Course Description
Mathematical principles and quantitative methods utilized in the contemporary practice of pharmacy. Calculations required in the quantitative development and assessment of prescriptions, dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and drug therapy modalities applicable to pharmacy practice.
Athena Title
Pharmaceutical Calculations
Prerequisite
Doctor of Pharmacy degree program
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Read and interpret prescriptions 2. Solve problems involved in the dispensing and compounding of medications 3. Accurately calculate dosages based on patient weight and body surface area 4. Calculate and describe how to obtain a determined dose from available products
Topical Outline
Topical outline 1. Fundamentals of measurement and calculation: roman numbers, ratio and proportion, percent error, measurement of volume, measurement of weight, least amount weighable (LAW), aliquot method of weighing and measuring 2. Interpretation of the prescription order: conversion between systems metric, apothecary and Avoirdupois 3. The metric systems conversion within the system 4. Calculation of doses: calibration of droppers, calculation of the quantity to be dispensed, dosing in pediatric and the elderly patients, calculation of doses based on weight, calculation of doses based on body surface area 5. Density, specific gravity, and specific volume 6. Percentage, ratio strength, and other expressions of concentration 7. Dilutions and concentration 8. Reducing and enlarging formulas 9. Milliequivalents, millimoles and milliosmoles and electrolyte solutions 10. IV admixtures and flow rate calculations 11. Using prefabricated dosage from in compounds 12. Isotonic solution preparation
Syllabus