Loops in Python for Pharmacy Students (Repeated Dosing, Patient Monitoring & Dataset Iteration)

Loops in Python are used to repeat a set of instructions multiple times. In pharmaceutical sciences, loops are essential for repeated dosing schedules, monitoring patients over time, and processing datasets.

🔷 What is a Loop?

A loop executes a block of code repeatedly until a condition is met.

🔷 for Loop

The for loop is used when the number of repetitions is known.

for i in range(5):
    print("Dose administered")

💊 Repeated Dosing Example

for day in range(1, 6):
    print(f"Day {day}: Give 500 mg Paracetamol")

This simulates a 5-day dosing schedule.

🔷 while Loop

The while loop runs as long as a condition is true.

count = 1

while count <= 3:
    print("Monitoring patient")
    count += 1

💊 Patient Monitoring Example

temperature = 101

while temperature > 100:
    print("Patient has fever")
    temperature -= 1

This loop continues until fever subsides.

💊 Dataset Iteration Example

doses = [500, 650, 400]

for dose in doses:
    print("Dose:", dose)

This is useful for processing pharmaceutical datasets.

🔷 range() Function

range() generates a sequence of numbers.

range(1, 5)

Output: 1, 2, 3, 4

🧠 Memory Trick

• for → Fixed repetition
• while → Condition-based repetition
• range() → Generates numbers

🧪 Practice Exercise

Create a program that:

• Prints dose for 7 days
• Monitors patient until temperature becomes normal

📝 MCQs

1. Which loop is used for fixed repetitions?
   a) while
   b) for
   c) if
   d) def
   Answer: b


2. while loop runs:
   a) Once
   b) Fixed times
   c) Until condition is true
   d) Never
   Answer: c


3. range(1,5) gives:
   a) 1 to 5
   b) 1 to 4
   c) 0 to 5
   d) Error
   Answer: b

❓ FAQs

Why are loops important in pharmacy?

They help automate repeated tasks like dosing schedules and patient monitoring.

Which loop is better?

for loop for known repetitions, while loop for condition-based tasks.

➡ Next Topic: Break & Continue Statements →