What amount of medication, with a concentration of 100 mg/5 ml, should be ordered for a patient taking 10 ml every 4-6 hours for a 10-day period?

Medication Supply Calculation for 10-Day Course

For a patient taking 10 mL every 4-6 hours of a 100 mg/5 mL concentration, order 600-900 mL total to ensure adequate supply for 10 days.

Dosing Frequency Analysis

The "every 4-6 hours" interval creates a range of possible daily doses:

• Maximum frequency (every 4 hours): 6 doses per day = 60 mL daily 1
• Minimum frequency (every 6 hours): 4 doses per day = 40 mL daily 1

10-Day Supply Calculation

Conservative Approach (Every 4 Hours)

• Daily volume: 60 mL
• 10-day total: 600 mL 1

Liberal Approach (Every 6 Hours)

• Daily volume: 40 mL
• 10-day total: 400 mL 1

Recommended Order Quantity

• Order 600 mL minimum to cover the maximum dosing frequency 1
• Consider ordering 700-900 mL to account for:
  • Potential spillage or waste 1
  • Difficulty adhering to exact 4-6 hour intervals 2
  • Patient preference for more frequent dosing during symptomatic periods 1

Practical Dispensing Considerations

• Most liquid formulations come in standard bottle sizes (120 mL, 240 mL, 480 mL) 1
• Order either:
  • Two 480 mL bottles (960 mL total) for maximum convenience, or
  • One 480 mL + one 240 mL bottle (720 mL total) for adequate coverage 1

Critical Monitoring Parameters

• Verify the patient understands "every 4-6 hours" means dosing while awake, not around-the-clock unless specifically indicated 1
• Confirm maximum daily dose limits are not exceeded with the prescribed frequency 1
• Ensure adequate follow-up is scheduled before the 10-day supply is exhausted 1