Question

MEDICATION CALCULATION #65

Order: Dilantin 60 mg, PO, bid. Child's weight: 12 kg. Child's drug dosage: 4-8 mg/kg/day Available: Dilantin - 30 Pediatric 30 mg/5mL oral suspension

a. Is the prescribed dose within safe parameters?

b. If the drug dose is to be administered, how many mL should the child receive?

Please show your step by step calculations.

Answer 1

Order: Dilantin 60 mg, PO, bid. Child's weight: 12 kg.

Child's drug dosage: 4-8 mg/kg/day

Available: Dilantin - 30 Pediatric 30 mg/5mL oral suspension

1. Is the prescribed dose within safe parameters?

= 60 mg, PO, bid x 2

120 mg (ordered) per day

Dosage maximum limit is 8mg/kg/day

= 8 x 12 x 1

= 96 mg maximum safe limit (So the ordered is unsafe at 120 mg per day)

1. If the drug dose is to be administered, how many mL should the child receive?

Available: Dilantin - 30 Pediatric 30 mg/5mL oral suspension

= 6mg/ml

120mg/6

= 20 ml each day (i.e. 10 ml two times)