Dosages Question - Translating mcg/kg/lbs

[Slinky]

Okay, WHO here is good at 25-75 mcg per kg??? And translating 125 lbs to kgs? Anybody?? And isn't ug the same as mcg? Or no?

[bearded_two]

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

125 lbs = 56.8 kg

56.8 kg * 25 mcg = 1420.45 mcg

56.8 kg * 75 mcg = 4261.36 mcg

1000 mcg = 1 mg

1420 mcg = 1.42 mg

4261.36 mcg = 4.26 mg

microgram = µg = mcg

mcg is commonly used on prescriptions to avoid confusing µg with mg

[KatieW]

http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm

I am metrically-challenged.

[scrapper]

First off...125# is 56.82 kg----------2.2#/kg or 125/2.2

The dosage is 1420 mcg--4261 mcg/micrograms (56.82 X 25----56.82 X 75).

This dosage translates to 1.42 milligrams--4.26 milligrams.

You do not mention if this is per day or in divided doses..........it's a fairly large range.

ug is the same as mcg or microgram.......a unit smaller than mg/milligrams

I teach pharmacy math among other college classes for a living...

[Kiralynx]

Okay, WHO here is good at 25-75 mcg per kg??? And translating 125 lbs to kgs? Anybody?? And isn't ug the same as mcg? Or no?

Slinky,

You can get a free Windows converter for all sorts of things right here:

http://joshmadison.com/software/convert-for-windows/

I've used it for years. Indispensable.

[Llama]

Don't forget that Google is awesome at doing simple conversions: http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=125+pounds+in+kilograms

It can handle simple math queries as well, like a calculator.

[Slinky]

Thank you one and all!!! I was just trying to figure out which drug knocked me on my fanny yesterday and left me gagging, dry heaving and nauseous thru to the middle of last night and still nauseous most of today.

I've had propofol once before and woke up quickly, alert and aware. I've never had fentanyl before and figure it was the fentanyl but .....before I refuse either drug again I wanted to be sure it wasn't just a case of a larger dose than I really needed.

I know that I was given 280 something of propofol and 100 something of fentanyl and was trying to look up the recommended dosages. I wasn't sure of the "units" as the nurse didn't tell me that. I just remember the 280 propofol and 100 fentanyl. And they are both supposed to be titrated over time and I have to get my paperwork Monday before I know how much time the procedure took. It was a good size syringe of the fentanyl and it sure made me higher than a kite. That much I DO remember as I asked when he administered it what and which it was. And it surprised me as there were quite a few bubbles in the syringe but since it was going into an IV port I guess that wasn't an issue. I'm still alive and here. *wicked grin*

[Hawthorne]

In Canada, we do use the metric system. I still have trouble with it since it was introduced when I was an adult and I was never good at any kind of math!

I did a search for "metric conversion" and bookmarked a site that I got to when I have to convert --which is several times a week!

I am just starting a new form of an arthritis drug that I have been on for a lot of years. I am about to begin taking it "subcutanously". I didn't spell check that one! I have to self inject but I've done that in the past with another drug I was on so that's not the problem.

The problem is that I had to convert a volume measurement with a liquid measurement (ml and cc). I THINK I said that right! The medication is in ml but the syringe is in cc.!! Today I was searching that, only to discover that 1 ml = 1cc!!!! Why didn't they say that!!!

[scrapper]

and 5 ml = 1 teaspoon,

15 mL = 1 tablespoon

30 mL or 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce.........

[Slinky]

Yeah, those doses I know. ml=cc, ccs to tsp, tblsp, etc. those were dosage ranges we worked w/w dogs. But the mg/kg bit left me in outer space w/a headache.

[Aussiegrouch]

Hi Slinky,

According to my Epocrates Essentials program:
Fentanyl Dosage:
Analegesia Preop: 50-100mcg IV given 30-60 minutes prior to surgery.
Analgesia Adjunct: 2mcg/kg for low dose, 2-20mcg/kg for mod dose, 20-50mcg/kg for high dose
Pain postop: 50-100mcg IV given over 2 minutes.

Propofol Dosage:
Anesthesia Induction
Healthy Adults <55yrs (Which I expect that you are)
2-2.5 mg/kg given as 40 mg over 10 sec until induction onset. NOTE THAT THIS IS mg NOT mcg.
ICU sedation
5-50mcg/kg

Fentanyl + Propofol would give anyone a kick
My Epocrates says Caution Consider dose reduction combo may cause incr risk profound sedation and hypertension

Hope this helps

Graham

[Slinky]

Thank you, Graham. I'm pretty sure it was the fentanyl that kicked my butt so bad. It adds to the sedating effects of Propofol and nausea is a common side effect of fentanyl. I doubt that I will ever agree to fentanyl again. I've never had a problem w/demerol and will insist on that in the future. The problem might become that many hospitals are removing demerol from their formularies in favor of fentanyl and morphine. Morphine is another one the puts me into dry heaves or upchucking and it does it the minute it hits my vein.