Recording-2025-02-07T13:25:10.112Z

Medication Discrepancies

• Discussion about discrepancies in medication dosages and timelines.

• Example: discrepancy between Laura's ten-day dosage and an eleven-day calculation due to initial and subsequent doses.

• Clarifications on dosage calculations based on treatment protocols.

Dosage Calculation Methods

• Starting dosage: 450 mg transitioning to 150 mg PID (per day).

• Importance of accurately counting doses and calculating total days of medication needed.

• Key terms: "stat" doses and loading doses which bring drug levels to an effective concentration quicker.

Understanding Dosage Forms

• Liquid vs. solid medications: transitioning from solid forms to liquid oral medications through reconstitution.

• Importance of adhering to instructions for liquid dosing, including the significant variability in household measuring devices.

Liquid Measurement Techniques in Pharmacy

• Use of precision tools like measuring cylinders for accurate liquid measurements.

• Differences between using larger vs. smaller cylinders based on prescribed doses.

• Techniques for measuring accurately based on the meniscus—important for determining the correct volume.

Reconstitution of Liquid Medications

• Medications shipped as powders for stability; reconstitution changes their longevity.

• Use of distilled water for reconstitution, emphasizing the necessity of following specific instructions to achieve proper consistency of the solution.

• Procedures for shaking and measuring powders with liquids effectively.

Stability and Expiration of Reconstituted Medications

• Importance of tracking the date of reconstitution for drug efficacy and disposal guidelines—most suspensions should be discarded after 10-14 days.

• Labeling requirements to ensure proper patient understanding of medication stability post-reconstitution.

Dispensing Considerations

• Discussing common types of oral liquid medications and their uses for children and elderly patients who may have difficulty with solid forms.

• Awareness of pharmacy dispensing protocols and the business side of medication sales—noting that patients pay for the entire bottle even if not used.

Common Forms of Liquid Medications

• Overview of different liquid forms:

  • Suspensions: require reconstitution and settle over time.

  • Elixirs: contain alcohol to mask taste, do not require reconstitution.

  • Syrups: usually sweet and easy to administer, also do not need reconstitution.

Measuring Devices

• Understanding various measuring devices:

  • Medicine cups: calibrated in milliliters and teaspoons.

  • Oral syringes: for precise dosing especially for small children.

  • Droppers: used for very small quantities.

• Instruction on maintaining cleanliness and separation of devices between different patients.

Calculation of Required Doses

• The significance of using the correct formula (desired/available x quantity) for determining accurate dosages and dispensing amounts.

• Emphasis on rounding rules for liquid doses, including the procedure for pediatric dosages under 1 milliliter.

Conclusion and Homework Assignments

• Reminder of upcoming tests, group activities, and the importance of reviewing dosage calculations and liquid measurements.

• Assignment to interpret a hypothetical prescription considering the various aspects discussed throughout the lesson.