Chapter 6 Oral Medication Labels and Dosage Calculation

Chapter 6 Oral Medication Labels and Dosage Calculation Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Oral Doses • Most consist of half to three tablets or capsules, or half to double the m. L volume in liquid medications Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Drug Label Information • Trade or brand name – Capitalized • Generic or official name – Lowercase • Strength in metric measure – Always has unit of measure Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Dosage Strength on Label • Dosage strength always has unit of measure associated with it – e. g. , mcg, mg, units • Unit of measure is metric or household Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Labels • Extra numbers after drug name may be used to identify dosage strengths of more than one drug in a preparation • Extra initials may be used to identify special drug action Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Combination Drugs • Tablets and capsules that contain more than one drug usually prescribed by trade name and number of tablets or capsules to be given – Rather than dosage – e. g. , Percocet™ Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Safety Point • For safety in medication administration, focus on drug name and its dosage strength • Question any prescriptions that require unusual number of tablets or capsules – More than three • Warning of error in prescribing, transcribing, or calculation Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More Label Information • The letters USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and NF (National Formulary) on drug labels identify official generic listing Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Drug Label Information • Manufacturer • Lot number • Expiration date – Must check before administering Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Other Label Information • If drug in multiple dose containers, number of tablets or capsules in container will be on label Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Liquid Oral Medications • In addition, labels for liquid oral medications state dosage strength in both: – Unit of measure • e. g. , mg, mcg, g, etc. – Amount of dosage strength in m. L of fluid Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Liquid Oral Medications • Smaller volumes may be measured in oral or hypodermic (without needle) syringes • Larger volumes usually measured in calibrated medicine cup – 20 m. L or more Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Multiple Drug Preparations • Preparations containing multiple drugs list name and dosage of each drug – e. g. , Percocet contains oxycodone 5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Safety Point • Labels do not state amount of tablets/capsules or solution contained in prescribed dose Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Safety Point • When using calibrated medicine cup for liquid oral medications: – Pour safely at eye level – Always read calibrations carefully • Most contain several seldom-used units of measure Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Safety Point • Care must be taken not to use oral syringes for hypodermic medication preparation – Oral syringes are not sterile Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.