2. Liquid Oral Medications Greater range of dosages possible Easier to swallow –For children –For the elderly

3. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) May be less stable so provided in powdered form –See directions for reconstitution Label Package insert –Follow requirements for refrigeration

4. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Rule 13-5 Rule 13-5 Reconstituting Liquid Medications : Use only the liquid specified on label. Use the exact amount of liquid specified. Check the label – medication may need to be shaken before administering.

5. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Rule 13-5 Rule 13-5 (cont.) Check the label – is refrigeration of reconstituted medication needed? Write on the label  Date and time of reconstitution  Your initials  Dosage strength

6. Rule 13-5 Rule 13-5 (cont.) Reconstitute to the strength that will allow the desired dose in the smallest volume. Read the order carefully when calculating the amount to administer. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Return to Pt Ed Slide 53

7. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) To calculate the volume of liquid oral medication to administer, use: –proportion –formula –dimensional analysis

8. Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Find the amount to administer. Ordered: Granisetron 5 mg PO now On hand: Granisetron 2 mg per 10 mL oral solution Use the calculation method of choice.

9. Calculating Dosages – Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) H = 2 mg ; Q = 10 mL; D = 5 mg Step A Convert No conversion is necessary.

10. Calculating Dosages – Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Step B ProportionH/Q = D/A or H:Q = D:A 2 mg / 10 mL = 5 mg / A 2 x A = 10 mL x 5 2A / 2 = 50 mL / 2 A = 25 mL

11. Calculating Dosages – Oral Solid Medications (cont.) Step B Dimensional analysis A = Q / H x D / 1 A mL = 10 mL / 2 mg x 5 mg / 1 A mL = 50 mL / 2 A mL= 25 mL

12. Calculating Dosages – Oral Solid Medications (cont.) Step B Formula Method 5mg / 2mg x 10 mL = A 50 mL / 2 = A 25 mL = A

13. Calculating Dosages – Liquid Oral Medications (cont.) Step C Think!... Is It Reasonable? 5 mg is two and one-half times 2 mg, and 25 mL is 2.5 times 10 mL, so it is a reasonable amount.

14. Patient Education Review steps for reconstitution of medications. –Follow Rule 13 -5. Read the label to learn how to store the medication. To Rule 13-5

15. Patient Education Use the measuring device provided or a device specifically made for measuring medications. –Household teaspoons and tablespoons do not always measure liquids accurately.

16. Patient Education (cont.) Do not store medication longer than the label indicates. –It may lose potency. –Its chemical composition may change.

17. Patient Education (cont.) Wash measuring device after each use. –Use hot water and dish detergent. –Dry thoroughly. –Store in clean container. Keep liquid medication in original container.

18. Practice What liquid is used to reconstitute this medication? How much liquid is added? What, if any, are the additional instructions? ANSWER: water ANSWER: 154 mL ANSWER: shake vigorously after adding water

19. Practice Ordered: Erythromycin oral suspension 0.5 g po q6 h On hand: see label (prior slide) What is the amount to administer? ANSWER: 12.5 mL

20. Apply Your Knowledge What is an advantage of liquid oral medications? How do you find out what and how much you should use to reconstitute a medication in powder form? ANSWER: read the label or the package insert ANSWER: greater range of dosages can be ordered and administered