Dimensional Analysis Medication Dose Calculator, For Solid Dose
Solid Medication dose calculator based on Dimensional Analysis also known as Factor-label method. Dimensional Analysis Calculator allows you to calculate normal and weight based Drugs Doses.
Doses solid forms of medications (e.g., tablets, caplets, capsules, lozenges).
⚠ Warning, Certain medications are not intended to be portioned. Please consult the pharmacist.
It doesn’t matter what type of units are used in this formula. You can figure out how many grams to give or how many milligrams to give, micrograms, units, grains, etc. Remember to be consistent (e.g., don’t mix milligrams with grams).
To calculate liquid medication dose Click Here Dimensional Analysis Calculator, For Liquid Dose
Dimensional Analysis Calculator
In solid form medication dose calculation the Dimensional Analysis (or “Factor-Label Method”) applies, a series of conversion factors of equivalency from one system of measurement to another but doesn’t require memorizing specific formulas. This method reduces errors. It can be used for all dosage calculations..
In case if the dose is ordered as mg/kg we need to multiply patient weight to desired amount (ordered dose).
Dimensional Analysis Formula
Dimensional Analysis doesn’t require memorizing specific formulas. Here are steps on how to set up a DA Equation.
- To set up the equation, start with the unit of measure is needed.
- Build the equation by placing information with the same label as the preceding denominator in the numerator
- Cancel out all unwanted labels.
- Calculate to determine the correctly labelled numeric answer.
Calculation Example
Give 70 milligrams (mg) of Lasix® (furosemide) PO now. Pharmacy has sent a package of 20-milligram Lasix® tablets. How many tablets will you give? Using the DA:
Solution:
- Tablets = ?
- Dose ordered = 70 mg
- Dose available = 20 mg tablets
The answer is 3.5. You would give 3 and ½ tablets from the package pharmacy sent.
General Tips
- Warning, Certain medications are not intended to be portioned. Please consult the pharmacist.
- Check that your answer makes sense clinically.
- Triple check your work.
- Have a colleague or pharmacist check your work.
- Know general therapeutic drug doses for commonly administered medications.
Dose Versus Dosage
The purpose of this page is to determine a single dose not a dosage. Dosage implies a frequency.
Dose
Amount of a medicinal preparation or of radiation to be delivered at one time
Dosage
Determination of the amount and frequency, and number of doses of medication or radiation for a patient.
How to Use Dimensional Analysis Calculator?
Basic Calculator
- Enter ordered dose, and Available dose
- Select oral dosage form type
- Click on “Calculate” button and medication dose will appear below.
Advanced Calculator
- In case of weight based medication switch on weight unit and enter weight
- Enter ordered dose, Available dose and select their respective units
- Select oral form type
- Click on “Calculate” button and medication dose will appear below.
Learn how to convert weight between kilograms (kg) and Pounds (lbs)