1. What is the 5 mg/kg Formula?

The 5 mg per kg formula calculates medication dosage based on patient weight. This weight-based dosing is commonly used in pediatrics and for certain medications in adults.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Weight_{kg} \) — Patient weight in kilograms
• 5 — The dosage coefficient in mg per kg

Explanation: The calculation multiplies the patient's weight by 5 to determine the total dose in milligrams.

3. Importance of Weight-Based Dosing

Details: Weight-based dosing ensures appropriate medication levels while minimizing side effects, especially important for medications with narrow therapeutic windows.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter patient weight in kilograms. The weight must be a positive number. Round to one decimal place for precision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use weight-based dosing?
A: Weight correlates with body composition and metabolism, making it a reliable factor for determining appropriate drug doses.

Q2: What medications commonly use 5 mg/kg dosing?
A: This varies by medication and clinical context. Always consult prescribing guidelines for specific drugs.

Q3: Should actual or ideal body weight be used?
A: This depends on the medication. Some use actual weight, others use ideal or adjusted body weight, especially in obese patients.

Q4: How often should weight be updated for dosing?
A: For children, weight should be updated frequently (e.g., monthly for infants). For adults, significant weight changes (>10%) warrant re-calculation.

Q5: Are there maximum dose limits?
A: Many medications have maximum recommended doses regardless of weight. Always check package inserts or guidelines.