Last updated: January 2024
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 doses expressed in ml (oral solutions and suspensions, or syrups), always use the measuring device included in the packaging by the manufacturer. If the measuring device is not provided with the drug, use an oral syringe, a measuring spoon or a medicine cup with graduations. Teaspoons and tablespoons should only be used as a last resort when no measuring device is available. A teaspoon contains approximately 5 ml, and a tablespoon approximately 15 ml.
- 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
This box indicates potentially toxic drugs, administered under medical prescription only in many countries.
Recommendations for drug storage
Abbreviations
Units
kg = kilogram
g = gram
mg = milligram
IU = international unit
M = million
mEq = milliequivalent
mmol = millimole
ml = millilitre (1 cc = 1 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)