Basic Pharmaceutical Math
Start with the big picture
The lesson begins with ratio and proportion, a way to equate fractions representing equivalent quantities, and percentage strengths: %w/w, %w/v, and %v/v. It distinguishes specific gravity from density and introduces the dilution equation and alligation for preparing solutions of a target strength. Further concepts include molarity, molality, milliequivalents, milliosmoles, and isotonicity using the E-value. The topic also covers flow-rate and daily-dose calculations, body surface area, suppository displacement, proof alcohol, pediatric posology adjustment rules, stock-solution strength, and significant figures. Together, these headings show how pharmaceutical calculations connect measurement, formulation, and patient-focused dosing.
What you'll learn
- Set up proportions to relate equivalent quantities and concentrations.
- Distinguish percentage-strength conventions, specific gravity, and density.
- Identify methods for dilution and mixing solutions to a target strength.
- Recognize concentration and osmotic measures, including molarity, mEq, and mOsm.
- Identify calculations used in dosing, isotonicity, and parenteral flow rates.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
