CPP Notes Fall 2025 Pharmacy Calculations

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and definitions from the pharmacy calculations notes.

Pharmacy Calculations

The process of solving medication dosing problems using conversion factors and standard equations to determine accurate drug dosages.

Step 1: Understand the goal

Identify the objective of the problem and differentiate relevant information from irrelevant information (case-based format).

Step 2: Understand the math

Determine the required conversions and equations to reach the goal (e.g., unit conversions, dose formulas).

Step 3: Implementing the math

Apply calculations, estimate results, double-check for reasonableness and accuracy.

Metric length conversions

Common relationships: 1 m = 100 cm, 1000 mm, and 0.001 km.

Inch to centimeter

1 inch = 2.54 cm.

Liter to milliliter

1 L = 1000 mL.

Cubic centimeter

1 mL = 1 cm3 (cubic centimeter).

Fluid ounce to milliliter

1 fl oz ≈ 29.57 mL (commonly rounded to 30 mL).

Pint to milliliter

1 pint ≈ 473 mL (commonly rounded to 480 mL).

Teaspoon to milliliter

1 tsp = 5 mL.

Tablespoon to milliliter

1 tbsp = 15 mL.

Quart to milliliter

1 quart ≈ 946 mL.

Gram to milligram

1 g = 1000 mg.

Gram to kilogram

1 g = 0.001 kg.

Pounds to kilograms

2.2 pounds = 1 kg.

Ounce to gram

1 oz = 28.35 g.

Dose

Quantity of medication taken by a patient for an intended therapeutic effect.

Single dose

The quantity of medication taken at one time.

Daily dose

The quantity of medication taken in one 24-hour period.

Total dose

The quantity of medication taken during the entire course of therapy.

Loading dose

A larger-than-usual initial amount of medication intended to rapidly raise the blood drug level to a therapeutic level.

Dosage regimen

The schedule on which the patient is intended to take prescribed medications.

Usual dosage range

The quantity of medication that may be prescribed within medical practice guidelines, often stratified by patient populations.

Body Surface Area (BSA)

A metric used to adjust dosing based on body size.

Prescription

Order for a medication by a licensed medical provider, typically outpatient.

Medication Order

Order for medication in hospitals or institutional settings and is administered in doses based on military time.

5 Rights

Five checks before administration: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time, Right Route.

Right Patient

The patient for whom the medication is intended.

Right Drug

The correct medication to be given.

Right Dose

The correct amount of medication to administer.

Right Time

The correct time to administer the medication.

Right Route

The correct method of administration (e.g., oral, IV).

DEA

Drug Enforcement Agency; federal agency regulating controlled substances and prescribing/dispensing practices.

Creatinine clearance (CrCl)

Estimation of the kidney's filtration rate for plasma; used to adjust dosing of renally cleared drugs.