Worked example

Weight-based dose (mg/kg) — practice problem 2

A patient weighs 70 kg. The prescriber orders acetaminophen 3 mg/kg/day divided into 3 equal doses.

Weight70 kg
Ordered3 mg/kg/day
Frequency3 doses/day

How many mg is each dose?

Answer: 70 mg per dose

Step-by-step solution

1. Multiply weight by the ordered mg/kg/day
70 kg × ( 3 mg ÷ 1 kg )
= 210 mg/day
2. Divide the daily dose into 3 equal doses
210 mg/day ÷ 3 doses
= 70 mg per dose

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