Medication Dosage Calculator

Calculate safe and effective drug dosages by weight, frequency, and drug type.

Enter the patient's weight, drug dosage per kg, and frequency to calculate the correct medication dose. Supports multiple units and maximum daily dose checks.

Dosage Calculation Examples

See how to calculate medication dosages for different scenarios.

Adult Paracetamol Dosage

Standard Dosage

Calculate the correct paracetamol dose for a 70 kg adult, 15 mg/kg, 4 times daily, max 4000 mg/day.

Weight: 70 kg

Dose per kg: 15 mg/kg

Frequency: 4

Max Daily Dose: 4000 mg

Drug Name: Paracetamol

Pediatric Amoxicillin Dosage

Pediatric Dosage

Calculate amoxicillin dose for a 20 kg child, 40 mg/kg, 3 times daily, no max dose.

Weight: 20 kg

Dose per kg: 40 mg/kg

Frequency: 3

Drug Name: Amoxicillin

Age: 8

Ibuprofen Dosage in Pounds

Unit Conversion Dosage

Calculate ibuprofen dose for a 150 lb adult, 10 mg/kg, 3 times daily, max 3200 mg/day.

Weight: 150 lb

Dose per kg: 10 mg/kg

Frequency: 3

Max Daily Dose: 3200 mg

Drug Name: Ibuprofen

Levothyroxine Dosage (mcg)

Microgram Dosage

Calculate levothyroxine dose for a 60 kg adult, 1.6 mcg/kg, once daily, no max dose.

Weight: 60 kg

Dose per kg: 1.6 mcg/kg

Frequency: 1

Drug Name: Levothyroxine

Other Titles
Understanding Medication Dosage Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to safely and accurately calculate medication dosages for all ages.

What is a Medication Dosage Calculator?

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Why Accurate Dosage Matters
  • Who Should Use It?
A medication dosage calculator is a tool designed to help healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers determine the correct amount of medication based on weight, age, and other factors. Accurate dosing is crucial to ensure efficacy and safety, preventing underdosing or overdosing.
Key Benefits

Real-World Dosage Calculation Scenarios

  • A nurse calculates a child's antibiotic dose using weight.
  • A patient checks if their daily paracetamol intake is within safe limits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Entering Patient Information
  • Selecting Units and Frequency
  • Interpreting Results
Start by entering the patient's weight and selecting the appropriate unit (kg or lb). Next, input the prescribed dosage per kg and select the correct dose unit (mg, mcg, or g). Specify how many times per day the medication should be taken, and, if known, the maximum daily dose. The calculator will instantly provide the single dose and total daily dose.
User-Friendly Interface

Step-by-Step Dosage Examples

  • A doctor prescribes 20 mg/kg of a drug, 3 times daily.
  • A parent uses the calculator to convert pounds to kilograms for dosing.

Real-World Applications of Dosage Calculators

  • Pediatric and Adult Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Pharmacy and Clinical Practice
Dosage calculators are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to ensure safe medication administration. They are essential in pediatrics, where dosing is highly weight-dependent, and in veterinary medicine for animals of various sizes.
Versatile Use Cases

Practical Dosage Calculation Use Cases

  • A pharmacist checks the maximum daily dose for a prescription.
  • A veterinarian calculates a dog's antibiotic dose.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Avoiding Overdose and Underdose
  • Unit Conversion Pitfalls
  • Importance of Frequency
Incorrect unit selection or misunderstanding frequency can lead to dangerous dosing errors. Always double-check units and ensure the frequency matches the prescription. The calculator helps prevent these mistakes by providing clear unit options and warnings.
Safety First

Dosage Calculation Mistakes to Avoid

  • A user accidentally selects mg instead of mcg, resulting in a 1000x overdose.
  • A patient forgets to divide the total daily dose by the number of doses per day.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Dosage Formula Explained
  • Unit Conversions
  • Worked Calculation Examples
The standard formula for weight-based dosing is: Dose = Weight × Dose per kg. For multiple daily doses, divide the total daily dose by the frequency. Always convert units as needed (e.g., lb to kg, mg to mcg).
Calculation Examples

Mathematical Dosage Calculation Examples

  • A 70 kg adult needs 15 mg/kg paracetamol, 4 times daily: 70 × 15 = 1050 mg per dose, 4200 mg/day.
  • A 20 kg child needs 40 mg/kg amoxicillin, 3 times daily: 20 × 40 = 800 mg per dose, 2400 mg/day.