Examples · Weight-based dose (mg/kg)
Worked example
Weight-based dose (mg/kg) — practice problem 1
A patient weighs 176 lb. The prescriber orders vancomycin 3 mg/kg/day divided into 4 equal doses.
Weight176 lb
Ordered3 mg/kg/day
Frequency4 doses/day
How many mg is each dose?
Answer: 60 mg per dose
Step-by-step solution
1. Convert the patient's weight to kilograms
176 lb × ( 1 kg ÷ 2.2 lb )
= 80 kg
2. Multiply weight by the ordered mg/kg/day
80 kg × ( 3 mg ÷ 1 kg )
= 240 mg/day
3. Divide the daily dose into 4 equal doses
240 mg/day ÷ 4 doses
= 60 mg per dose
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