week 4 - Formula Method & Calculating oral medication doses

Enteral route

Medication administration route where drugs are introduced into the body through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as oral, sublingual, rectal, feeding tube, or buccal methods.

Sublingual administration (enteral)

Placement of medication under the tongue to dissolve, allowing rapid absorption through the mucous membranes.

Buccal administration (enteral)

Placement of medication between the gum and the inner cheek lining to dissolve for rapid absorption through mucous membranes.

Feeding tube administration (enteral)

Delivering nutrition and medication directly into the gastrointestinal tract using placed enteral tubes.

Rectal route (enteral)

Medication administration directly into the rectum, such as via a suppository.

Forms of oral medication

Solid, liquid, and powdered forms.

Tablet

A solid oral dosage form containing the drug's active ingredient in a compressed form, available in various shapes and sizes.

Scored tablet

A tablet with an indented line that allows it to be broken so each piece contains an equal amount of active ingredient.

Enteric-coated tablet

A tablet with a special covering that permits dissolution and absorption in a specific section of the gastrointestinal tract; must not be crushed, chewed, or broken.

Disintegrating tablet

An oral tablet formulated to dissolve quickly in the patient's mouth, usually within 60 seconds.

Caplet

A small variation of a tablet with a smooth coating that makes it easier to swallow.

Capsule

A solid oral dosage form featuring a gelatin-like shell that contains powdered medication or time-release pellets.

Softgel capsule

A variation of a capsule used specifically for liquid or oil-based drug ingredients.

Time-released medication administration rule

Medications formulated with beads or pellets that release over time must never be crushed, chewed, or broken.

CR (drug label abbreviation)

Controlled release

ER, XR, XL (drug label abbreviation)

Extended release

SA (drug label abbreviation)

Sustained action

SR (drug label abbreviation)

Sustained release

TR (drug label abbreviation)

Time release

Common types of liquid oral medications

Elixirs, syrups, and suspensions.

Elixir

A clear, liquid oral preparation containing a drug mixed with water, alcohol, and sweet or flavored substances.

Syrup

A viscous oral liquid preparation containing a drug dissolved in purified water and sucrose or a sugar substitute.

Suspension

An oral liquid containing undissolved drug particles that settle over time and must be shaken well prior to administration.

Reconstitution

The process of mixing a powdered medication with a specific amount of liquid right before administration to obtain the correct dosage strength.

Calibrated dropper

A measuring device designed to facilitate oral medication administration, especially in children, typically measuring from $1\,\text{mL}$ to $5\,\text{mL}$.

Cylindrical dosing spoon

An oral medication measuring tool with calibration lines from $1\,\text{mL}$ to $10\,\text{mL}$ and equivalent teaspoon measurements, designed with a spoon-shaped end.

Oral syringe

A needleless measuring device available in capacities ranging from $3\,\text{mL}$ to $10\,\text{mL}$, featuring a tip for easy liquid medication administration.

Medicine cup

A calibrated container used to hold solid or liquid oral medications, marked with units such as $\text{mL}$, $\text{tsp}$, $\text{Tbs}$, and $\text{oz}$.

Rx only

refers to medications that require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for dispensing and usage.

The horizontal center curve of a liquid in a medicine measuring cup where dosage levels must be read

Meniscus

Formula method

A basic dosage calculation formula expressed as
$\frac{D}{H} \times Q = X$

$D$ is the desired dose,
$H$ is the dose on hand
$Q$ is the quantity or vehicle,
$X$ is the calculated amount to administer.

Labeling requirements for reconstituted medications

• Date

• Time

• Nurse Initials

• Dischard Date