Examples · Weight-based dose (mg/kg)
Worked example
Weight-based dose (mg/kg) - practice problem 1
A patient weighs 176 lb. The prescriber orders vancomycin 60 mg/kg/day divided into 3 equal doses.
Weight176 lb
Ordered60 mg/kg/day
Safe max60 mg/kg/day
Frequency3 doses/day
How many mg is each dose?
Answer: 1600 mg per dose
Step-by-step solution
1. Convert the patient's weight to kilograms
176 lb × ( 1 kg ÷ 2.2 lb )
= 80 kg
2. Multiply weight by the ordered mg/kg/day
80 kg × ( 60 mg ÷ 1 kg )
= 4800 mg/day
3. Divide the daily dose into 3 equal doses
4800 mg/day ÷ 3 doses
= 1600 mg per dose
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