Converting 2.5% to mg/mL
2.5% concentration equals 25 mg/mL.
Understanding Percentage Concentration
Percentage concentration in pharmaceutical preparations is expressed as grams per 100 mL of solution 1. This is the standard convention used across medical practice for expressing drug concentrations.
The Conversion Formula
To convert any percentage to mg/mL, multiply the percentage by 10:
- 2.5% = 2.5 g per 100 mL
- 2.5 g = 2,500 mg
- 2,500 mg ÷ 100 mL = 25 mg/mL
Practical Application
This conversion is critical when:
- Preparing dilutions - You must verify compatible diluents and final concentration ranges from manufacturer information before diluting any injectable medication 1
- Calculating doses - Never assume dilution protocols from similar medications, as each formulation has unique requirements 1
- Verifying concentrations - Always confirm the generic name of the product, as brand names may vary by country or region 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never dilute injectable medications without verified manufacturer instructions, as improper dilution can lead to precipitation, inactivation, or toxicity 1
- Do not confuse percentage with ratio expressions (such as 1:1000 or 1:10,000), which use different calculation methods 2
- Always use compatible diluents (normal saline or D5W) as recommended by the manufacturer or official guidelines 1