KCL Pharmacy Society Calculations Guide

PHARMACY CALCULATIONS
UNITS
Units are an essential aspect of pharmaceutical

calculations. Though converting units is not usually a
question in its own regard, they are a part of most
calculations. Questions often give values in one unit and
expect an answer in another unit, thus learning to
convert between units is essential. Remember, a number
is meaningless without units.
The most common units of measurements found in

pharmacy are those of mass and volume. The table
below highlights the relationship between various units.
Prefix Kilo Milli Micro

0.001k 1000000mc
Mass 1g 1000mg
g g
Volum 0.001k 1000000
1L 1000mL
e L µcL
1mo 1000mmo 1000000
Mole -
l l µmol
For converting between metric measurements

(contained in the table above) you must learn the
conversion factors and practice is the only way to
become comfortable with converting between units.
However, with other, less conventional, units of
measurements the conversion factor will be given.
EXAMPLE 1:
Convert 155143 micrograms to grams.
Step 1:
Convert to milligrams first.
First to milligrams by dividing by 1000
155143
= 155.143 𝑚𝑔
1000
Step 2:
Then convert to grams by dividing by 1000
155.143
= 0.55243 𝑔
1000

Tip: You can speed up this process by compounding the
calculations from both steps 1 and 2, and diving by
1000000 instead.
155143
= 0.55243 𝑚𝑔
1000000

Therefore, 155143 micrograms is equivalent to
0.55243 mg

EXAMPLE 2:
Convert 3.4 pints into litres (conversion factor: 1 L=
1.76 pints).
Step 1:
First we need to set up proportions. We know that 1 L =
1.76 pints and x litres = 3.4 pints.
𝑥 1
=
3.4 1.76
We can then rearrange this formula to solve for x
3.4
𝑥= = 1.93 𝐿
1.76
Therefore, 3.4 pints is equivalent to 1.93L


ACCURACY OF MEASUREMENT
This chapter revises through the methods of rounding

techniques and using appropriate significant figures
whilst calculating the limits of measurement during
pharmaceutical practice. This may seem simple but is
extremely important when providing measurements
which represent the correct degree of accuracy.
ROUNDING NUMBERS
Rounding numbers makes the figures more convenient
to use in calculations, however it must be noted that
once rounded, a number is only an approximation,
therefore an exact number cannot be obtained once
calculations are based on a rounded number.
When rounding a number, it is the last figures
which must be considered first.
If the last figure is less than 4, the whole number will be

rounded down to the next lower number which ends in
the figure 0.
As an example, 73 will be rounded to the nearest 10

becoming 70.
If the last figure is between 5 and 9, the whole number

will be rounded up to the next higher number which
ends in the figure 0.
Example:
78 will be rounded to the nearest 10 becoming 80.
Rounded numbers can be used to simplify and make

calculations easier.
For example, in order to add 182 and 2847we can

round each number before adding them together:
182 will round down to 180

2847 will round up to 2850
The total of the two rounded numbers is 3030 as

opposed to the total of the exact numbers which is
3029. Rounding can reduce numbers to a more
convenient and manageable size as a result.
SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS
Considering the length of a room to be 19 metres and
therefore 1900 centimetres, the 1 meaning one
thousand and the 9 being nine hundred. The 00 in 1900
does not mean 0 tens and 0 units, instead the 00
means that the number of tens and units have not been
stated so these figures simply act as space such that
the 1 represents the thousands and the 9 represents
the hundreds. Therefore in this example, the 00 are two
figures which are not significant whilst the 1 and 9 are
significant figures.
Example 1:
A bottle or oral suspension contains 0.07L of liquid to
the nearest 0.01L. How many significant figures are
there in this measurement?
The 7 means 7 hundredths of a litre, this figure is

significant. The 0 to the left of the 7 is only used so
that space is created in order that the 7 appears in the
hundredths column, it is not significant. There is one
significant figure in this number.
Example 2:
The number 123 000 is stated to the nearest hundred.
How many significant figures in this number?
The number is stated to the nearest hundred, the 0 to

the right of the 3 shows that there are no hundreds and
is therefore a significant figure. The number is stated to
the nearest hundred, hence the following 00 means that
the number of tens and units have not been stated and
are not significant. There are four significant figures in
this number.
When correcting to fewer significant figures we can

incorporate the rounding technique mentioned above. In
order to correct 86.43 to two significant figures we
must consider the first three significant figures when
rounding. Once rounded, 86.43 correct to two
significant figures becomes 86. Using the same
technique, 86.73 correct to two significant figures will
become 88.
Example 1:
Correct 18 726 to 3 s.f. = 18 700
Example 2:
Correct 71 263 to 3 s.f. = 71 300
Example 3:
Correct 0.00753 to 2 s.f. = 0.0075
Example 4: Correct 0.000897 to 2 s.f. = 0.00090
ACCURACY IN WEIGHING AND MEASURING

In tests and assays, the stated quantity to be taken
may be an approximation but the quantity which is
actually weighed is done so accurately to provide and
exact value. According to the European Pharmacopoeia
the quantity which is actually weighed may deviate by
no more than 10% from the stated quantity, in addition
an indicated degree of precision will also be stated. As
an example, in reference to weighing, the degree of
precision is plus or minus 5 units after the last figure
stated, therefore 0.75 g will be interpreted as 0.745 g
to 0.755 g. It is also important to remember that the
degree of precision is implied by the number of
significant figures.
Use the following information to complete the

proceeding example :
The European Pharmacopeia states that erythromycin

ethyl succinate (EES) should contain no more than 6.0%
water determined on 0.450 g by semi-micro
determination of water and not more than 0.7% of
sulfated ash determined on 2.0 g.
Example 1:
What are the limits on the weights of erithromycin for
the determination of water?
First let us consider the weight which is being referred

to; 0.450 g. As stated previously, the precision of the
required weighing is indicated by the number of
significant figures. 0.450 g is three significant figures.
The amount of sample can vary by no greater than

10%. If 0.450 g represents 100%, the limits can be
found by calculating 90% and 110%, the values for 10%
more and 10% less than the stated weight.
90% of 0.450 =0.405

110% of 0.450 =0.495
Therefore the actual weighing can be between 0.405 g

and 0.495 g. Both these answers must be expressed to
the same number of significant figures as the original
value from which they were calculated.
Example 2:
An operator found that a 1.04 g sample of EES
contained 0.0079 g of sulfated ash. Is this acceptable?
In the information provided it was stated that the

sample could contain no more than 0.7% of sulfated
ash.
1.04 g represents 100%, in order to calculate the

maximum amount of sulfated ash as stated 0.7% of
1.04 g is determined.
0.7% of 1.04=0.00728
As the sample contains 0.0079 g which is greater than

0.00728 g, it does not comply with the European
Pharmacopoeia requirements.
CONCENTRATIONS
Pharmaceutical preparations are made up of a number of

different ingredients, mixed with a vehicle in order to
produce the pharmaceutical product. The ingredients
and vehicles used in a product can be I a variety of
phases
The concentration of pharmaceutical preparations

usually describes the strength of the drug in the
preparations, which makes it a very important
calculation, as a preparation which is too strong would
lead to toxic effects, and a preparation too weak would
lead to a sub-therapeutic response. 
Concentration is an expression of the ratio of the

amount of an ingredient to the amount of product. It
can be expressed in several ways:
w/w – Solid (g) ingredient in a Solid (g) vehicle
v/v – Liquid (ml) ingredient in a Liquid (ml) vehicle
w/v – Solid (g) ingredient in a Liquid (ml) vehicle
v/w – Liquid (ml) ingredient in a Solid (g) vehicle
There is an agreed convention that states that weight is

expressed in grams and volume is expressed in millilitres.
Concentrations are expressions of ratios, and therefore,

can be expressed in various forms. This includes amount
strengths, ratio strengths and percentage strengths.
1% w/w = 1g in 100g w/w = 1:100
1% w/v = 1g in 100ml w/v = 1:100
1% v/w = 1ml in 100g w/w = 1:100
1% v/v = 1ml in 100ml w/v = 1:100
Tip: a percentage amount is the amount of ingredient in

100 parts of the product (100g of solid or 100ml of
liquid)
Example 1:
How many milligrams of aluminium acetate are required
to prepare 500 mL of a 0.06% w/v solution?
Step 1:
0.06% w/v solution can also be written as 0.06g in
100ml product.
This means that each 100ml of vehicle contains 0.06g
aluminium acetate
Step 2:
Whilst maintaining this ratio, we can calculate that we
would have 0.3g aluminium acetate in 500ml product.
0.06g in 100ml
Multiplied by 5
0.3g in 500ml
Step 3:
Convert 0.3g into mg,

0.3g x 1000 = 300mg
Therefore, 300mg is required to produce the desired

preparation.
Example 2:
What is the amount of potassium permanganate in 300
mL of a 1 in 25 solution
Step 1:
A 1 in 25 solution means 1g in 25ml of solution.
Step 2:
Whilst maintaining this ratio, we can calculate that we
would have 12g potassium permanganate in 300ml
solution.
1g in 25ml
Multiplied by 12
12g in 300ml
Therefore, 12g potassium permanganate would be

found in 300ml of 1 in 25 solution.
Example 3:
You are required to make 100 mL of double strength

chloroform water. Single strength chloroform water is
made up of 1 part chloroform water concentrate + 39
parts water.
What volume of water in mL is needed to make the
required solution?
Step 1:
The question is asking us about double strength
chloroform water, whilst giving us the concentration of
single strength solution. We already know that single
strength chloroform water comes in the strength of 1 in
40, and so double would come in the strength of 1 in
20.
Step 2:
After this slight adjustment, we would need to multiply
out by 5, as 20 multiplied by 5 gives us the required
100ml of solution.
1ml concentrate in 20ml water

whilst maintaining the ratio, we’d find:
5 ml concentrate in 100ml water
Step 3:
Knowing that we require 5ml of concentrate in 100ml of
product, it would mean we have 95ml of water in this
final solution, as:
100 – 5 = 95ml
Therefore, the answer would be 95ml of water
Example 4:
®
Rectogesic rectal ointment (glyceryl trinitrate 0.4 %)
is applied to the anal canal for the treatment of anal
fissures. 1 application is 2.5 cm in length and contains

1.5 mg of glyceryl trinitrate.
How many applications are contained in a 30 g tube of
®
Rectogesic rectal ointment?
Step 1:
0.4% w/w glyceryl trinitrate means 0.4g glyceryl
trinitrate in 100g product. This would mean we would
have 0.12g glyceryl trinitrate in the 30g tube of
®
Rectogesic rectal ointment
Step 2:
We now know we have 0.12g drug in our 30g tube. We
want to know how many applications of 1.5mg
(0.0015g) we can obtain from this.
!.#$%
Therefore: = 80 applications
!.!!#&%

DILUTIONS
This chapter addresses problems arising from the

quantitative relationship between specific ingredients
and the pharmaceutical preparation as a whole. Dilution
of solutions: weight of active ingredient remains the
same before and after dilution. However, since the
volume changes the concentration of the solution also
changes.
Therefore, you can use the formula:
C1.V1 = C2.V2, whereby
C= concentration
V= volume
Example 1:
How many mLs of a 0.6% w/v stock solution are
required to make 2 L of a 0.06% solution, using water
as the solvent?
In order to apply the above formula, three variables

must be known. In this example problem, C1 (0.6%), V2
(2 L), and C2 (0.06%) are known.
The unknown variable which needs to be determined is

V1. To solve the problem, insert the numerical values
into the formula and solve for V1.
It is important to remember that you should work with

similar units while performing these calculations. In this
case, the final answer is to be stated in mL; thus, 2 L

should be converted to mL prior to using the formula.
V1 = ?
C1 = 0.6%
V2 = 2000 mL
C2 = 0.06%
(V1)(0.6%) = (2000 mL)(0.06%)

(V1)(0.6%) = 120
V1 = (120 ÷ 0.6) = 200 mL
Therefore, 200 mL of a 0.6% stock solution is required

to compound the liquid. Now, we must determine how
many mL of solvent are necessary. To calculate the
amount of solvent (water) to include in the compound,
simply subtract the volume of the stock solution from
the final volume of the compound.
2000 mL (final volume of the compound) – 200 mL

(volume of stock solution) = 1800 mL of water
Thus, 200 mL of the 0.6% stock solution and 1800 mL

of solvent (water) are required to make 2000 mL, or 2
L, of 0.06% solution. Let's try another problem
involving liquid dilution. In the next example, the formula
is used to find the concentration for a diluted solution.
Example 2:
What is the new concentration of a 750 mL, 50% v/v
dextrose solution that is diluted to 1500 mL with
water?
V1 = 750 mL
C1 = 50% v/v
V2 = 1500 mL
C2 = ?
(750 mL)(50%) = (1500 mL)(C2) → 37,500 = (1500

mL) (C2) → C2 = 37500 ÷ 1500 = 25%
By diluting 750 mL of a 50% v/v dextrose solution to

1500 mL with water, the resulting concentration of the
dextrose solution is 25% v/v. Notice there is no change
in the quantity of active ingredient, but we are doubling
the volume, as a result, the concentration of the
solution decreased by half.
In certain situations two or more strengths of product

must be mixed in order to produce the final formulation.
Example 1: What is the final % v/v of a solution if 400

mL of 30% v/v solution is added to 200 mL of 40% v/v
solution?
When the two volumes are added together the final
volume of product becomes 600 mL. It is necessary to
work out the amount of active ingredient in each of the
two separate volumes in order to calculate the total

present in the final volume of 600 mL.
30% v/v = 30 mL in 100 mL

Therefore 120 mL in 400 mL
40% v/v = 40 mL in 100 mL

Therefore 80 mL in 200 mL
In 600 mL there is therefore 120 mL + 80 mL of active

ingredient. 200 mL of active ingredient in a 600 mL
solution results in a concentration of 33% v/v.
CONCENTRATED WATERS
Concentrated waters such as rose water and peppermint
waters are diluted to produce single or double strength
formulations.
The pharmaceutical definition of concentrated water is

one that is 40X stronger than single-strength water
therefore, single-strength is equal to 1 part concentrate
to 39 parts water or 1 part concentrate in 40 parts
water.
Example 1:
How much concentrated rose water should you use to
produce 440 mL of single-strength rose water?
Concentrated water is 40X stronger than single

strength, therefore is 1/40 of the total volume. Hence
11 mL of concentrated rose water is needed.
Example 2:
How much water needs to be added to 50 mL of
concentrated peppermint water to produce double-
strength peppermint water?
Double strength is 1 part concentrated water to 19

parts water, therefore 50 mL is equal to 1/20 of the
total volume. Hence 950 mL is water needs to be added
to 50 mL of concentrated peppermint water to provide
1000 mL of solution.

FORMULATION PREPARATIONS
Ingredients of a formulation will be given to you as a list

of amounts, parts or percentages, in a given quantity.
You may be required to adapt this list of ingredients to
the amount specified on the prescription. These
calculations are important to carry out accurately as any
errors could be harmful to the patient.
Tip: The different ingredients of the formulae must be

kept in ratio at all times. Checking the ratios match in
the same way before and after quantity conversion is a
good way to accuracy check your calculations.
EXAMPLE 1:
A prescription requires 200mL of Chalk Mixture,
Paediatric BP. The formula is:
Chalk 20g
Tragacanth powder  2g
Cinnamon water, 4ml

concentrated
Syrup  100ml
Chloroform water, double 500ml

strength
Water for preparation to 1000ml


Step 1:
The formulae provided to us is for a quantity of
1000ml, as water is added in order to make the
preparation up to 1000ml.
Step 2:
It can be seen that we must divide the total formulae, of
1000ml quantity, by 5 in order to obtain our prescribed
amount of 200ml. Therefore, we must divide the
quantity of every ingredient by 5 also.
Step 3:
Divide every ingredient by 5
MASTER PRESCRIBED
Chalk 20 4
tragacanth 2 0.4
powder 
cinnamon water, 4 0.8

concentrated
syrup  100 20
chloroform 500 100

water, double
strength
water for 1000 200

preparation

EXAMPLE 2:
Find the quantities of ingredients needed to produce
50g of product using the formula (given in parts):
calamine 2 parts
yellow soft paraffin 38 parts
Total 50 parts
Step 1:
We can calculate that the total parts of the formulae is
40 parts.
Step 2:
After calculating this, it would be preferable to convert
this formulae into one with a total of 50 parts. This
would make the further calculations easier, as it would
mean 1 part would equal 1g. (50 parts in a 50g
quantity)
Multiply all ingredients out by 1.25 (because 1.25 x 40

= 50)
calamine 2.5 parts
yellow soft paraffin 47.5 parts
Total 50 parts

Therefore, we would require 2.5g calamine and 47.5g

yellow soft paraffin (because 1 part is equal to 1 gram)
EXAMPLE 3:
Find the amount of ingredients required to make 50g of
the following formulation:
calamine  6% w/w
liquid paraffin  7% w/w
yellow soft paraffin to 100% w/w
Step 1:
Looking at the formulae, we can see that all the
quantities have been given in % w/w. We know that this
means g in 100g, and therefore, we know how much of
each ingredient would be found in a 100g preparation.
calamine  6g in 100g
liquid paraffin  7g in 100 g
yellow soft paraffin to 87g in 100g
Tip: note that when ‘to’ is stated, this means that the
formulation is made up to the specified quantity using
this ingredient. Therefore, in this question, when we

have ‘yellow soft paraffin to 100% w/w’, this indicates

we require only 87g of yellow soft paraffin to
accompany our other 13g of ingredients, as opposed to
the common misconception of 100g.
Step 2:
We know how much is required in 100g, and we need to
calculate the quantities in 50g. We therefore need to
simply half the quantities we have.
calamine  3g in 150g
liquid paraffin  3.5g in 50 g
yellow soft paraffin to 43.5g in 50g
Tip: When being asked a question about % quantities,

this would be the same as assuming the total formulae
is equal to 100 parts, and that 1% is equal to 1 part.

DOSING AND DISPENSING
Dosing calculations are one of the most common

questions you will come across in pharmacy practice and
as such is an important skill to master.
Dosing questions often include dosing abbreviations and

terminology. Use the list below as a guide when
answering dosing questions.
Abbreviation Definition
OD, BD, TDS, Once daily, twice daily, three
QDS times daily, four times daily
EOD Every other day
ON/Nocte At night
OM In the morning
Mitte/Rx Give/Take
qxh (e.g q4h) Every x hours (e.g. every 4 hours)
AC Before food
PC After food
Amp Ampoule
Gtt Drops
x/7 (e.g. 5/7) Days (e.g. 5 days)
x/52 (e.g. Weeks (e.g. 3 weeks)
3/52)
x/12 (e.g. Months (e.g. 2 months)
2/12)
Month 28 days
IM/IV Intramuscular/ Intravenous
Inf. Infusion
prn When required

Single strength 1 in 40
Double 2 in 40
strength
Triple Strength 3 in 40

EXAMPLE 1:
You are presented with a prescription for one month
supply of Microgynon tablets, OD from day 1 to 4, BD
from day 5 to 24 and OD for the rest of the
month. How many tablets do you dispense and supply
to the patients?
Step 1:
OD from day 1 to 4 = 1 tablet per day for 4 days
1 ×4 = 4 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
Step 2:
BD from day 5 to 24: = 2 tablets per day for 20 days
2 ×20 = 40 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
Step 3:
OD from day 25 to 28: = 1 tablet per day for 4 days
1 ×4 = 4 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
Step 4:
Total up the tablets
4 + 40 + 4 = 48 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
Tip: Be systematic and write down each step.

Remember, a ‘month’ is always 28 days.
EXAMPLE 2:
A patient has been prescribed Otravine nasal spray,
two puffs in each nostril twice a day on alternate days
and other days one puff in each nostril twice a day. If
there is 240 puffs in one Otravine nasal spray, how long
does one nasal spray last?
Step 1:
Day 1: 2 puffs × 2 times daily × 2 (for both nostrils) =
8 puffs
Day 2: 1 puff × 2 times daily × 2 (for both nostrils) =
4 puffs
So, in 2 days, the patient uses up 12 puffs

Therefore, in 1 day, the patient will use 6 puffs
Step 2:
Finally, we would need to divide the total puffs of the
product by the number
240 ÷ 6 = 40 days
Therefore, the nasal spray will last 40 days.
EXAMPLE 3:
Mr Thompson brings in a prescription: 200 mg of
ibuprofen suspension BD 2/52. What volume of 250
mg/ 5 mL ibuprofen suspension would you dispense?
Step 1:
We would first need to work out the volume of
suspension per dose.
We know the weight of the ibuprofen we want per dose,
but we want to find out the volume:
We would consider ratios to set up the following

equation:
200 250
=
𝑥 5
5 ×200
𝑥= = 4 𝑚𝑙
250
Therefore, there is 4ml of suspension per dose

prescribed.
Step 2:
We first need to determine how much to dispense. We
do this by first calculating the number of doses
required:
BD 2/52 = Twice a day for 14 days = 28 doses
Volume of suspension to be dispense:
4 ×28 = 112 𝑚𝑙
Therefore, there is 4ml of suspension per dose

prescribed.
EXAMPLE 4:
The doctor has prescribed oral ranitidine 6 mg/kg/day in
two divided doses, to treat reflux oesophagitis in a 1
year old child, who weighs 10 kg. You are going to
dispense 75 mg/5 mL oral solution. What volume of
the oral solution would the child receive at each dose?
Step 1:
We would first calculate total quantity of drug

prescribed to the child.
The child weighs 10 kg, so:
6×10 = 60 𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝑎𝑦
Step 2:
The question states the drug was prescribed dose, so:
60 ÷ 2 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑠 = 30 𝑚𝑔 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒
Step 3:
Finally, the question requires us to calculate the volume
of 75mg/5mL oral solution needed to be administered
to the child per dose.
75mg/5mL, can be simplified to:
15mg/1mL, which can then be converted to:
30mg/2mL
Therefore, each dose would consist of 2ml of the

dispensed 75 mg/5 mL oral solution
DISPLACEMENT
During dissolution, displacement volume is the cubic

measure of solvent that will be displaced by a set mass
of a solid. This can be conceptualised as the space of
the solvent the solute will occupy after a solution has
formed. This understanding of displacement volumes is
required to calculate the volume of a solvent that must
be added to an already known mass of solute such that
an exact volume of solution can be determined.
For instance, if 10 mL of water is added to 90 mL of

water then there would be a volume of 100mL of water.
Yet if 10g of salt was added to the 90mL of water and
the mixture was stirred until the salt had dissolved. The
10g of salt would have dissolved and therefore increase
the volume more than 90mL. The final volume after the
salt is dissolved would be the:
Initial Volume of Solution + Displacement Volume of salt
In pharmacy displacement volumes are important and so

are are often published. When used correctly,
displacement volumes are vital when diluents like water
are added to lyophilised drug powder, such that an
injection solution of a known concentration can be
composed.
An example would be diamorphine, the displacement

volume of which is quoted as 0.12mL/10mg. This
means that 10mg of diamorphine displaces 1.2mL of
water. These figures can be used to calculate the
correct volume of water to add to diamorphine powder
in order to make a known volume of injection at a known

concentration.
Example 1:
Calculate the required volume of water for injections
required to produce 1mL of an injection containing
10mg diamorphine.
A tube containing 10mg of diamorphine powder and
water for injections is available.
The displacement volume is 0.12 mL/10mg and so the

volume occupied by 10mg of powder would be
equivalent to 0.12mL.
This would mean:

Volume of water required = 1mL – 0.12mL = 0.88mL
Example 2:
Drug X has a displacement volume of 0.07mL/5mg.

Calculate the volume of KCl needed to produce 1mL of
injection containing 5mg of drug X.
Drug X has a displacement volume of 0.07mL/5mg –

meaning that 5mg of drug X displaces 0.07mL in
solution.
We need to calculate the volume of KCl needed to

produce 1mL of injection.
Given that drug X displaces 0.07mL, it means that

0.93mL is required to produce 1mL of injection.
In other words, the drug’s displacement of 0.07mL, plus

the KCl of 0.93mL, gives us the volume of injection
needed.
Example 3:
68 mL of water is needed to produce 100mL of a

mixture containing 250mg of drug X in every 5mL dose.
Calculate the displacement volume for a quantity of
powder equivalent to the 250mg dose of drug X.
If there is 250mg in each 5mL dose, 100mL has 20-

times this – that is to say, 5,000mg.
If 68mL is needed, it means 5,000mg displaces the

remaining 32mL of water.
Thus, 5,000mg displaces 32mL in 100mL; therefore,

250mg displaces 1.6mL in a 5mL dose.
Example 4:
What volume of diluent is needed such that, when

added to 80mg of drug X, it produces a concentration
of 4mg/mL. The displacement volume of drug X is
0.5mL/40mg.
The final volume can be calculated by considering the

following, if the required concentration is 4mg in 1mL,
then 20mL is needed for 80mg of drug X.If 40mg
displaces 0.5mL of solution, 80mg will displace 1mL. In
order to determine the volume of diluent required,
subtract the displacement volume from the final volume,

20 mL – 1 mL therefore 19 mL of diluent is required.
.

RATE OF FLOW OF INTRAVENOUS

SOLUTIONS
A very common route of administration, commonly

found in the hospital scenario, are IV infusions. This
involves the drug being introduced directly through a
vein as a sterile aqueous solution, over a period a time.
Not to be confused with injections, which are
administered all in one go. In order to ensure the drug is
administered into the patient at a constant rate, a
device is used to control the flow rate of the infusion. It
may be necessary to calculate the volume of solution
that is delivered over a period of time or the volume of
solution that will deliver a known quantity of drug.
EXAMPLE 1:
Mr Jones is a 54 year old man, weighing 70 kg. He has
been prescribed IV sodium valproate at a dose of 30
mg/kg to be administered over 5 minutes. The sodium
valproate injection that will be used contains 100
mg/mL.
Calculate the rate in mL/min at which the sodium

valproate injection should be administered?
Step 1:
Firstly, we would need to work out the total quantity of
drug that has been prescribed to Mr Jones. He has been
prescribed 30 mg/kg. We therefore would multiply his

weight of 70kg by 30mg.

30 x 70 = 2100mg
Therefore, Mr Jones has been prescribed a total of
2100mg of Sodium Valproate.
Step 2:
The question is asking us for the rate of infusion of drug
into Mr Jones in mL/min. We therefore need to calculate
the volume required to carry out the infusion. This can
be done using the quantity of drug calculated above,
and the information provided to us about the nature of
the sodium valproate injection being used.
The injections come in a concentration of 100mg/mL,
and so to work out the total volume of IV solution
required, we would need to divide total amount of drug
by concentration of the injection.
2100
= 21𝑚𝑙
100
Therefore, we require 21ml of drug solution for the

infusion.
Step 3:
Finally, the question is asking about the rate of infusion
over a 5 minute period in ml/min. We therefore need to
divide our total volume of drug solution by the time of
infusion.

21
= 4.2 𝑚𝑙/𝑚𝑖𝑛
5
Therefore, the drug is to be administered at a rate of

4.2 ml/min.
EXAMPLE 2:
20 mL of Addiphos solution and 10 mL of multivitamin
infusion are added to 500 mL of glucose 5% solution.
The resultant solution is to be administered over 4
hours. The administration set is calibrated to 20
drops/mL.
Calculate the number of drops per minute to be given if

the patient is to receive all of the solution in the
specified time.
Step 1:
Firstly, we would need to calculate the total volume of
the infusion solution:
20ml + 10ml + 500ml = 530ml
Step 2:
As we have been given an administration time of 4
hours, but a infusion rate of dops/ml, we would then
need to convert the administration time into minutes

also.
4 hours x 60 = 240 minutes
Step 3:
The administration set is calibrated to 20 drops/mL.
Therefore we need to convert our total volume into ml:
530 x 20 = 10600 drops
Step 4:
We have been asked to calculate the rate of infusion in
drops per minute, over the administration time provided.
We can do this by dividing the total volume,in drops, by
the total time of infusion in minutes.
100600/240 = 44.17
The infusion fluid should be administered at 44 drops

per minute.
EXAMPLE 3:
A 56-kg female patient requires amphotericin by IV
infusion at a dose of 250 micrograms/kg. The
concentration of the final solution must not be more
than 100 micrograms/mL. A vial of amphotericin
contains 50 mg. Calculate the dose of amphotericin and
the volume of IV solution required by the patient if the
solution contains the maximum concentration. If the
solution has to be delivered in 2.5 hours, what is the
rate in mL/minute? →
If a 50-mg vial is used to prepare the IV solution, what

is the total volume of the solution prepared?

Step 1:
Firstly, we would need to calculate the total dose of
drug prescribed to the patient. We can do this
multiplying the dose of 250 micrograms/kg by the
patient’s weight of 56kg.
250 x 56 = 14000 mcg
Step 2:
The question then asks to calculate the volume of IV
solution required by the patient if the solution contains
the maximum concentration of 100 mcg/ml. We
therefore need to divide our total dose of 14000 by
100mcg.
14000/100 = 140ml
Step 3:
The question then asks the rate of infusion in ml/min, to
deliver 140ml of the infusion solution in 2.5 hours.
2.5 hours = 150 minutes
We would then divide the total volume of infusion

solution by the time of 150 minutes.
140ml/150 = 0.93 ml/min
Step 4:
Lastly, The total volume to contain the amphotericin at
a concentration of 100 micrograms/mL needs to be
calculated. We would need to convert 50mg into mcg.

50mg = 50000 mcg
We then to calculate the total volume of vehicle

required to contain the drug at a concentration of
100mcg/ml. To do this, we would need to divide the
total amount of drug in the vial, by the concentration of
100 mcg/ml.
50000 mcg / 100 = 500ml
Therefore, the 50 mg needs to be dissolved in up to

500 mL of solvent.
Tip; This question may seem confusing, as only 140ml of

infusion solution is required for administration. Although, this
question is concerned with the preparation of the infusion
solution, in the scenario where only vials containing 50mg of
drug compound are available. Of this prepared solution, only
140ml of the prepared solution will be administered to the
patient.
EXAMPLE 4:
Phenytoin has a recommended dose of 18 mg/kg of
body weight to be infused at a rate not exceeding 50
mg/minute. Assume that the patient is a woman
weighing 50 kg. The prescriber would like an infusion
volume of 100mL and a dose rate of 25mg/minute.
How much 0.9% saline would be required to make up

the injection to 100ml and what is the flow rate per

minute?
Step 1:
Firstly, we would need calculate the total dose of drug
being administered to our patient.
18mg x 50kg = 900mg
Step 2:
The injection contains 50mg/ml,
900/50 = 18 ml
We therefore require 18ml of solution.
100ml – 18ml = 82ml
We therefore require 82ml of 0.9% saline to make up
the solution.
Step 3:
We are then required to calculate the flow rate per
minute. The prescriber would like a dose rate of
25mg/min, and so we will need to calculate the volume
of infusion solution which contains 25mg of Phenytoin.
We know that in our prepared solution, we have a total
of 900mg in 100ml.
𝑥 100
= 𝑥 = 2.78
25 900
Therefore, 2.78 mL contains 25 mg of phenytoin. Thus

the flow rate of the infusion should be set at 2.78
mL/minute.
EXAMPLE 5:
The required dose of furosemide by slow IV infusion is

50 mg at a rate not exceeding 4 mg/minute.

Furosemide injection contains 10mg furosemide in 1mL.
Calculate the volume of furosemide injection required
and the infusion rate, i.e. mL/minute, if the patient is to
receive the correct dose.
Step 1:
Firstly, we are asked for the volume of Furosemide
injection required. The Furosemide injections contain
10mg in 1ml. Therefore:
50mg / 10mg/ml = 5ml
Therefore, we require 5ml of Furosemide injection.
Step 2:
We are then asked to calculate the infusion rate in
ml/minute. Firstly, we need to divide the total dose of
drug by the maximum rate of infusion.
50mg / 4mg/min = 12.5 minutes
Therefore, it would take 12.5 minutes to administer all

the injection solution at 2mg/min.
Step 3:
Lastly, to calculate the infusion rate, we need to divide
the administered 5ml of drug solution by the infusion
time calculated of 12.5 minutes.
5/12.5 = 0.4 ml/min
Therefore, the drug solution needs to be administered

at a rate of 0.4ml/min in order to deliver the correct
dose of drug.

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PHARMACY CALCULATIONS

Units are an essential aspect of pharmaceutical

The most common units of measurements found in

Prefix Kilo Milli Micro

For converting between metric measurements

We can then rearrange this formula to solve for x

Therefore, 3.4 pints is equivalent to 1.93L

This chapter revises through the methods of rounding

If the last figure is less than 4, the whole number will be

As an example, 73 will be rounded to the nearest 10

If the last figure is between 5 and 9, the whole number

Rounded numbers can be used to simplify and make

For example, in order to add 182 and 2847we can

182 will round down to 180

The total of the two rounded numbers is 3030 as

The 7 means 7 hundredths of a litre, this figure is

The number is stated to the nearest hundred, the 0 to

When correcting to fewer significant figures we can

Example 4: Correct 0.000897 to 2 s.f. = 0.00090

ACCURACY IN WEIGHING AND MEASURING

Use the following information to complete the

The European Pharmacopeia states that erythromycin

First let us consider the weight which is being referred

The amount of sample can vary by no greater than

90% of 0.450 =0.405

Therefore the actual weighing can be between 0.405 g

In the information provided it was stated that the

1.04 g represents 100%, in order to calculate the

As the sample contains 0.0079 g which is greater than

Pharmaceutical preparations are made up of a number of

The concentration of pharmaceutical preparations

Concentration is an expression of the ratio of the

w/w – Solid (g) ingredient in a Solid (g) vehicle

v/v – Liquid (ml) ingredient in a Liquid (ml) vehicle

w/v – Solid (g) ingredient in a Liquid (ml) vehicle

v/w – Liquid (ml) ingredient in a Solid (g) vehicle

There is an agreed convention that states that weight is

Concentrations are expressions of ratios, and therefore,

1% w/w = 1g in 100g w/w = 1:100

1% w/v = 1g in 100ml w/v = 1:100

1% v/w = 1ml in 100g w/w = 1:100

1% v/v = 1ml in 100ml w/v = 1:100

Tip: a percentage amount is the amount of ingredient in

Convert 0.3g into mg,

Therefore, 300mg is required to produce the desired

Therefore, 12g potassium permanganate would be

You are required to make 100 mL of double strength

1ml concentrate in 20ml water

Therefore, the answer would be 95ml of water

fissures. 1 application is 2.5 cm in length and contains

This chapter addresses problems arising from the

Therefore, you can use the formula:

C1.V1 = C2.V2, whereby

In order to apply the above formula, three variables

The unknown variable which needs to be determined is

It is important to remember that you should work with

case, the final answer is to be stated in mL; thus, 2 L

(V1)(0.6%) = (2000 mL)(0.06%)

Therefore, 200 mL of a 0.6% stock solution is required

2000 mL (final volume of the compound) – 200 mL

Thus, 200 mL of the 0.6% stock solution and 1800 mL

(750 mL)(50%) = (1500 mL)(C2) → 37,500 = (1500

By diluting 750 mL of a 50% v/v dextrose solution to

In certain situations two or more strengths of product

Example 1: What is the final % v/v of a solution if 400

two separate volumes in order to calculate the total

30% v/v = 30 mL in 100 mL

liquid paraffin  7% w/w

liquid paraffin  7g in 100 g

liquid paraffin  3.5g in 50 g