Examples · Weight-based dose (mg/kg)
Worked example
Weight-based dose (mg/kg) - practice problem 2
A patient weighs 70 kg. The prescriber orders acetaminophen 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 equal doses.
Weight70 kg
Ordered50 mg/kg/day
Safe max75 mg/kg/day
Frequency4 doses/day
How many mg is each dose?
Answer: 875 mg per dose
Step-by-step solution
1. Multiply weight by the ordered mg/kg/day
70 kg × ( 50 mg ÷ 1 kg )
= 3500 mg/day
2. Divide the daily dose into 4 equal doses
3500 mg/day ÷ 4 doses
= 875 mg per dose
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