Pharmaceutical calculations: Weights and measures – Imperial & Metric system
Pharmaceutical calculations involve the use of mathematical principles to determine the appropriate dosage of medication for a patient. One essential aspect of these calculations is the use of weights and measures, both in the imperial and metric system.
Imperial system:
- Weight: The basic unit of weight in the imperial system is the pound (lb). One pound is equal to 16 ounces (oz).
- Volume: The basic unit of volume in the imperial system is the gallon (gal). One gallon is equal to 4 quarts (qt) or 128 fluid ounces (fl oz).
Metric system:
- Weight: The basic unit of weight in the metric system is the gram (g). One kilogram (kg) is equal to 1,000 grams.
- Volume: The basic unit of volume in the metric system is the liter (L). One liter is equal to 1,000 milliliters (mL) or 1,000 cubic centimeters (cc).
In pharmaceutical calculations, it is essential to convert between these systems accurately. One common conversion factor used is 1 lb = 0.45 kg, while 1 fl oz = 29.57 mL.
It is also crucial to use the appropriate units of measure for the medication being administered. For example, liquid medications may be measured in milliliters, while solid medications may be measured in grams or milligrams. The correct unit of measure must be used to ensure that the correct dose of medication is given to the patient.
First Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
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