Dosage Calculation for Sleep Medication
The patient should take 2 tablets to achieve the prescribed 250 µg dose.
Unit Conversion and Calculation
- First, convert the tablet strength to micrograms: 0.125 mg = 125 µg 1
- The prescribed dose is 250 µg 1
- Calculation: 250 µg ÷ 125 µg per tablet = 2 tablets 1
Administration Guidelines
Take the medication immediately before bedtime on an empty stomach to maximize effectiveness and minimize next-day impairment 1.
Key Administration Points:
- Do not take with or immediately after a meal, as this may delay the medication's effect 1
- Take only when able to get a full night's sleep (7-8 hours) 1
- Avoid combining with alcohol or other CNS depressants 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Confusion between milligrams (mg) and micrograms (µg) is a frequent source of medication errors 2. Always verify:
- 1 mg = 1,000 µg
- The tablet contains 0.125 mg = 125 µg
- The prescribed dose is 250 µg = 0.25 mg
Patients with lower health literacy may struggle with dosage calculations, particularly when demonstrating the correct number of tablets to take daily 2. Clear written instructions showing "Take 2 tablets at bedtime" are essential.
Safety Considerations
- Monitor for next-morning impairment, especially in women and elderly patients who may have slower drug clearance 1
- Be aware of potential sleep-related behaviors including sleepwalking, sleep-eating, and sleep-driving 1
- Use caution in patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea 1