

Such calculations prevent errors and enable healthcare professionals to provide effective and safe treatment.