Question

1. Which volumes of IV solutions are considered to be small volume parenterals (SVP)? 2. Based on the metronidazole vial label (page 2 of this handout), calculate the desired volume required to administer 250 mg of metronidazole? 3. Based on the aminophylline vial label (page 3 of this handout), calculate the desired volume required to administer 300 mg of aminophylline?

Answer 1

1. Small volume parenteral

Medications come in vials, ampules or pre-filled syringes.

Vials are closed system containers that need to have equivalent amounts of air or fluid added to offset the pressures caused by the action.

2. Ordered some of metronidazole is 250mg in 100ml NS

Available dose is 50 mg in 1ml

So, for 250 mg we have to administer 5 ml of available metronidazole into 100ml of NS .

3. Ordered dose of ampicillin is 500mg at 25ml/hour

Available dose of ampicillin is 25mg in one ml

So ,to administer 500mg we have to take :-

Unitary method :-

25 mg of ampicillin in 1 ml

1mg of ampicillin in 1/25

Then 500mg of ampicillin in 1/25× 500

= 500/25 = 20ml of medicine has to be taken from available dose of ampicillin .