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    Nomenclature of drugs

    The International Non-proprietary Names (INN) of drugs is used in this guide.

    Dosage

    Prescription tables showing average dosage in drug units (tablets, ampoules etc.) according to weight or age of patients are included for the most commonly used drugs.

    For children, oral drug dosages are expressed in milligrams per kilogram per dose, followed by the number of doses per day (e.g. 10 mg/kg 3 times daily). For certain antiretrovirals, dosage is expressed in milligrams per square meter (mg/m2). Injectable drug dosages are also expressed in milligrams per kilogram per injection, followed by the interval between injections (e.g. 10 mg/kg every 8 hours). 

    For adults, oral drug dosages are expressed in milligrams or grams per dose, followed by the number of doses per day (e.g. 500 mg 3 times daily). Injectable drug dosages are in general expressed in milligrams or grams per injection, followed by the interval between injections (e.g. 500 mg every 8 hours). 

    Symbols

    Prescription under medical supervision

     

    This box indicates potentially toxic drugs, administered under medical prescription only in many European
    countries (e.g. Belgium, France, Spain, United Kingdom).

     

     
    This symbol is used to draw attention to drugs whose toxicity toxic potential is greater, or for which experience has shown they are frequently misused is significant and whose use requires specific precautions and/or closer patient monitoring.

     

    Practical rRecommendations for drug storage:

     

     
    drug very sensitive to light
     

     

     
    drug very sensitive to humidity
     

     

    If no temperature for storage is recommended, this indicates that no information was found in medical literature.

    Abbreviations

    Units
    kg = kilogram
    g = gram
    mg = milligram
    m2 = square meter
    IU = international unit
    M = million
    mEq = milliequivalent
    mmol = millimole
    ml = millilitre (1 cc = 1 ml)
    tsp = teaspoon (= 5 ml)
    ssp = soupspoon (= 15 ml)

    tbsp = tablespoon (= 15 ml)

     

    Route of administration
    IM = intramuscular
    IV = intravenous
    SC = subcutaneous

     

    Dosage forms
    tab = tablet
    cap = capsule
    amp = ampoule
    susp = suspension

     

    Others
    v/v = volume in volume
    D = day (e.g. D1 = first day)

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