DRUG CALCULATIONS 2

Compiled by R Sinclair 2012

[Link]@[Link]

This Booklet is designed to accompany Booklet 1 and is structured to contain at the

start some examples of calculations that students have stated they find difficult
followed by a step by step approach to solving the problem
No claim is made that the approach used is the simplest, or that it is the only, or even
the best approach to solving that particular problem.
What is intended is to show how, by breaking the problem down into simple steps, the
question posed can be understood and so a calculation be undertaken (That is both
logical and easy to follow) and one that will provide the answer.
Some Questions have necessary information included in them. However this
information may be in standard reference sources such as the BNF and so in the preregistration exam, this information may not be provided and it would be necessary to
know that the information was in the reference sources and also where to find it. This
is a check that you are familiar with those reference sources.

The Use and Abuse Of Formulas

This is a more complicated section that looks at a single problem and then several
different formulas that can be used to solve the problem and so justify why no single
formula alone is appropriate to any specific problem.
Why I do not use
Formulas
Let us look at a very
simple question You have 100g of
salicylic acid ointment
2% w/w.
What weight of
salicylic acid powder
do you need to add to
make a 30% w/w
Ointment ?
A 30g
B 35g
C 40g
D 45g
E 50g

A formula must be understood before you start of a calculation - otherwise that

formula needs to be explained in detail so that it is understood before it can be used
You have 100g of
What Formula should be used to calculate an answer.
salicylic acid ointment More importantly - How does anyone know intuitively
2% w/w.
which formula to use ?
What weight of
salicylic acid do you
need to add to make a
30% w/w Ointment ?

C1/V1 = C2 / V2

C1 / V2 = C2 / V1 ?
Alligation ?

A 30g
B 35g
C 40g
D 45g
E 50g

Algebra / Logic / intuition ? (These all have a place !)

Something else ?

Each formula uses a slightly different mathematical approach = , ratios,

equivalence, proportions convergence etc.
Which formula you use will depend on who taught you Maths, what method they
used and what you remember.

Here is a Solution Using C1/V1 = C2/V2

A common formula used for calculating amounts in volumes is C1 / V1 = C2 / V2
Using this formula (where the two volumes are actually the same) gives
((100 x 2/100) +X) / (100+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))/(100+ X) or more simply
(2+X) / (100+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))/(100+ X) since we know that 2% of
100gms is 2gms
Remember (2 + X) = total amount of drug (original amount in the 4% plus the
amount you add)
(100+X) = total weight of the final 30% salicylic acid ointment so (2+X) /
(100+X) is simply equivalent to C1 / V1
((100+ X) x (30/100)) is also the total amount of drug = 30% of the final weight and
((100+ X) x (30/100))/(100+ X) is simply equivalent to C2 / V2
If both sides of the equation are multiplied by (100 + X) we get
(2 + X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))

Then multiplying by 100

200 + 100X = 3000 + 30X

70X = 2800 X = 2800/70 X = 40
This is not a simple calculation !!
(Note the algebraic method used later is essentially identical. It just starts in a
different way)
This method relies on the concentration remaining constant and so calculating the
amount in different volumes. In this example, two different 'expressions' for the
same volume are used where the value X is unknown.
The two expressions are :(2+X) / (100+X) - An expression giving the ratio of Salicylic acid (2+X) to
volume using he concentration in the original ointment and the amount that is then
added to bring the concentration up to 30%
and
((100+ X) x (30/100))/(100+ X) - An expression giving the ratio of Salicylic acid
(30% of final volume) to volume using the final weight of ointment (100+X)
By assuming the concentration remains constant, the two expressions can be
considered to be equal and so X can be calculated.
4

Here is a Solution Using C1 x V2 = C2 x V1

Another often used formula is C1 x V2 = C2 x V1
This is usually used to compare the same amounts in two different concentrations
but can also be used where the concentration is the same. In this instance, the
formula is very similar to the previous page as C1 = C2 and V1 = V2 . This gives :((100x 2/100) +X) x (100+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100)) x (100+ X) or again
simplifying a bit
(2+X) x (100+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100)) x (100+ X)
In this case dividing by (100 + X) gives
(2 + X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))

Then multiplying by 100 to simplify ..

200 + 100X = 3000 + 30X

70X = 2800 X = 2800/70 X = 40
(Note - the algebraic method used later is essentially identical - Also this is actually
identical to C1 / V1 = C2 / V2 as here V1=V2)
This method relies on the amount remaining constant and so calculating this from
the concentration in different volumes. However in this example, two different
'expressions' for the same volume are used where the value X is unknown.
The two expressions are :(2+X) x (100+X) - An expression giving the amount of Salicylic acid (2+X) in
volume 1 multiplied by Volume 2 (100+X)
and
((100+ X) x (30/100)) x (100+ X) - An expression giving the ratio of Salicylic acid
(30% of final volume) in Volume 2 multiplied by Volume 1 (100+X)
Again, the assumption is that the amount of Salicylic acid in the 2 volumes is
identical (and the volumes here are identical- we simply have two different
expressions for the amount of Salicylic acid) and so the two expressions can be
considered equal.
In fact C1 / V1= C2 / V2 and C1x V2 = C2 x V1 can in this example be reduced to
(2+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))- this is a bit of a simplification as in reality it should
be written as
((100 x 2 /100 )+X) = ((100+ X) x (30/100))
as we are already reducing ((100 x 2 /100 )+X) to (2+X) If the amount of 2%
ointment were not 100gms we would need to use the full expression.
5

Here is a Solution Using Alligation

ALLIGATION
As the powder is 100% pure, using alligation you would get :PA = 30-2 = 28
PB = 100-30 =70

(PA=Fc-Bc)

and

(PB = Ac-Fc)

Total parts = 98 (28 + 70)

28 of which are pure Salicylic Acid

Now 70 parts weigh 100gms

So 1 part weighs 100 / 70 = 1.43 (approximately)
So 28 parts weigh 28 x (100 / 70) gms or 28 x 1.43 = 40gms
You can then double check

100 + 40 = 140 gms

30% of this = 140 x 30/100gms

= 42

Now the original 100gms contained 2gms (2%)

You added 40gms so total is 40 + 2 = 42gms.
Explaining Alligation is a little complicated but it is a statistical method that looks
at how much one solution is 'concentrated' and how much another solution is
'diluted' when the two are mixed
e.g. if we mix 100% of drug with water in a 50:50 ratio (actually a 1:1 ratio) ,
the drug becomes a 50% solution and is weaker by 50%.
The water becomes a 50% solution and is stronger in drug by 50%
However it can also be looked on as the water becoming weaker by 50% and the
drug becoming stronger in water content by 50%
The formula looks at the current strength of a 'drug' and the proportion of diluent
that needs to be added as a ratio of the drug to change its strength to something else
The more a drug is diluted, the greater the ratio of diluent that is required.
Compared to the original volume of drug. The ratio of diluent will remain
consistent
e.g. to dilute something by 50% will always require an equal volume of diluent to
drug so the ratio is always 1:1 regardless of actual volume.

Here is a solution using Algebra

Using algebra (simultaneous equations) is a bit more tricky
let the amount you are going to add be equal to Xgms
100 + X = final amount
(100 x 2/100) + X = (100+X) x 30/ 100
(100 + X = final amount and 30/100 =
30% of that amount )
the right hand side of the equation can also be written as ((100 + X) x 30) / 100
Now multiplying each side of the equation by 100 gives
(2 + X) x 100 = 3000 + 30X

((100+ X) x 30) = 3000 + 30X

200 + 100X = 3000 + 30X

swapping this around gives

100X - 30X = 3000 - 200

and this now gives

70X = 2800
X = 2800 / 70 X = 40
However if you look back , this method is actually identical to C1/V1=C2/V2 as a
'formula'
The algebraic method is very similar to the C1xV2=C2xV1 method but ignores the
volumes (as they are known to be the same)
Thus the two expressions for the quantities of Salicylic acid are equal :i.e. - (100 x 2/100) + X = (100+X) x 30/ 100

Algebra is often considered to be the most difficult approach but if you can analyse
a problem easily and accurately, it often offers the best approach to a simple and
rapid solution.
Writing down simple relationships in English (or your first language and then
turning those relationships into simple algebraic relationships can work wonders.
Cont.........

Here is a Solution Using Deduction

You know that in 100gms of ointment you have 2gms drug
(thats what 2%
means !). So to increase the strength to 30% you will need to add at least 28gms of
drug (as there would be 30gms in 100gms of 30% Ointment).
Take a guess at adding 30gms
Your total amount of ointment will be 130gms and amount of drug will be 32gms
(30 + 2)
(as there are 2gms in the
original 2% ointment)
30% of 130 is 130 x (30/100) = 39 -.i.e. 7gms more than you have........
So add 37gms to 100gms of 2%
Your total amount of ointment will be 137gms and of drug is 39gms
30% of 137 is 137 x (30/100) = 41 -.i.e. 2gms more
So add 39gms
Your total amount of ointment will be 139gms and of drug is 41gms
30% of 139 is 139 x (30/100) = 41.7 -.i.e. 0.7gms more
so add 39.7gms
Your total amount of ointment will be 139.7gms and of drug is 41.7gms
30% of 139.7 is 139.7 x (30/100) = 41.91 -.i.e. 0.21gms more
So add 39.91gms
Your total amount of ointment will be 139.91gms and of drug is 41.91gms
30% of 139.91 is 139.91x (30/100) = 41.973 -.i.e. 0.063gms more
so add 39.971gms This is now almost 40gms
You can keep going with this and the value will get closer and closer to 40gms as
the amount to add.
This method is easy to understand when written out as above but..
This method of deduction can be written mathematically but becomes more
complicated than is necessary
It is a recursive form of the formula ( ((100 x 2/100)+X) x(30/100)) -(2+X)) = (or
tends to ) 0
As X is guessed the first expression becomes ( ((100 x 2/100)+X) x(30/100)) (2+X)) = Y
and the formula becomes ( ((100 x 2/100)+(X+y1+y2+y3.....) x (30/100)) - (2+
(X+y1+y2+y3....)) = tends to 0
This is a clumsy way of writing this and this mathematical formula / method is
usually used for much more complex problems.
8

Fed up with Formulas......

(well you will still need to 'calculate' something )
Another method of calculating which of 5 answers is correct is to choose the middle
answer C and calculate backwards to the question. (Remember answers in an MCQ
should be in sequence alphabetical or mathematical ascending or descending ).
You have 100gms of 2%
Answer C is 40gms
So add 40gms
Total weight = 140gms
30% of 140gms = 42
= 42

(30 x 40 / 100)

and total drug is 40gms + 2% of 100gms

So this answer is correct.

Had the value calculated been too large, then a smaller value from the choice of
answers would be the correct answer and vice versa.
The degree of error would indicate which value is likely to be correct from the
choice of answers
e.g. Choose Answer B
Add 35gms pure drug to 100gms of 2%
Total amount = 135gms of which 30% is 40.5gms. However you only added 35gms
and had 2gms in the 100gms
The total drug is 37gms but you need 40.5gms to be a 30% ointment so in reality
you would need to add more.
The difference is 3.5gms so the next larger value choice is likely to be correct (as
40gms (C) would add an extra 5gms but 45gms (D) would add an extra 10gms)

But lets carry on with Formulas...

Here is a Solution Using Graphs

You know that the total amount of drug will be X + 2
You also know that you will be adding the amount X to 100gms of Ointment and
that it will then be 30%
So (X + 100) x (30/100) will equal X + 2 ((X + 100) x (30/100)) is the formula for
calculating 30% of the final amount)
You could plot a graph of these two equations using different values of X
This would give two sets of values
Y1 = X+ 2
Y2 = (X+100) x (30/100)

( remember that 30/100 = 30%)

You may think this is getting complicated but remember we started with a simple
example - a more difficult one might benefit from this method ! Here are some
values for X and the values you would obtain using the two different equations
Y1 = X+ 2

(and Y = (100 x 2/100)+X)

Y2 = (X+100) x (30/100)
X
15
25
35
45
55
65
75

Y1
17
27
37
57
67
67
77

Y2
34.5
37.5
40.5
43.5
46.5
49.5
52.5

The correct answer will be found from where these two graphs cross (or intersect).
The points where the graphs cross is where the two expressions or formulas are
equal . The two expressions are simple forms of the total amount of salicylic acid.
Those of you clever enough will see that this is essentially the same as C1/V1 or
C1xV2 or the algebraic method but simply calculating the answer by drawing
graphs. More complicated expressions (or equations) would produce a convergence
at 40gms rather than 42gms.
In fact

C1/V1 = C2/V2 is the same as C1 x V2 = C2 x V1

10

Here is a Solution Using Graphs

Here is the Graph of those two equations. Looking at the graph, the two lines cross
at a value of
42gms for Y and a value of 40 for X.
Although appearing complicated, it is possible to use this method where the actual
percentages were not so simple
Think of starting with 2.74% and making the strength up to 28.6%. This would be
very difficult to calculate manually but you could simplify it using this method and
using whole numbers for calculating points on the graph and calculating the value
where the two graphs intersect.

So why no formulas
Because to use a formula YOU must know and understand that formula in advance
and how to use it
You must be able to use it to calculate a correct answer with several variations of
the same problem and instantly recognise that you can apply that formula to a
particular problem (and how to apply it to that problem ) before you can use it.
Most of the 'formulas' on the previous pages are actually identical but are shown
using different starting approaches to the problem.
Remembering a 'Formula' is only of any real value if it is simple to remember and
can be readily applied to multiple problems.
11

Otherwise
You must work out how to arrive at the answer (or method) from first principles to
identify a suitable formula to use
By which time you will probably have calculated the answer........
And probably understood the problem far better.
Look at my examples. They all say ..A solution using ...as many more are possible
Simple analysis of the question, breaking it down into simple steps clarifies the
question and often considerably simplifies any calculation
We all know Pythagoras' Theorem and learn it very early on in life - but do we
understand why it works. Look at the diagrams below for two very similar
explanations.

12

PAEDIATRIC WEIGHTS
AGE

WEIGHTHEIGHTSURFACE

lb

cm

in

AREA
m2

Newborn 3.4
1 month 4.2
2 months 4.5
3 months 5.6
4 months 6.5
6 months 7.7
8 months 8.5
10
1 year
18 months11
14
3 years
18
5 years
23
7 years
10 years 30
12 years 37
14 years 45
16 years 58

7.5
9
10
12
14
17
19
22
24
31
40
51
66
81
110
128

50
55
52
59
62
67
72
76
90
94
108
120
142
145
150
167

20
22
21
23
24
26
28
30
35
37
42
47
56
58
59
67

0.23
0.26
0.28
0.32
0.36
0.40
0.44
0.47
0.53
0.62
0.73
0.88
1.09
1.25
1.38
1.65

Adult
Male
Female

150 173
123 163

kg

68
56

68 1.80
64 1.60

%age OF
ADULT
DOSE
12.5
14.5
15
18
20
22
25
28
30
33
40
50
60
75
80
90

Using this to calculate the percentage of an adult dose should only be used if a
specific paediatric dose cannot be found as this chart assumes the child is 'average'.
There is a small table of the ages of children and their ideal weights in the rear of the
BNF.

13

CONVERSION OF WEIGHTS - ADULT

St

Lb

Kg

St

Lb

Kg

St

Lb

Kg

St

Lb

Kg

St

Lb

Kg

St

Lb

Kg

4 Stone

25.4

40.4

10

55.3

11 Stone

69.9

13

84.8

15

10

99.8

25.9

40.8

11

55.8

11

70.3

13

85.3

15

11

100

26.3

41.3

12

56.2

11

70.8

13

85.7

15

12

101

26.8

41.7

13

56.7

11

71.2

13

86.2

15

13

101

27.2

42.2

9 Stone

57.2

11

71.7

13

86.6

16 Stone

102

27.7

10

42.6

57.6

11

72.1

13

10

87.1

16

102

28.1

11

43.1

58

11

72.6

13

11

87.5

16

103

28.1

12

43.5

58.5

11

73

13

12

88

16

104

29

13

44

59

11

73.5

13

13

88.5

16

105

29.5

7 Stone

44.5

59.4

11

74

14 Stone

88.9

16

10

106

10

30

44.9

59.9

11

10

74.4

14

89.4

16

12

107

11

30.4

45.4

60.3

11

11

74.9

14

89.8

17 Stone

108

12

30.8

45.8

60.8

11

12

75.3

14

90.3

17

109

13

31.3

46.3

61.2

11

13

75.8

14

90.7

17

110

5 Stone

31.8

46.7

10

61.7

12 Stone

76.2

14

91.2

17

111

32.2

47.2

11

62.1

12

76.7

14

91.6

17

112

32.7

47.60

12

62.6

12

77.1

14

92.1

17

10

112

33.1

48

13

63

12

77.6

14

92.5

17

12

113

33.6

48.5

63.5

12

78

14

93

18 Stone

114

34

10

49

10

64

12

78.5

14

10

93.4

18

115

34.5

11

49.4

10

64.4

12

79

14

11

93.9

18

116

34.9

12

49.9

10

64.9

12

79.4

14

12

94.3

18

117

35.4

13

50.3

10

65.3

12

79.8

14

13

94.8

18

118

35.9

8 Stone

50.8

10

65.8

12

80.3

15 Stone

95.3

18

10

119

10

36.3

51.3

10

66.2

12

10

80.7

15

95.7

18

12

120

11

36.7

51.7

10

66.7

12

11

81.2

15

96.2

19 Stone

121

12

37.2

52.2

10

67.1

12

12

81.6

15

96.6

19

122

13

37.7

52.6

10

67.6

12

13

82.1

15

97.1

19

122

6 Stone

38.1

53

10

10

68

13 Stone

82.6

15

97.5

19

123

38.6

53.5

100

11

68.5

13

83

15

98

19

124

39

54

10

12

68.9

13

83.5

15

98.4

19

10

125

39.5

54.1

10

13

69.4

13

83.9

15

98.9

19

12

126

39.9

54.9

13

84.4

15

99.3

20 Stone

127

1 Stone = 6.35Kg

10 Stone

1lb = 0.45Kg

14

1oz = 28 grammes

Freezing Point Depression

This is a mathematical concept that crops up in the pharmacy undergraduate course
but has also, recently, started creeping into the pre-registration exam.
It can be assumed within any exercises you are given that the Freezing Point of water
is depressed by the same amount by the same number of molecules regardless of what
those molecules are.
(Note :- Freezing point depression: of a solution is a colligative property associated
with the number of dissolved molecules. The lower the molecular weight, the greater
the ability of a molecule to depress the freezing point for any given concentration. For
example, in ice cream manufacturing, monosaccharides such as fructose or glucose
produce a much softer ice cream than disaccharides such as sucrose, if the concentration of both is the same. Colligative properties are properties of solutions that depend
on the number of molecules in a given volume of solvent and not on the propertiesof
the molecules themselves (e.g. size or mass) of the molecules - i.e. physical number of
rather than chemical properties of)
(i.e. it is assumed that the osmotic pressure of the two solutions would be equal - in
real life there will be minor variations but we can ignore these here).
What use is this. Well blood freezes at -0.52 centigrade. Any solution of chemicals
in water that also freezes at -0.52 centigrade is therefore isotonic.
Now by slowly adding a chemical to water and finding out what temperature it freezes
at it will be found that when solutions are relatively weak, the concentration and
freezing point depression produce a straight line or linear graph.
As an example If a drug at a concentration of 0.01% depresses the freezing point by
0.1 centigrade, then a concentration of 0.02% will depress the freezing point by 0.2
centigrade.
The importance of Freezing Point depression is that any concentration of a chemical
which depresses the freezing point by 0.52 centigrade would be isotonic with blood.
(here it would be 0.052% of the drug in the example above).
So by knowing by how much a drug depresses the freezing point, it is possible to
work out how to produce an isotonic solution without knowing the molecular weight
(in fact you can use the freezing point depression to calculate the molecular weight see later).

15

Here is an example of Freezing Point Depression.

Drug A is known to lower the freezing point of water by 0.185 centigrade (or Celsius)
at a strength of 1%. What strength solution would be isotonic with blood.
Now blood freezes at -0.52 centigrade and we know at weak strengths the freezing
point depression is linear
So 0.185 / 0.52 = 1 / X (note this is very similar to the C1 / V1 = C2 / V2 formula)
also we should use -0.185 / -0.52 but this is the same as 0.185 / 0.52
So X = (0.52 x 1) / 0.185 = 0.52 / 0.185
= 2.81%. This means a strength of 2.8% would be isotonic with blood.
Now here I have used a formula !!!!!!
You can however do this calculation in simple steps
1% depresses FP by 0.185 degrees C
2% depresses FP by 0.370 degrees C
3% depresses FP by 0.555 degree C
So the answer lies between 2 and 3%
0.1% would depress the FP by 0.085 (Divide 0.185 by 10)
So 2.9% would depress FP by 0.555 0.085 = 0.5635 degrees C
And
2.8% would depress FP by 0.5635 0.0185 = 0.518 degrees C
So the answer is 2.8% to 1 decimal place.
Freezing Point Depression 2
(This is unlikely in a pre-reg exam and is for completeness.)
The example given above page applies if a chemical in solution does not ionise - the
freezing point has a simple linear relationship to low concentration.
If a chemical ionises in solution, then the relationship between freezing point depression and concentration can be calculated using a simple formula.
i = degree of ionisation = (0.2 x No. Of Ions) x 0.8
(i.e. Freezing point depression is related to the number of Ions produced and the degree of ionisation)
Now One gram molecular weight (M) of any non-electrolyte decreases freezing point
by ca. 1.86 oC. For electrolytes the value of "i" - the degree of dissociation must also
be calculated and the freezing point depression produced by one gram- molecular
weight is multiplied by the degree of ionisation

16

By substituting in the above formula it can be seen that :No. of ions produced by
i or Dissociation Freezing point depression of Gram Modissociation
Factor
lecular weight in 1000mls
No dissociation (unionised)

1.86

two ions

1.8

2.976

three ions

2.6

4.83

four ions

3.4

6.32

five ions

4.2

7.81

Note that if a molecule ionises then "i" must be greater than 1 and also that a linear relationship with FP depression really only holds at low concentrations
To calculate the weight of Sodium Chloride that will depress the freezing point by
0.52 degrees, we know that 58.5gms of an undissociated NaCl would depress the
freezing point by 1.8 degrees.
So by adding in the degree of ionisation
1.86 x i / 0.52 = MWt / X
1.86 x 1.8 /0.52 = 58.5/X
X = 9.09gms

(Note the similarity to C1/V1=C2/V2)

The Equ. could be written X/0.52 = MWT /1.86 x i)
or

X = 58.5 x 0.52 /1.8 x 1.86

An isotonic solution would contain 9.09gms in 1000mls

I.E. a strength of 0.9% - is this familiar !!

17

Freezing Point Depression - cont

From the above, a formula for calculating the strength of any chemical which would
be isotonic is
Wt in 1000mls = MWt (in 1000mls) x 0.52 / 1.86 x i
Another less easy to remember formula is one for calculating the weight of Sodium
chloride that is equivalent to the weight of another chemical with respect to freezing
point depression.
Sodium chloride equivalent = (MWt NaCl x i Factor for chemical) / (i Factor for NaCl
x MWt chemical)

Since two of these values are known the formula can be reduced to
Sodium chloride equivalence (E) = 32.5 x i factor of chemical / MWt of chemical
This can be used when the freezing point depression associated with a chemical is not
known. I.e. you could calculate isotonicity from knowing :1) the freezing point depression produced by a particular strength of a chemical
2) Its molecular weight and the number of ions produced on dissociation
Note - The values in the table on the previous page can be used in calculating isotonicity but the values are calculated values for concentrations of 80% or more
and FP depression is linear only at low concentrations.
Example 1 - Supposing a Drug has a Sodium chloride equivalent of 0.23 (This is
the value for Pilocarpine nitrate)
What concentration would produce an isotonic solution
The equivalent weight of Drug to Sodium Chloride would be
9gms (in 1000mls) x 0.23 = 2.07 gms (in 1000mls) = 0.207%
This explains why Pilocarpine eye drops sting - they are all hypertonic !
Example 2

A 3% concentration of a drug depresses the freezing point by 0.24

degrees. What strength of the drug would be isotonic

3 / 0.24 = X / 0.52 (i.e 1% depresses freezing point by 0.08 0C)

X = 3 x 0.52 / 0.24 = 6.5% (i.e. X % depresses freezing point by 0.52%
and equals 0.52/0.08 0C)

18

Example 3

Pilocarpine has molecular weight of 271.3gms From example 1 we

know the sodium chloride equivalence is 0.23. How many ions does
pilocarpine Nitrate dissociate into ?

From Q1, Sodium chloride equivalent = (MWt Nacl x i Factor for chemical) / (i
Factor for NaCl x MWt chemical)
0.23 = (58.5 x i ) / 1.8 x 271.3
i = 0.23 x 1.8 x 271.3 / 58.5
= 1.91
= 2 (to the nearest whole number )
The likely answer is therefore 1.8 for i - which means it dissociates into 2 ions.
These equations rarely produce nice round numbers. the choice is now whether 2 is
nearer 1.8 for 2 ions or 2.6 for 3 ions. 2 is closer to 1.8 than 2.6.
(The formula for Pilocarpine nitrate is C 11H16N2O2HNO3 - i.e it would dissociate into
2 ions You would not be expected to know this formula).
There are some examples of FP Depression below
Freezing Point Depression Questions
1).

Calculate the E value of Papaverine HCl given that it dissociates into two ions
and has a molecular weight of 376
Sodium chloride equivalent = (MWt NaCl x i Factor for chemical) / (i Factor
for NaCl x MWt chemical)

E = (58.5 x 1.8)/ 1.8 x 376)

= 58.5 / 376
=0.155
if you can't calculate this easily then
58.3 / 376
= (approx) 60/360
=1/6
= 0.167
but the actual value will be smaller .
You could also try 60/400 and get 6/40 = 0.15
Then take the difference between 0.15 and 0.167 = 0.158
2)

Drug A has a freezing point depression of 0.185 degrees at 1% and

Drug B has a freezing point depression of 0.3 degrees at 1%
How much Sodium chloride would be needed to make a solution containing 2% of
drug A and 0.5% of drug B ?
2% of Drug A would depress the freezing point by 0.185 x 2
0.5% of Drug B would depress freezing point by 0.3 x 0.5

= 0.37 0C
= 0.15 0C

The freezing point of the combined solutions would depress freezing point by
0.37 + 0.15 0C = 0.520C
The solution would be isotonic and therefore no Sodium chloride is required.
19

3).

Dibucaine produces a freezing point depression of 0.16 degrees at a

concentration of 2%.
What concentration of Sodium chloride would make the solution isotonic.
0.9% Sodium chloride is isotonic
You need to depress the freezing point by a further 0.52 - 0.16 degrees
= 0.36 degrees
0.9% is equivalent to 0.52degrees
or 0.1% for every 0.52/9 = 0.0578 degrees
so the concentration required
= (0.36/0.0578) x 0.1 degrees
= 0.623 % = 0.625 % approx would probably be practical
Note the question does not require you to know any specific volume.
0.623% Sodium Chloride + 2% Dibucaine would be isotonic.

4)

a)

Your patient is too ill to receive oral drugs and so has been prescribed
Drug A 4gms daily by intravenous infusion for 5 days.
Drug A is not available commercially and you are required to prepare and
sterilise (in your licensed Aseptic Unit) a single batch of infusion that will
provide 5 days' treatment.
The Pharmacopoeial monograph for Drug A indicates that infusions of Drug A
should be prepared to a standard concentration of 4% with water.
The solution should be made isotonic using sodium chloride powder. Drug A
has a Freezing Point Depression effect of 0.234C at 2%.
a)

You will be making the infusion of Drug A in one batch according to

the pharmacopoeial monograph. What volume of infusion (expressed
in litres) would you need to prepare in total to cover 5 days' treatment
(you are not required to calculate for wastage and can assume that
Drug A is stable if stored in a fridge for 10 days )?

b)

What amount of sodium chloride expressed as milligrams would make

your total volume of Drug A infusion isotonic when prepared
according to (a) above?

4g for 5 days = 20g Drug A

Standard concentration is 1%
4% means 4g in 100ml therefore
you will require 8g in 2000ml
(This assumes the displacement is minimal and can be ignored 8g in 200mls is
4% and so any displacement is likely to be smaller than 20mls below 10%
error )

20

b)

Drug A has FP depression of 0.234 0C at 2%

4% means the strength will be doubled and so
FPD = 0.234 oC x 2 = 0.468 0C
FPD of an isotonic solution is 0.52 0C
You need to depress the freezing point by a further 0.52 - 0.468 degrees
= 0.052 0C
0.9% is equivalent to 0. 0C
or 0.09% will depress the freezing point by 0.052 0C.
0.09% Sodium Chloride + 4% \drug A would be isotonic.

21

WORKED
EXAMPLES

22

Example 1
1)

Drug clearance from the body

A teenager is admitted to A and E with a suspected overdose of Theophylline.

On admission, their serum Theophylline level is 30mg/ Litre
On checking , you find that Theophylline has a clearance of 0.045 litres / Kg /
hour. The patient weighs 70Kg
How much Theophylline by weight will be removed in 24 hours
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

325mg
850mg
1480mg
2268mg
3560mg

Comment Look at the range of answers from 325 to 3560.

Each answer is significantly larger the one before (A-B and C-D-E) with a large gap
between D and E
So a bit of rough estimating shouldnt be a problem.
What facts arent needed - it isnt clear if any values are not needed.
(actually all values are needed )
Look at the numbers you have and which will be used
30 0.045 70

and 24

Look at the clearance value it tells by VOLUME how much is cleared per hour but
also per Kg
So we can calculate the clearance in 24 hours
= 0.045 x 24 LITRES
/Kg
= 1.08
LITRES
/Kg
But this is per Kg (and the patient weighs 70Kg)
So we can now calculate how much this patient clears in 24 hours in total
= 1.08 x 70 LITRES
= 75.6 LITRES for this patient
If 75.6 Litres is cleared in 24 hours, then the amount of drug cleared will be
= 75.6 x 30mg
WHY - Because each litre contains 30mg
Now dont calculate this value but just look
It will be greater than 1500mg
x 20
So A,B and C are incorrect too small
It will be less than 7500mg
x100
So D and E are both in the right range
It will be a lot less than 3750
x 50
(half of 7500)
So only D can be correct
And 75.6 x 30 = 2268mg
A Suggested Formula

Amount removed = (0.045 x 24 x 70 x 30)

23

Example 2
2)

Bioequivalence

A Patient is admitted to hospital having suffered a stroke. Before

admission, they were taking Digoxin tablets at a dose of 125mcg daily.
Now they cannot swallow and need to be given Digoxin elixir.
Digoxin tablets have a bioavailability of 0.7
Digoxin elixir has a bioavailability of 0.8
What is the equivalent dose of Digoxin elixir ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

70mcg
87.5mcg
110mcg
140mcg
180mcg

Read the question carefully - what does the bioavailability mean

Only 70% of the tablet dose is effective. Only 80% of the elixir dose is effective
So MORE of the elixir is effective dose mcg for mcg
So a SMALLER dose of elixir has the same effect. This eliminates D and E
One has a bioavailability of 70% and one a bioavailability of 80%
There is about 10% difference between their bioavailabilities
So the doses are not going to differ significantly but by around 10%
So A and B are likely to be too small
A is about 40% less and B is about 30% less
(these are rough calculations)
And so C is likely to be correct
Now if you wish, you can calculate.
How much of the tablet is effective
= 125 x 0.7 using bioavailability
Or
=125 x 70/100 using percentage
= 87.5mcg
Now here is a trap Answer B is 87.5mcg but this is not the correct answer
If you dont think about what is being asked, you could easily choose this answer
The elixir has a bioavailability of 0.8 NOT 1 So a higher dose than 87.5mcg is
needed
Again only C can be correct
What we now know is that 87.5mcg is 80% of the does that is needed
Let X = the dose needed and 80% of this is 87.5mcg
Again you should see that it is over 100mcg and only C can be correct
X = 87.5 x 1/0.8 using bioavailability
Or
= 87.5 x 1/0.8 using percentage
=109.375 mcg
=110mcg
Formula

Dose of elixir = ( 125 x 0.7 ) / 0.8

Looks simple but you need to know

why this formula is correct
Its derived from (125 x 0.7) = ( X x 0.8) which states one bioequivalent dose is the
same as the other.
This question has a minor 'design' flaw Answer b is 87.5mcg so the correct answer
should use the same level of accuracy and be 109.5mcg .
24

3 Making a cream or ointment more concentrated- An Explanation

Questions of this nature usually ask :How much pure drug needs to be added to Xgms of cream which is Y% to make it Z
% cream ? e.g. How much pure drug needs to be added to 200gms of cream which is
5% to make it 10% cream ?
The obvious and INCORRECT- approach is to calculate that 200gms of 5%
contains 10gms and 200gms of 10% contains 20gms calculate the difference and
give that as the answer 10gms
Why is this wrong :- 200gms of 5% does contain 10gms of drug. However when
you add 10gms of drug to make it 10% the total amount is 210gms. The amount of
drug in 210gms is 20gms this is not 10% of 210gms it is 1gm short
The same error is often made if the question is posed in a slightly different way :How much pure drug needs to be added to cream which is 5% to make 200gms of
10% cream ?
The obvious and INCORRECT- approach is the same as above calculate the
difference and give that as the answer 10gms
Why is this wrong :- If you are going to add 10gms of drug to 5% cream to make
200gms of 10%, you will add it to 190gms of 2% cream. 190gms of 5% cream does
not contain 10gms it contains 9.5gms. When you add the 10gms of pure drug, the
total amount of drug is 19.5gms i.e. 0.5gms short.
The error using the simple and incorrect method used above gets less and less as the
difference in strength gets less and less but tries it converting 1% to 25%
200gms of 1 % contain 2gms.
200gms of 25% contain 50gms - 4gms = 48gms
So add 48gms of drug.. Total weight is now 248gms of which 52gms is drug thats
a concentration of 19.35% not 25% - a very significant error the correct answer is
64gms
So when asked to calculate how much of a pure drug you need to add to make
something more concentrated remember that you will always need more than the
difference in strengths. The greater the difference in strengths, the greater the amount
you will need to add.
Here is a brief table of how much drug is needed to convert 200gms of 2% cream to
New strength
4%
5%
10%
20%

Amount of drug needed

4.16gms
6.57gms
17.78gms
45gms

To calculate the answer you can use Algebra or Alligation or any other method that
works for you.
25

Example 3 - Making a cream stronger

A cream contains 10% w/w Coal Tar Solution.
What weight of Coal Tar Solution should be incorporated into this cream to produce
30g of cream containing 12% w/w Coal Tar solution.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.20gms
0.24gms
0.36gms
0.66gms
0.72gms

1) Read the Question - the question asks for the WEIGHT of a solution. Beware
of this as the answer might give options as both weights and volumes
2) Look at the answers there is at least 10% difference between them and for
some, significantly more
There are several ways of tackling this :1)

Rough estimate (Always useful to get an initial idea of the correct answer)

30gm of 10% contains 3gms and

30% of 12% contains 3.6gms
Difference is 0.6gms so answer will be APPROXIMATELY 0.6gms
..but slightly more than 0.6gms as you will be adding it to less than 30gms so there
will be less than 3gms in the (less than 30gms of) cream you use .
if only 1 answer is near this, then that will be the correct one .
In this example and in an exam this simple approach often works well. Answer D
2)

Alligation

Please look elsewhere for the explanation of alligation

Pa = Fc Bc
Pb = Ac Fc

Pa = 12 -10 = 2
Pb = 100-12 = 88

We need 2 parts of pure drug by weight

(A is pure drug so has a strength of
100% and we need 88 parts)

But remember that the total number of parts equals 30gms

so 30gms = 90 parts (88 + 2)
You need to calculate 2 parts for the amount of pure drug (Coal Tar solution)
1 part = 30/90gms so 2 parts = 2 x 30/90 = 60/90 =6/9 = 0.666gms Answer D

26

3)

Algebra

Let X = amount of pure drug you will add

Let Y = amount of 10% cream you will add it to.

and
Final amount = 30gms

So 12% of 30gms = X + 10% of Y

Also Y+ X = 30gms

(i)

(ii)
so 30 x 12/100 = X + (Y x 10/100)
(12/100 = 12% - if its easier for you, multiply by 0.12)
You can rearrange the equation (i)

Y = 30 X

and now substitute for Y in equation (ii) to give an equation that only has X in it.
Now multiply both sides by 100

30 x (12/100) = X + ((30-X) x 10/100)

30 x 12 = 100X +((30-X)x10)
360 = 100X + 300 - 10X

Rearranging this gives

90X = 60
X = 60/90 = 0.666gm

Answer D

27

Example 4

Water of Crystallisation

You are required to produce 1.5 litres of a Copper Sulphate solution containing 600
ppm of Copper Sulphate. You have Copper Sulphate Crystals that are 97.5% pure
(The impurities are not important.)
The molecular weight of Copper Sulphate (is CuSO 4) 159.7 and
The molecular weight of Copper Sulphate Crystals (CuSO4, 5H2O) is 249.7
What quantity of crystals are required to produce 1.5 Litres.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1.0gms
1.2gms
1.45gms
1.70gms
2.05gms

Read the Question - What can you find that is useful.

The relative weights are 160 and 250 (approximately) that is about 2 to 3 or 1:1.5
The purity is nearly 100% so will only make a small difference.
You have weights and also strength in ppm.
Convert the strength to something more practical percentage strength
600ppm is 6 parts in 10,000 (Divide each side by 100)
6 parts in 10,000 is 0.06 parts in 100 ( again divide again by 100)
You therefore require a 0.06% solution
This equals 0.06gms in 100mls
Or
0.6gms in 1,000mls
or
0.9gms in 1,500mls (1.5litres)
Here is a rough estimate of the answer
this suggests that you need 0.9gms Copper Sulphate
This would equal 1.5 times as much Copper Sulphate crystals
= 0.9 x 1.5 = 1.35gms and suggest B or C as the correct answer
Again if you know your maths well you should know that the ration is
slightly larger than 1:1.5 (Its actually 1 :1.56) and also the crystals are a
little impure therefore the 1.35 is too small rather than too large
This eliminates answers A, D and E and suggests C is correct
However as you are adding Copper Sulphate crystals.
For every 159.7gms of Copper sulphate you require 249.7gms of Copper Sulphate
crystals
This means for 0.9gms you would need 0.9 x (249.7/159.7) gms of crystals
This using a calculator this equals 1.407gms Copper Sulphate Crystals
You could try and do it without a calculator
(ppm = Parts Per Million)
28

Example 5a Double Dilutions

These questions are often posed in a variety of ways but essentially have the same
problem :There are three solutions
A a concentrated or stock solution
B a Solution that is prepared for giving to a patient or medic from Solution A
C the final solution which is obtained by diluting Solution B
Remember A is stronger than B and B is stronger than C
Also it is quite common for the way the strength of the solution is expressed to change
e.g.
A is 50% Solution
B has a strength of 20mg in 1ml
C has a concentration of 1 in 50,000
These problems can be calculated quite easily by using simple steps rather than using
formulas of the C1 v1 variety which end up with very complicated or tricky
expressions that are prone to error in an exam.
1) look at the answers given what expression of strength is used (If the
answers simply give a volume of one of the solutions, then the answer is in the
strength of that solution )
2) When calculating convert to that expression of strength
A simple example
Using A, B and C from above, how many mls of B and how many mls of A are equal
to 1 Litre of C
First we know that C has a concentration of 1 in 50,000 - convert this to a
concentration expressed in mg in 1ml
1 in 50,000 is 1gm in 50,000
= 1000mg in 50,000mls
= 1mg in 50mls (Dividing by 1000)
= 20mg in 50 x 20mls = 1000mls
So 1000mls of C has the same amount of drug in it as 1ml of Solution B = 20mg
1000mls of C are equal in AMOUNT to 1ml of Solution B
Now lets take solution A
Solution B contains 20mg in 1ml
= 20000mg in 100mls (Multiply by 100)
=2gm in 100mls = 2%
Solution A is 50% so it is 25 times stronger
So 1ml of Solution B is equal to 1/25mls of Solution A
= 0.04mls
We now have the relationship :0.4mls of A contain the same amount of drug as 1ml of solution B or 1000mls of
solution C
29

or 1ml of A contains the same amount of drug as 25mls of B or 25 Litres of C

The ratios are 1 : 25 : 25000
The questions that do come up usually ask you to calculate something about solution
A or B by providing information about solution C. By using simple steps as above this
is easy. These problems can be solved easily by breaking the problem down into
simple steps..
Example
e.g. A stock solution containing 25mg in 1ml of Drug X is used to prepare an
intermediary solution such that when the intermediary solution is diluted 1 in 250, a 1
in 80,000 solution is obtained.
What is the strength of the intermediary solution and how much of the stock solution
is needed to supply 500mls of the intermediary solution.
Step 1

What is the concentration of the intermediary solution ?

It is 250 times stronger than 1 in 80,000
Why because when diluted 1 in 250 we get a 1 in 80,000 solution
So the strength is 1 in
80,000 / 250
= 8,000/25 (divide by 10)
= 800/2.5
(divide by 10)
=1600/5
(multiply by 2)
= 320
So the intermediary solution is 1 in 320 (Yes its an odd strength)
1 in 320
= 1/3.2 in 100
not easy but try dividing 10 by 3.2 =3 approx. then divide by 10 again
So the strength is approximately 0.3%
The actual value is 0.3125

BUT this value is easy to calculate if you know your tablet strengths as its a value
that crops up regularly : = 0.5 = 0.25 1/8 = 0.125 1/16 = 0.0625

and 1/32 = 0.3125

So we now know that the intermediary solution contains 312.5mg in 100mls

( 0.3125% or 0.3125 in 100 or 1 in 320 )
Step 2

Why

Solution A contains

25mg in 1ml
= 250mg in 10mls
=2500mg in 100mls (2.5%)

To dilute A to B would require a dilution of 2500 / 312.5

Because A contains 2500mg in 100mls and B contains 312.5mg in 100mls
So to dilute A to B would require a dilution of
Now this isnt an easy calculation

30

2500 / 312.5

But try doubling

And again
And again
And again
Now divide by 10
And again

5000/625
10,000/ 1250 (Now this is easier)
20,000/2500 even easier)
40000/5000
4000/500
400/50
=8
So the dilution is 1 in 8 and this was a relatively easy calculation
So to make 500mls we would need 1/8 of 500mls of solution A
= 500/8
= 62.5mls

We now know that 62.5mls of a 2.5% solution if diluted to 500mls (1 in 8) will

produce a solution that has a strength of 0.3125% and that, if diluted 1 in 250 will
produce a solution that has a strength of 1 in 80,000.
Can we check ?
The dilution overall is 1 in 8 then 1 in 250 = 8 x 250 = 1 in 2,000
Now 2.5%, the starting solution is 1 in 40 (2.5 in 100)
1 in 40 diluted1 in 2 gives 1 in 80
1 in 20 gives 1 in 800
1 in 200 gives 1 in 8000
and
1 in 2000 gives 1 in 80000
(1 in 40 diluted 1 in 2000 gives a 1 in 40 x 2000 solution)
You can often avoid difficult calculations by simply multiplying or dividing by 10
or 2 . The only really difficult calculation was dividing 1 by 3.2
To solve these problems the steps are :What do we know about A
What do we know about B
What do we know about C
How do we get from A to B
How do we get from B to C
What is the question asking ?
Using the above example
What do we know about A The strength is 25mg in 5ml
What do we know about B - When diluted 1 in 250 the strength is 1 in 80,000
What do we know about C - The strength is 1 in 80,000
How do we get from A to B - we need to calculate this
How do we get from B to C- by diluting 1 in 250
What is the question asking?- What is the strength of B
- How much A makes 500mls of B
A (25mg in 5ml) .. dilute X times .. B (500mls) . . dilute 250 times .. C (1 in 80,000)
Quantity ?
strength ?

If written down like this , these steps become simple. The part that is usually the most
difficult is converting strengths that are expressed in different ways.

31

Example 6

Displacement Values

Displacement Values are used where it is possible to know the volume of the end
product but not the weight. It is common practice to assume that 1ml of all liquids
weigh 1gm but in fact this is true only for water and only at 4 centigrade at normal
atmospheric pressure.
With solid drugs, volume is rarely important what is the volume of 1gm of
Paracetamol or 1gm of Aspirin
The volume occupied by solid drugs becomes important when they are incorporated
into a liquid and the volume in which they are incorporated is small in relation to the
amount of solid drug.
If you add 1ml of water to 1 litre of water the percentage change is 1 in 1001 or
0.09%
If you add 1ml of water to 5mls, the percentage change is 1 in 6 or 16.6%
If you have a 500mg vial of Amoxicillin and add 2mls of water what is the final
volume and how do you calculate a dose that is less than 500mg for a child ?
How do you add a solid drug by weight to a suppository base so that the final volume
(which is fixed before you add the drug as the suppository mould is preset) contains a
fixed amount (by weight) of the drug ?
Suppository moulds are given a weight e.g. 2gms that relates to the weight of the
suppository made in that mould using a particular base usually Theobroma Oil
However drugs may have a different density to Theobroma oil so the same weight
may have a different volume ?
Dry Powder ampoules contain a fixed weight of drug. how much water or diluent is
added depends on its solubility but what volume does that drug contribute to the final
solution ?
The answer to both of these problems is provided by the displacement value.
This value represents the equivalent volume that the solid drug will contribute to the
final solution.
With ampoules, the displacement value is , in real life, rarely stated and needs to be
obtained from the manufacturer
With the manufacture of Suppositories, the values are obtained from tables and can be
provided by the manufacturers of the pure drug on request.
In an exam, the values will always be provided.

32

Example Ampoules
a)
Drug X 500mg Displacement Value 0.6mls
This means that 500mg of the drug occupies a volume equivalent to 0.6mls
If you add 1.4mls, the final volume will be 1.4 + 0.6mls = 2mls
The solution in the ampoule will contain 500mg in 2mls
b)

Drug X 500mg

Displacement value 1gm = 1.2mls

This means that 1gm of the drug occupies a volume equivalent to 1.2mls
If you add 1.4mls, the final volume will be 1.4 + 0.6mls = 2mls as you have 500mg in
the vial.
This form of expression is avoided and the displacement value for the amount in the
vial is the accepted method . It is sometimes used in calculation questions..
Example
a)

Suppositories

Drug X
Drug Y

Displacement value 4
Displacement value 0.5

Here the displacement value is given as a simple number

The value is the ratio between the relative density of the drug and the suppository
base.
A displacement value of 4 means that 4gms of Drug occupy the same volume as 1gm
of base the drug is heavier than the base by volume
A displacement value of 0.5 means that 0.5gms of drug occupy the same volume as
1gm of base - the drug is lighter than the base by volume.
Drug X will displace by weight as much of the suppository base
A cube 1cm square of Drug X will weigh 4 times as much as a cube 1cm square of
base
Drug Y will displace by weight TWICE as much of the suppository base
A cube 1cm square of Drug Y will weigh half as much as a cube 1cm square of base
If you are going to add the drug to a base and produce something which has the same
volume but contains a known weight of the drug, you need to use the displacement
value to know how much base to remove to ensure the correct amount of drug is
present.
Lets add 500mg of Drug to a 2gm suppository
Drug X weighs 4 times as much as the base so 500gms will occupy the same space as
500/4 mg of base = 125mg
To make 1 suppository, you would remove 125mg of base so you would use
2gm -125mg Base = 1.75mg Base and add 500mg of Drug X
The final suppository would weigh 1.75 + 0.5 = 2.25gms

33

Drug Y weighs half as much as the base so 500gms will occupy the same space as
500/0.5 mg of base = 1000mg =1gm
To make 1 suppository, you would remove 1gm of base so you would use
2gm -1gm Base = 1gm Base and add 500mg of Drug X
The final suppository would weigh 1 + 0.5 = 1.5gms
This often causes confusion as the suppository is a 2gm suppository. The 2gm
simply relates to the volume of the base if no drug is added and not to the final weight
of the suppository with added drug (s)
One problem with both injections and suppositories is ensuring that a drug is evenly
dispersed or dissolved throughout the base or diluent. With suppositories, this is a
problem resolved during manufacturing by appropriate fine mixing and rapid
solidification that prevents any time for settling.
Different liquids have different densities and if mixed carefully it is possible for a
liquid with a lighter density to sit above one with a heavier density. This can
sometimes be seen as a liquid crystal appearance.
Density is a major problem with Potassium Chloride Injection which when
concentrated is quite dense, and if injected slowly into an IV bag can sit undiluted at
the base of the bag. The first few mls, when administered can then be concentrated
Potassium chloride not the diluted strength that was required and that concentrate
can be fatal - hence the reason why ready mixed bags are now standard.

Shaken not Stirred when mixing the ingredients of cocktails, stirring may partially
mix two or more ingredients but will leave traces of the more dense and often sweeter
ingredient at the bottom of the glass so the final few sips are sweeter and this is often
preferred by women Shaking will thoroughly disperse the ingredients giving the
same taste overall. Hence the view that it is more masculine to drink cocktails
shaken not stirred !!

34

THE CALCULATION QUESTIONS

Calculation questions are devised to check your knowledge of drugs and ability to
correctly calculate doses etc. and use reference sources.
Sometimes (In the U.K.) you need to check a reference source such as the BNF to
obtain information such as the strength of an injection or the size of the vial that an
injection comes in. All these questions are based on this process.
Examples are that the BNF specifies :Ampoule sizes Digoxin is only available in a 25mcg/2ml ampoule not a 1ml
Strengths

The BNF specifies the strength and molarity of Potassium Chloride

Sterile solution Concentrate (15%)
The BNF specifies the concentrations of ingredients in Magnesium
Carbonate Aromatic etc.

Infusion rates For many injectable drugs

Pharmacists are often thrown by strange names and so some questions have been
written using the names or strengths of preparations which a pharmacist may not be
expected to be familiar with. To help, some familiar OTC preparations have been
included in the questions but unfamiliar information is given about them. In some
cases the drug names are entirely fictitious. In all such cases the questions can be
answered using the information given in the question itself and no extra information is
required.
Examples :- Enos Fruit Salts

Meeto

Drug X

I have attempted to check all questions thoroughly but errors are quite likely. If you
find any suspected error, please e-mail me with the problem you have identified and I
will reply and correct ASAP.
Please note Answers may not work out to the exact value given. You may need to
estimate which is the nearest correct answer. E.g. 19/6mg may have the answer
options given as 2mg, 3mg, 4mg. 3mg is the nearest correct answer as the value is
3.16
You may find some questions repeated or repeated from Book 1 . This book has
been put together from various papers used over several years so apologies in advance
However do check each question as there may in fact be some subtle differences.

35

CHAPTER 1
1)

A child is prescribed Digoxin. Unable to take tablets, the elixir is

prescribed. Their dose is 0.125mg daily. The volume of Lanoxin PG elixir that
the patient should be given each day is :
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

A 3 year old weighing 14kg is prescribed Dactinomycin 450mcg/m .

The strength of the solution is 500 micrograms per ml. The patient would require
which one of the following volumes of the solution per dose ?
2

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
3)

0.25ml
0.75ml
1ml
2ml
2.5ml

0.28ml
0.56ml
1.8ml
2.8ml
3ml

A nurse asks your advice in preparing the following infusion, which is to be

given via an infusion pump:
80mmol potassium ions in 1000ml in 5% Glucose
She has ampoules of potassium chloride 1.5g in 10ml and asks your advice on
what quantity should be added to the infusion to provide the correct dose. The
quantity should be :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

4)

20ml
40ml
60ml
80ml
100ml

An infusion pump is used to administer Epinephrine (Adrenaline) to a patient at a

rate of 6mls per minute. Adrenaline solution 1 in 10,000 is to be administered.
What quantity in milligrams of adrenaline will be supplied per hour.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

36mg
48mg
72mg
108mg
162mg

36

5)

A Patient is prescribed Prednisolone as a descending dose course.

The patient is to take 80mg OD reducing by 10mg every 2 days until a dose of
10mg is reached. She is then to take 10mg for 7 days and 5mg for 7 days and then
stop. How many 5mg tablets would be need to be supplied. What is the total dose
of Prednisolone taken ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

6)

725mg
755mg
775mg
805mg
825mg

You receive a prescription for the following :Benzoic Acid Ointment 3% w/w in white soft paraffin x 750gms
Which of the following is the correct formula :Benzoic Acid
White Soft Paraffin
a)
22.5gms
to
750gms
b)
2.25gm
to
750gms
c)
225mg
to
750gms
d)
22.5mg
to
750gms
e)
225mcg
to
750gms

7).

Baby S requires an antibiotic suspension for a chest infection. She weighs

15kg and has been prescribed a dose of 7.5mg/kg/day for 7 days divided as a TDS
regimen. The strength of the suspension is 250mg in 5mls.
What dosage should you put on the prepared medicine label ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8).

0.25mls
0.5mls
0.75mls
1.0mls
1.25mls

A patient is being given Pilocarpine eye drops 0.5% for their glaucoma.
How much drug is contained in 1 drop if each 1ml contains 20 drops
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1mg
500 micrograms
250 micrograms
125 micrograms
62.5 micrograms

37

9)

What weight of a Drug would be contained in 600mls of a 0.02% solution ?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

10)

A drug has a half life of 12 hours. The drug is administered by I/V and
immediately after administration, its plasma level is 68mcg/ml.
What would the plasma concentration be after 36 hours ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

11)

2.13mcg/ml
4.25mcg/ml
8.5mcg/ml
17mcg/ml
34mcg/ml

What quantity of Bupivicaine in mg is are contained in a 20ml vial of 2.5%

injection ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

12)

12mcg
120mcg
1.2mg
12mg
120mg

125mg
250mg
375mg
425mg
500mg

1 litre infusion of Sodium Chloride 0.45%, Glucose 5% and Potassium Chloride

0.18% is intended to be given over 12 hours using a standard giving set. If the rate
at which the infusion is run is 42 drops per minute, over how many hours will the
infusion actually run. (assume a drop volume of 20 drops per ml)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8 hours approx
10 hours approx
12 hours approx
16 hours approx
24 hours approx

13)

You have been asked to prepare an emergency loading dose of Digoxin for a
patient of 0.75mg to be given over 1 hour in roughly 100mls 0.9% NaCl. by I/V
infusion. Calculate what you require..

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1 ampoule Digoxin injection in 100mls NaCl 0.9% - 100mls over 1hour

2 ampoules Digoxin injection in 100mls NaCl 0.9% - 75 mls over 1 hour
3 ampoules Digoxin injection in 100mls NaCl 0.9% - 100mls over 1 hour
4 Ampoules Digoxin injection in 100mls NaCl 0.9% - 50mls over 1 hour
5 Ampoules Digoxin injection in 100mls NaCl 0.9% - 75mls over 1 hour

38

14)

A Patient receives Diamorphine infusion over 24 hours. They currently

receive a dose of 240mg over a 24 hour period using a syringe pump that is
calibrated to 48mm / 24 Hours (some syringe pumps are calibrated in mm/hr).
You increase the rate of infusion to 72mm / 24 hours. What dosage will they now
receive ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

15)

A Drug representative offers you a special deal on Wonder Drug "Meetoo". You
will get a 10% discount as free stock for the next two years providing you buy it
through him. You currently use around 10,000 boxes of wonderdrug "Meetoo"
every month and each box costs 1.00 and you send in your first order for 10,000.
Your order arrives and you unpack 11,000 boxes (i.e. it includes your free stock).
You look at the Invoice and
note a price. How much should you be charged.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

16)

9000
9900
10000
10,100
11,000

Calculate the approximate dose of drug X for a 2 stone child if the recommended
dose is 2.4mg/kg. (assume 1 Stone = 6.35Kg approx)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

17)

264mg per 24 hours

300mg per 24 hours
360mg per 24 hours
480 mg per 24 hours
720mg per 24 hours

25mg
30mg
35mg
40mg
45mg

Q17 The recommended dose of drug A is 25mg/kg/day in divided doses.

On admission, Mrs X says she is on three 250mg capsules twice daily. If the dose
is correct, what is Mrs X approximate weight ?.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

50kg
55kg
60kg
65kg
70kg

39

18)

70kg patient requires Dobutamine at a dose of 15mcg/kg/min. made up as

Dobutamine 250mg in 50mls dextrose 5% for slow infusion. What is the nearest
correct dose in mg per hour.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

19)

Q19 Drug H is to be given as 500mg in 1 Litre of sodium chloride 0.9% over 10

hours. Calculate the drip rate if the drug is administered using a Burette set where
1ml = 60 drops
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

20)

60 drops / minute
70 drops / minute
80 drops / minute
90 drops / minute
100 drops / minute

Q20 The reading on a syringe driver administering drug C is 35mls/hr. The

additive label says '500mg in 100ml' and the patient's weight is 60kg. What dose
of drug C is the patient receiving in mcg/kg/min?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

21)

52.5mg
55mg
57.5mg
60mg
62.5mg

50 micrograms
100 micrograms
150 micrograms
200 micrograms
250 micrograms

A patient is instructed to use Fucidin HC ointment twice a day on both arms

and legs. The application to each arm is approximately 5gms and the
application to each leg is approximately 15gms. Over a one week period, how
much Hydrocortisone and how much Fusidic Acid will be applied topically.
(The formula of Fucidin HC Ointment is 1% Hydrocortisone as Acetate and
2% Fusidic Acid)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1gm Hydrocortisone
2gms Hydrocortisone
2.8gms Hydrocortisone
5gms Hydrocortisone
5.6gms Hydrocortisone

and 2gm Fusidic Acid

and 4gms Fusidic Acid
and 5.6gms Fusidic Acid
and 10gms Fusidic Acid
and 11.2gms Fusidic Acid

40

22)

You have been asked to prepare 350gms x 4% Menthol in Aqueous Cream.

How much Menthol is required ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

23)

An infusion pump is used to administer Epinephrine (Adrenaline) to a patient

at a rate of 4mls per minute. The patient weighs 70Kg and Adrenaline
solution 1 in 10,000 is to be administered in the pump . What quantity in
micrograms of adrenaline will be supplied per hour per Kilogram.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

24)

3,400 micrograms
1,700 micrograms
340 micrograms
170 micrograms
34 micrograms

A patient is being given Chloramphenicol eye drops 0.5% for an eye infection.
How much drug is contained in 2 x 5ml bottles of these drops.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

25)

140gm
70gms
35gms
14gms
7gms

25mg
50mg
75mg
100mg
500mg

You are asked to infuse Turbimycin for a 50Kg patient at a rate of 120mg per
hour. Which of the following would be correct.
First Statement

:- 0.2% of Turbimycin in a 500ml infusion bag should be

infused at a rate of 60mls per 30 minutes
Second Statement :- The infusion rate would be 80mcg / Kg / Min
Choose
a)
If both statements are True and the second statement is an explanation
of the first statement
b)
If both statements are True and the second statement is not an
explanation of the first statement
c)
If statement 1 is True and statement 2 is False
d)
If statement 1 is False and statement 2 is True
e)
If both statements are False
41

CHAPTER 2
1)

You have been asked to supply some Lidocaine suppositories (using Cocoa
Butter as a base) for a patient. The suppositories will be made using a 4gm
mould and each suppository will contain 10mg Lidocaine. You need to supply
50 suppositories. Given that the displacement value of Lidocaine in Cocoa
Butter is 0.5, calculate how much base and active ingredient are required if a
surplus of 5 suppositories are to be made.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

199.75gms Base
200mg Base
219.450mg Base
218.900gms Base
220gms Base

Enos Fruit Salts contain

+ 500mg Lidocaine
+ 500mg Lidocaine
+ 550mg Lidocaine
+ 550mg Lidocaine
+ 550mg Lidocaine
Citric Acid
2.18gms
Sodium Bicarbonate 2.32gms
Sodium Carbonate
0.5gms
in each 5gm sachet

Given that the GmMwt of Sodium Bicarbonate is 84gms and the GmMwt of
Sodium Carbonate is 106gms, calculate the approximate number of millimols
of Sodium in each 5gm sachet
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
3)

18mmols
24mmols
30mmols
36mmols
42mmols

Pripsen sachets contain 4gms piperazine citrate and 15.3mg Sennosides per
sachet.
It is recommended that they are prepared by dissolving the granules in a glass
of water or milk. Assuming that there is no displacement, what is the
approximate concentration of Sennosides if a standard glass of water is
150mls
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.01%
0.015%
0.030%
0.060%
0.15 %

42

4)

Ranitidine Syrup contains 75mg in each 5mls.

Ranitidine has a molecular weight of 350
Approximately how many millimols of Ranitidine are there in a 10ml dose ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

5)

A patient is to be given Infliximab for crohns disease. The patient weighs

54Kg and is to be given a dose of 2.5mg/kg/dose. Infliximab comes as 100mg
in 10ml and should be prepared in an intravenous solution with a final volume
of 250mg which is then to be administered over 3 hours (The recommendation
is a minimum of 2 hours). At what rate is the infusion actually to be
administered in micrograms/ minutes ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

6)

3.2 mmols
2.4 mmols
1.6 mmols
0.8 mmol
0.4mmols

1000mcg / minute
750mcg / minute
500mcg/ minute
250mcg/ minute
125mcg / minute

Dioralyte sachets contain 470mg of Sodium Chloride

Given that the Gm atomic weight of Sodium is 23 and Chloride is 35.5
How many millimols of Sodium Chloride are there in 1 sachet of Dioralyte ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2mmol
4mmol
8mmol
12mmol
16mmol

43

7)

Dentinox contains 21mg Simeticone in each 2.5mls. What is this as a

percentage ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8)

0.0084%
0.084%
0.84%
8.4%
84%

A patient who suffers from severe indigestion calls into your pharmacy for
help and admits to taking aromatic Magnesium Carbonate Mixture at a dose of
20mls four times a day and also Rennie Duo suspension at a dose of 10mls
four times a day and a 20ml dose at bedtime.
To the nearest whole unit, how many millimols of Sodium is the patient
taking each WEEK.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

9)

A
B
C
D
E

28 mmols
56 mmols
278mmols
556mmols
1112 mmols

A patient is prescribed Acidex an alginate containing preparation designed

to protect the oesophagus from gastric reflux. The prescription contains
instructions that the preparation should be taken at a dose of 10mls QDS and
also at night and for 60 days supply. If the molecular weight of Calcium
Carbonate is 100 approximately, Which of the following statements is correct?
Supply Full bottles Patient will take in
total mmols Ca++
4
360
6
480
8
720
10
900
12
1,180

44

Patient will take in

total mmols Na+
400
1800
800
1,000
1,200

10)

An antacid preparation is calculated to contain 160mg of Sodium Bicarbonate

in each 5ml dose. A patient has taken 600 mls over the last 24 hours.
Calculate the number of millimols of Sodium that the patient has ingested
given that the formula of Sodium Bicarbonate is NaHCO
and that the
3
respective weights are Sodium 23 and Bicarbonate (HCO 3) is 61
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

11)

A child is seriously ill and is being administered an infusion of an antibiotic

that is made up as a solution containing 250mg in 100mls
This is to be administered at a rate of 1.25mg / Kg / 30 minutes
The child weighs 18Kg.
To the nearest half hour, how many hours and minutes will the infusion run
for ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

12)

57mmols
114mmols
228mmols
342mmols
456mmols

3 hours and 30 minutes

4 hours
4 hours and 30 minutes
5 hours
5 hours and 30 minutes

How much Potassium permanganate is there in 350mls if the concentration is

a 1 in 8000000 solution ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

52.55mcg
43.75mcg
37.50mcg
32.55mcg
29.55mcg

45

13)

FIRST STATEMENT

75mls of 1.8% saline diluted 50% contains

15mmols of Sodium Chloride

SECOND STATEMENT

The Gm Molecular weight of Sodium Chlorides

is 58.5gms

Read these two statements and choose

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
14)

A Patient is admitted to casualty having taken an overdose of soluble

Paracetamol 500mg.
The half life of Paracetamol is 2 hours
Their blood levels show a concentration of 80mg / Litre
It is estimated that their Total Volume of distribution is equivalent to 40 Litres
and the patient claims it is exactly 6 hours exactly since they ingested the
paracetamol
If the amount absorbed is 40% of the total amount taken how many tablets did
they take ?
(Ignore any delay between the taking and absorption)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

15)

If both statements are True and the 2nd statement is a correct

explanation of the first
If both statements are True but the 2nd statement is NOT a correct
explanation of first
The first statement is true and the second is false
The first statement is False and the second is True
Both statements are False

156 tablets
128 tablets
112 tablets
96 tablets
84 tablets

A current formulation of Dilicardin has a bioavailability of 40% and is

supplied as a tablet with a strength of 400mg. The dose is a single tablet
twice daily for 15 days
A new formulation is made available which has a bioavailability of 90% and is
supplied as a 200mg tablet. Again the dose is a single tablet twice daily for 15
days
The drug costs 200 per Kg
Ignoring all other costs, how much is saved in using less drug when
manufacturing 2 million packs of 30 x 200mg tablets instead of 400mg
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

24,000
120,000
240,000
1,200,000
2,400,000

46

16)

750g of an ointment containing 2.15% w/w of a single active ingredient have

been prepared. What is the weight of active ingredient contained in 20g of the
ointment ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

17)

A young male patient requires 0.42mg adrenaline.

The ward nurse phones the pharmacy and informs you that the only stock on
the ward is a 1 in 10,000 solution. What volume of injection will the nurse
require ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

18)

0.42mls
4.2mls
10mls
21mls
42mls

What is the percentage strength of a solution containing 32gms in 2,500mls ?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

19)

4.3gms
2.13gms
430mg
215mg
413 micrograns

6.40%
3.20%
1.80%
1.28%
0.64%

A nurse has a caustic solution for cleaning the floor. The concentrate states
that the caustic (not the solution) must be diluted to 1 part in 6000 or greater
otherwise it can cause skin irritation. She needs to instruct the cleaner how to
dilute this and she has only a litre jug graded in 10ml units. The concentrate
states that it contains 5gms in every 20mls of solution. Which of the following
would be an appropriate recommendation
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Dilute 10mls to 15 litres with tapwater

Dilute 10mls to 60 litres with tapwater
Dilute 10mls to 150 litres with tapwater
Dilute 10mls to 600 litres with tapwater
Dilute 10mls to 1500mls with tapwater

47

20)

You

receive

prescription

that

requires

you

to

supply

:-

300gms of a an Ointment containing 2.5% of Drug Y

You only have a 1% preparation of the drug and a container of the pure drug.
The prescription is urgent so you are required to extemporaneously prepare a
2.5% ointment by adding the pure drug to 1% Ointment.
How much pure drug do you need to add to 250gms of 1% Ointment to make
it 2.5%
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
21)

3.5gms
3.75gms
3.85gms
4.25gms
4.85gms

An infusion pump is set up to administer a drug at the rate of 4.5mcg per Kg

every minute to a patient who weighs 85Kg.
What dose of drug (to the nearest 10mg) will the patient receive if the drug is
administered for a total of 3 hours ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

60mg
70mg
80mg
90mg
100mg

22-24) Questions 22-24: Each of the questions below concern quantities of Sodium
Bicarbonate. Choose the correct answer for each

Q 22 This is contained in Aromatic

Magnesium Carbonate 20mls
Q 23. This is contained in 30 mls
Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture
Q 24 This is contained in 10mls
Kaolin and Morphine Mixture

0.5gms

1.0 gms 1.5 gms 5gms

10gm
s

48

25)

Calculate the approximate dose of drug X for a 2 stone child if the recommended
dose is 2.4mg/kg. (Assume 1 Stone = 6.35Kg approx)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

25mg
30mg
35mg
40mg
45mg

----------------------------------------------------------------------

49

Chapter 3
1)

The recommended dose of drug A is 25mg/kg/day in divided doses.

On admission, Mrs X says she is on three 250mg capsules twice daily.
If the dose is correct, what is Mrs X approximate weight ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

70kg patient requires Dobutamine at a dose of 15mcg/kg/min. made up a

Dobutamine 250mg in 50mls dextrose 5% for slow infusion. What is the nearest
correct dose in mg per hour.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3)

52.5mg
55mg
57.5mg
60mg
62.5mg

Drug H is to be given as 500mg in 1 Litre of sodium chloride 0.9% over 10 hours.

Calculate the drip rate if the drug is administered using a Burette set where
1ml = 60 drops
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

4)

50kg
55kg
60kg
65kg
70kg

60 drops / minute
70 drops / minute
80 drops / minute
90 drops / minute
100 drops / minute

The reading on a syringe driver administering drug C is 35mls/hr. The additive

label says '500mg in 100ml' and the patient's weight is 60kg. What dose of drug C
is the patient receiving in mcg/kg/min?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

50 micrograms
100 micrograms
150 micrograms
200 micrograms
250 micrograms

50

5)

A patient is to be given Levomepromazine. It has been calculated that the

volume of distribution of Levomepromazine is 15 litres / Kg and maximum
blood levels are reached 30-90 minutes after an intramuscular dose. It is also
estimated to have a half life of 20 hours. A patient weighing 60Kg is
administered a dose of 50mg in 2mls by intramuscular injection. As it
undergoes considerable first pass metabolism, it has an effective
bioavailability of 80%. What would be the expected concentration in the blood
after 60 minutes assuming maximum blood concentration has been achieved.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

6)

A patient is to be given Levomepromazine. It has been calculated that the

volume of distribution of Levomepromazine is 15 litres / Kg and maximum
blood levels are reached 30-90 minutes after an intramuscular dose. It is also
estimated to have a half life of 20 hours. A patient weighing 60Kg is
administered a dose of 50mg in 2mls by intramuscular injection. As it
undergoes considerable first pass metabolism, it has an effective
bioavailability of 80%.
The patient is not administered any further dose.
What would be the approximate blood concentration after 60 hours.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

7)

0.445 micrograms / Litre

4.445 micrograms / litre
44.5 micrograms / litre
445 micrograms / litre
4.45 mg / Litre

550 micrograms / litre

225 micrograms / litre
110 micrograms / litre
55 micrograms / litre
5.5 micrograms / litre

A patient keeps a migraine diary and records that every week, they suffer a
migraine on average three days out of every seven.
They are able to control their migraine taking half the maximum daily dose of
Paracetamol and call into the surgery to request a prescription for the next
three months as they are visiting a relative on a remote Scottish island. The
doctor asks you to calculate how many tablets are the minimum that he will be
required to prescribe assuming there are 4 weeks per month. How many
should he prescribe ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

56
84
144
168
224

51

8)

A patient is to be anaesthetised using Propofol by continuous infusion in

Glucose 5%. The initial solution is to be made using a 50ml vial of propofol
20mg in 1ml. The infusion is to be made using the maximum permitted
amount of Glucose 5% and is to be administered over 3 hours to maintain
anaesthesia. At what rate per minute should the prepared infusion be
administered.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

9)

A Patient who weighs 75kg has been taking Phenytoin Infatabs for the last
Few years at a dose of 4mg / Kg daily (as three doses) as these were found to
be the most suitable preparation for him due to problems with swallowing.
He is now to be switched to Phenytoin suspension to be administered via a
nasogastric tube three times a day. The patients G.P. phones and asks what the
correct dosage would be and how much would be required for 4 weeks
supply. Which of the following would be correct :a)
b)
c)
d)

10)

15mls TDS x 1,260mls

17.5mls TDS x 1,470mls
20mls TDS x 1,680mls
22.5mls TDS x 1,890mls
e)
25mls TDS x 2,100mls

A Patient is advised to use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide sachets as a mild

antibacterial for bathing her feet twice a day. The patient uses one 25ml sachet
on each foot and uses the preparation twice daily for two weeks. How much
Chlorhexidine was used ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

11)

1.4 mls
2.8 mls
5.6 mls
11.2 mls
28 mls

300mg
210mg
150mg
120mg
70mg

A Patient is advised to use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide sachets as a mild

sachet on each foot and uses the preparation twice daily for two weeks. How
much Cetrimide was used in ONE week
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3.50gm
2.70gm
2.10gm
1.05gms
0.75gms
52

12)

A GP asks you to dispense a cream containing 3% Dithranol in Lassars Paste

for a patient with psoriasis. You only have Dithranol 0.5% in Lassars Paste
and Dithranol Powder . How much Dithranol Powder would you need to add
to 500gms of 0.5% Dithranol in Lassars Paste to make it 3%
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

13)

You are given two solutions Ethanol 25% and Ethanol 90% and are asked to
prepare 500mls of a solution of Ethanol containing 40%. What volume of each
should be used to the nearest 0.5mls ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

14)

54.5mls of 25%
72.5mls of 25%
108.5mls of 25%
275.5mls 25%
384.5mls of 25%

+ 445.5mls of 90%
+ 427.5mls of 90%
+ 391.5mls of 90%
+ 224.5mls of 90%
+ 115.5mls of 90%

You have one ampoule of each of two injectable forms of the same drug
One contains 25mg in 2mls for IV injection
The second contains 300mg in 10mls for IV injection.
You need a dose of 325mg to be added to 1 Litre of Infusion fluid.
You add both ampoules to the 1 Litre of fluid which is then to be infused over
1hour for a child with an acute infection.
What is the percentage concentration of the 1 Litre of fluid containing Drug X
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

15)

15.00gms
14.5gms
13.8gms .
12.9gms
11.8gms

0.00325%
0.0325%
0.0525%
0.325%
0.525%

You have been asked to prepare 420gms x 2.5 % Coal Tar in Aqueous
Cream. How much Coal Tar is required ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2.5gms
4.2gms
5.1gms
7.5gms
10.5gms

53

16)

You are asked to provide a preparation of Triplimycin in Aqueous Cream that

a patient is to apply to both lower limbs twice a day for 7 days. The patient is
questioned and indicates that on applying the preparation to a single limb, they
use approximately 7gms when correctly applied.
Which of the following would be correct.
First Statement
Second Statement

200gms of the preparation should be supplied to the

Patient
200gms represents an appropriate supply for use on
both limbs for 1 week

Choose
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
17)

A mixture contains two drugs A and B in the ratio of 25:1. A child takes a
dose of 5mls and this contains a 1.5 % solution of Drug A . How many micrograms of Drug B does a 5ml dose contain ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

18)

If both statements are correct and statement 1 is explained by

statement 2
If both statements are correct and statement 1 is not explained by
statement 2
If statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false
If statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true
If both statements are false.

3 micrograms
30 micrograms
300 micrograms
3000 micrograms
30,000m micrograms

A 60Kg patient is to be given the antibiotic Ampitetracin and the

recommendation is that it should be administered at a rate of 30 mg per
minute.
Which of the following statements is correct
A 0.5% of Ampitetracin in a 1 Litre infusion bag should
be infused at a rate of 30mls per 30 minutes
Second Statement :- A rate of 30mg per minute represents an infusion rate of
30mg / Kg / Hour
Choose
First Statement

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

If both statements are correct and statement 1 is explained by

statement 2
If both statements are correct and statement 1 is not explained by
statement 2
If statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false
If statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true
If both statements are false.
54

19)

You are required to calculate the daily dose of a drug for an epileptic Child
who is 2 years old. The child weighs 12 kg. and recommended dose for a child
of this age is 150mcg/ kg/ 8hrs by slow infusion . It is intended to infuse the
drug in 250mls Saline over 24 hours. The injection comes in a strength of
25mg in 10ml.
What volume of injection to the nearest 0.1ml needs to be added to the infusion bag
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

20)

A child is to be supplied with Ventolin inhalers for treatment during a 2

month holiday. The child who is 8 years old uses his inhaler at the maximum
dose of eight puffs a day. He also states that every two or three days he may
need to use a few extra puffs. How many inhalers would be needed to provide
for the holiday ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

21)

2.0mls
2.2mls
2.4mls
2.6mls
2.8mls

1 Inhaler
2 Inhalers
3 Inhalers
4 Inhalers
5 Inhalers

A patient is instructed to use Fucidin HC ointment twice a day on both arms

and legs. The application to each arm is approximately 5gms and the application to each leg is approximately 15gms. Over a one week period, how much
Hydrocortisone and how much Fusidic Acid will be applied topically. (The
formula of Fucidin HC Ointment is 1% Hydrocortisone as Acetate and 2%
Fusidic Acid)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1gm Hydrocortisone and 2gm Fusidic Acid

2gms Hydrocortisone and 4gms Fusidic Acid
2.8gms Hydrocortisone and 5.6gms Fusidic Acid
5gms Hydrocortisone and 15gms Fusidic Acid
10gms Hydrocortisone and 30gms Fusidic Acid

55

22)

You receive a prescription that requires you to manufacture 20 x 200mg

Clotrimazole Pessaries. Each pessary will be made using a 3gm suppository
mould. The displacement value of Clotrimazole in the base (Witepsol) is 0.5.
To ensure you can supply the full quantity, it is recommended that you
manufacture a total quantity of 24. What quantities of base and Clotrimazole
will be required ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

23)

A patient is advised to use a mild solution of Potassium Permanganate and the

prescription is sent to your pharmacy. The prescription calls for a solution to
be provided that when 25mls is diluted 1 in 5,000 litres will provide a solution
that is a 1 in 20 million solution.
You are asked to provide sufficient of the solution for the patient to use twice
daily for two weeks.
You have a stock solution of 35% Potassium Permanganate.
How much of this stock solution will be required and what volume of solution
should you provide when dispensing the prescription.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

24)

58gms Base + 4gms Clotrimazole

60gms Base + 4gms Clotrimazole
66gms Base + 4.4gms Clotrimazole
69.6gms Base + 4.8gms Clotrimazole
72gms Base + 4.8gms Clotrimazole

10mls + 700mls
15mls + 700mls
20mls + 700mls
25mls + 700mls
30mls + 700mls

You are in charge of the manufacturing department of a large hospital pharmacy. A patient in the community requires a 0.02% solution of Chlorhexidine
in 100ml bags to be used as a bladder washout to maintain the patency of an
indwelling catheter. You are asked to supply sufficient for use three times a
day for 28 days.
Assuming that there is no waste during manufacturing, how much Chlorhexidine is required.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.0168gms
0.168gms
0.2gms
1.68gms
2.0gms

56

25)

An injection contains 25mg of active ingredient in each 12.5ml ampoule

First Statement
:- 1ml represents 8% of the volume in each ampoule
Second Statement :- 1ml contains 2mg of active ingredient
Decide whether the first statement is true or false
Decide whether the second statement is true or false. Then choose :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

If both statements are true and the second statement is a correct

explanation of the first statement
B If both statements are true and the second statement is NOT a correct
explanation of the first statement.
If the first statement is true but the second statement is false.
If the first statement is false but the second statement is true.
E If both statements are false.

57

CHAPTER 4
1)

You are asked to check on the administration of Dopamine which has been
made up to a concentration of 80mg in 500ml in an infusion pump running at
the rate of 1 drop per minute. The prescribed dose is 2 - 5 micrograms / kg /
min. The Patients weight is 65kg. What dose is the pump actually delivering
to the patient if there are 20 drops in 1ml to the nearest 0.5 mcg?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

How much potassium permanganate would be needed in order to prepare one

Litre of a 1 in 40,000 solution ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3)

9.5mcg/ mg / hour
8.5mcg/kg / hour
7.5mcg /kg / hour
6.5mcg / kg / hour
5.5mcg / kg / hour

400mg
250mg
40mg
25mg
4mg

A patient is taking generic Carbamazepine tablets at a dose of 100mg in the

morning, 200mg twice at midday and 400mg at night.
The clinician wishes to switch the patient to modified release tablets to be
taken twice daily. However while the bioavailability of the standard tablets is
80%, the bioavailability of the generic modified release tablets is 60% ? What
would be an appropriate dose of the modified release tablets (These available
as both 200 and 400mg tablets with the same bioavailability).
The doctor would prefer a lower rather than a higher dose
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1 x 400mg MR Tablet OM and 2 x 400mg Tablet Nocte

1 x 200mg MR Tablet OM and 2 x 400mg Tablet Nocte
1 x 200mg MR Tablets OM and
1 x 200mg + 1 x 400mg MR Tablets Nocte
1x 200mg MR Tablets OM and 1 x 400mg MR tablet Nocte
1x 200mg MR + 1 x 200mg MR Tablets Nocte

58

4)

FIRST STATEMENT

250mls of 0.005% w/w solution contains 75mg

of active ingredient

SECOND STATEMENT

There are 250 micrograms in every 5mls of a

0.005% solution

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
5)

A tablet manufacturer is preparing a solid dosage form of a new antipsychotic.

The drug is extremely potent with a narrow therapeutic window and the
MHRA state that the acceptable limits of potency as 98-105% The tablet is
to be administered starting at 25mg up to a maximum dose of 150mg at night.
Which of the following statements is or are correct about the drug .
1)
2).
3).

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
6)

Read the two statements and then choose

If both statements are True and the 2nd statement is a correct
explanation of the first
If both statements are True but the 2nd statement is NOT a correct
explanation of first statement
The first statement is true and the second is false
The first statement is False and the second is True
Both statements are False

To comply with MHRA requirements the minimum daily dose must

not be below 24.5mg
The maximum evening dose must lie within the limits of 147 and
157.5mg
To comply with MHRA requirements each tablet must have a strength
between 24mg and 26mg
Choose :
If 1, 2 and 3 are correct
If 1 and 2 only are correct
If 2 and 3 only are correct
If 1 only is correct
If 3 only is correct

A patient is accidentally administered ten 4ml sachets of Mucoclear, a solution

containing hypertonic saline (Sodium Chloride 4%).
Approximately how many millimols of Sodium chloride have been
administered ? (The atomic weight of Sodium is 23 and Chlorine is 35.5)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

5.4 mmols
27mmols
54mmols
81mmols
108mmols

59

7)

A patient has their blood Sodium levels measured and the level is found to be
in excess of 150mmols/Litre. On questioning the patient, they admit that they
have been taking Gaviscon Advance for oesophageal reflux. On further
questioning, the patient admits that they exceed the maximum recommended
dosage and in fact take around 25mls QDS..
How many mmols of Sodium ions is the patient possibly taking during a 24
hour period.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8)

You receive a prescription that requires you to supply 1800mls of 50 %

Ethanol.
In stock you have a 70% solution and a 10% Solution. What quantities of each
to the nearest 1ml are required to be mixed to produce a 50% solution.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

9)

2.3mmols each day

23mmols each day
46mmols each day
69mmols each day
84mmols each day

300mls of 70% and 1500mls 10% ethanol

600mls 0f 70% and 1200mls 10% ethanol
800mls of 70% and 1000mls of 10% ethanol
1000mls of 70% and 800mls of 10% ethanol
1200mls 70% e and 600mls 10% ethanol

You have been asked to extemporaneously dispense three different medicines

in a liquid form. You will have to make each using crushed tablets and the
recommended suspending agent.
Which of the following formula would you be happy to use?
1)

Prescribed :- 100mls of Furosemide suspension 60mg/5mL:

Crush 20 x 40mg tablets and make up to 100mLs

2)

Prescribed :- 200mls of Spironolactone suspension 25mg/5mLs

Crush 10 x 100mg tablets and make up to 200mLs

3)

Prescribed :- 150mls Captopril suspension 12.5mg /5mLs:

Crush 15 x 25mg tablets and make up to 150mLs

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Choose :
If 1, 2 and 3 are correct
If 1 and 2 only are correct
If 2 and 3 only are correct
If 1 only is correct
If 3 only is correct

60

10)

A patient is being given Antibiocillin eye drops 2.5% for an eye infection.
If the patient uses 1 drop in each eye SIX times a day, how much drug is administered daily.
You may assume that 20 drops = 1ml
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

11)

A Consultant requests the following :Dithranol

7.5%
Salicylic Acid 2.5%
in White soft paraffin - Mitte 250gms
Which of the following are the correct quantities to use :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

12)

15mg
12mg
9mg
6mg
3mg

Dithranol
6gm
12gm
15gm
12gm
17.5gm

Salicylic Acid
3gm
6gm
3gm
6gm
6.5gm

White Soft Paraffin

250gm
250gm
232gm
232gm
226gm

Drug X, a class 1 anti-arrhythmic is renally excreted. It is administered by intravenous infusion. The data sheet provides the following recommendations :Creatinine Clearance
>50ml/min
25-50ml/min
10-25ml/min
0-10ml/min

Dosage
5mg/ kg
2.5mg/ kg
2.5mg/kg
1.25mg/ kg

Frequency
12 hrly
12 hrly
24 hrly
24 hrly

The formula to use for Creatinine Clearance (CC) is

CC = (1.2 ( 140 - A) x W) / SC
A = Age,
W = Weight (Kg)
SC = Serum Creatinine (mmol/L)
You have a patient who is a 60yr old non obese male. He weighs 50kg and his
last plasma Creatinine was measured as 300mmol/L. This is remaining
steady. Which of the following doses of Drug X would be appropriate :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

275mg x 12hrs
125mg x 12 hrs
125mg x 24 hrs
75mg x 12 hrs
75mg x 24 hrs

61

13)

A pharmacy has a stock solution a 25% Solution of Chlorhexidine.

A prescription is received for 4 litres of a 40% solution. This needs to be made
by adding Chlorhexidine powder.
How much Chlorhexidine (to the nearest 10gms) needs to be added ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

14)

500gm + 3,500mls of 25% solution

600gm + 3,400mls of 25% solution
700gms + 3,300mls of 25% solution
800gms + 3,200mls of 25% solution
900gms + 3,100mls of 25% solution

What is the correct dose volume of Epanutin Syrup for a child weighing 30kg
given that the initial daily dose is 5mg/Kg. Phenytoin suspension contains
60mg in 10ml and is recommended to be given at 12 hourly intervals
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

25.0mls
17.5mls
15.0mls
12.5mls
10.0mls

Questions 15-17:
shown below : A
B
C
D
E

BD
BD
BD
BD
BD

These concern the number of millimols of Sodium Chloride

100 mmol
150mmol
200mmol
250mmol
500mmol

(The Atomic weights are :- Na = 23 )

(
and Cl = 35.5 )

15)

15gm of Sodium Chloride contains approximately how many millimols of

NaCl

16)

1000mls of a low sodium antacid must contain less than this quantity of
Sodium in mmols

17)

Is the top of the approximate normal human plasma level of mmols Sodium +
(as chloride) per Litre and is equivalent to a concentration roughly equivalent
to 0.9% Sodium Chloride

62

18)

Which of the following statements is or are correct :1)

2)
3)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
19)

Choose :
If 1, 2 and 3 are correct
If 1 and 2 only are correct
If 2 and 3 only are correct
If 1 only is correct
If 3 only is correct

A patient is admitted to Accident and Emergency with a toxic plasma concentration of 52 micrograms/m of Antibugoxacillimycin. The drug's half life is
10.5 hours. How long, in hours, will it take for the plasma concentration to fall
to 1.625 micrograms/ml ? (assume absorption and distribution is complete
and elimination is described by a 1st order reaction).
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

20)

150mg oral Morphine sulphate is approximately equivalent to 45mg

Diamorphine hydrochloride intramuscular
150mg oral Morphine sulphate is approximately equivalent to 75mg
Oxycodone oral
360mg oral Morphine sulphate is approximately equivalent to 1 x
Fentanyl 75 patch

10.5 hrs
21 hrs
31.5hrs
42 hrs
52.5hrs

A patient requires a topical steroid for the treatment of severe resistant

eczema. The only steroid they respond to is Clobetasol but the clinician feels
that the commercial preparation is too strong. and writes a prescription for 3 x
250gms of Clobetasol 0.0125% . What quantity of commercial Dermovate
cream is required to extemporaneously dispense this product ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

187.5gms
125.5gms
75gms
25gms
18.75gms

63

21)

While running a workshop on pharmacokinetics for a group of pharmacy

students you are asked to explain what is meant by 'half-life'. To check that
they have understood your explanation you ask them to answer the following
question.
If a medicine has a plasma elimination half-life of 4 hours how much of the
medicine present in the plasma will be eliminated after 8 hours?
The correct answer is:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

22)

What volume of Concentrated Chloroform Water BP is required to prepare

200ml of Chloroform Water BP?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

23)

2.5ml
5ml
10ml
50ml
100ml

A coated tablet has a dry weight of coating of 10mg/tablet. The coating

solution is prepared to contain 10%w/v of coating material. How long is
needed to coat a batch of 1 million tablets at a spray rate of 250mL/min, given
that coating efficiency is 100%?
a)
c)
c)
d)
e)

24)

25%
40%
50%
67%
75%

25 min
40 min
100 min
250 min
400 min

What volume of a 40% w/v stock solution of Benzalkonium chloride is

required to provide a final preservative concentration of 0.01% w/v in a 5 litre
batch of an ophthalmic solution?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1.25ml
2.5ml
5.0ml
7.5ml
12.5ml

64

25)

If 400mg of potassium permanganate is dissolved in 2.5litres of water, what is

the percentage strength of the resulting solution?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.008%
0.016%
0.032%
0.064%
0.08%

65

Chapter 5

1)

A two year old child is prescribed Tagamet Syrup to relieve severe gastro-oesophageal reflux. The dose (which you may assume to be safe and correct) is to be 120mg tds. To aid with drug administration the prescription states
that the doses should be given as 5mL units. How much Tagamet Syrup and
how much diluent (syrup BP) would you need to use to provide exactly 7
days supply of the product?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

Mrs X is a patient who has had difficulty withdrawing from benzodiazepines.

She is currently taking two Temazepam 20mg tablets each night. The decision
is taken to transfer Mrs X to Diazepam tablets and instigate a reduction protocol. How many diazepam 10mg diazepam tablets would be needed to supply
the equivalent dose of benzodiazepine to the patient for the first fortnight of
treatment, where there is no dose equivalent reduction?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3)

42mLs of Tagamet Syrup and 63mLs of syrup BP

44mLs of Tagamet Syrup and 61mLs of syrup BP
60mLs of Tagamet Syrup and 40mLs of syrup BP
63mLs of Tagamet Syrup and 42mLs of syrup BP
92mLs of Tagamet Syrup and 63mLs of syrup BP

7
14
28
42
56

3. You receive a private prescription for 60 carbocistene capsules 375mg. A

pack (30) of carbocistene capsules 375mg costs 4.50 trade exc. VAT. Your
dispensing fee for private prescriptions is 1.60 if the ingredient cost is less
than 8.00, or 20% if the ingredient cost is 8.00 or above. What is the total
price for this prescription?
a).
b).
c).
d).
e).

5.40
6.10
10.60
10.80
12.20

66

4)

You give a patient 200mLs of a 0.09% w/v mouthwash. He needs to prepare

doses of 20mL of a 0.045% w/v solution, by diluting the mouthwash with potable water. What dilution would this constitute?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

5)

A seven year old patient of ideal body weight is admitted to hospital with
suspected severe accidental iron poisoning. The decision is taken to immediately begin the patient on desferrioxamine mesilate at a dose of 15mg/kg/hour
for the first hour and then reduce to 10mg/kg/hour for a further 2 hours How
much desferrioxamine mesilate would the patient receive in the first three
hours of treatment?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

6)

460mg
575mg
805mg
825mg
920mg

An ampoule contains 12.5% w/v of active ingredient. The ampoules are

supplied as 10mL volume. How many ampoules are needed to produce a 1
litre bag of final concentration 0.5% w/v active ingredient?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

7)

1:1
2:1
1:2
10 : 1
1 : 10

A 0.5 ampoules
B 4 ampoules
C 6.5 ampoules
D 8.25 ampoules
E 10 ampoules

What weight of zinc sulphate is required to produce 250mL of a solution such

that 5mLs of this solution diluted to 300mLs would produce a 0.02% w/v
solution
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

A 300mg
B 600mg
C 1.2g
D 1.5g
E 3g

67

8)

You receive a prescription asking you to prepare 24 Witepsol pessaries (in

2g moulds), each containing 400mg of drug A. What weights of base and
medicament are required? (Displacement value of Drug A = 1.2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

9)

How much Glucose 5% w/v would you need to add to Diazepam solution
0.5% w/v to make an intravenous infusion of Diazepam of 200mg in 1 litre
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

10)

38.4g base, 9.6g drug A

38.4g base, 8g drug A
40g base, 9.6g drug A
40g base, 8g drug A
48g base, 9.6g drug A

960mLs
660mLs
800mLs
96mLs
960.6mLs

You receive a prescription asking you to provide a patient with

Nitrofurantoin oral suspension at a dose of 200mg daily in 4 divided doses, to
be taken with food for seven days. What volume of suspension do you need to
supply the patient? (You supply Furadantin Suspension)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

140mLs
280mLs
420mLs
560mLs
1120mLs

68

Directions for questions 11 to 16.

For each numbered question select the one lettered option above itwhich is
most closely related to it. Within each group of questions each lettered option
may be used once, more than once, or not at all
Questions 11 to 13 concern the following quantities:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2.5
7.5
15
70
130

11)

The number of millimoles of phosphate in 500mLs of Clinimix N9G20E

12)

The number of milligrams of ferrous iron present in two tablets of ferrous

gluconate 300mg

13)

The weight, in grams, of calcium carbonate which provides 1g of calcium in

Cacit effervescent tablets

Questions 14 to 16 concern the following quantities:

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2
20
98
196
200

14)

The amount of proguanil 100mg tablets you would provide to two healthy
adults to provide malaria chemoprophylaxis for a two week holiday

15)

The correct weight, in milligrams, of chlorhexidine gluconate powder required

to prepare 200mLs of a 1 in 10000 solution

16)

The weight, in grams, of alpha tocopheryl acetate required to prepare 5 litres

of a 0.04% w/v suspension

69

Directions for questions 17 to 18.

For each of the questions below, ONE or MORE of the responses is (are) correct.
Decide which of the responses is (are) correct, then choose
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

17)

A six-year-old child weighing 21kg is to be treated with diclofenac sodium to

relieve the pain of juvenile arthritis. Which of the following fall within BNF
recommendations?
1
2
3

18)

if 1, 2 and 3 are correct

if 1 and 2 only are correct
if 2 and 3 only are correct
if 1 only is correct
if 3 only is correct

one 25mg suppository tds

one 50mg tablet mane
two 12.5mg suppositories mane, one at 1.00pm and two nocte

A syringe driver is delivering cyclizine infusion 300mg/50mLs at a rate of

1mL/hour to a 60kg patient. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1
2
3

the patient receives 0.144g of cyclizine each day

the dose received is approximately 1.67microgram/kg/min
the concentration of the infusion fluid is 6% w/v

Directions for questions 19 to 20.

The following questions consist of a statement in the left-hand column followed by a
second statement in the right hand column
Decide whether the first statement is true or false
Decide whether the second statement is true of false
Then choose:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

if both statements are true and the second statement is a correct explanation of the first statement
if both statements are true but the second statement is NOT a correct
explanation of the first statement
if the first statement is true but the second statement is false
if the first statement is false but the second statement is true
if both statements are false

70

19)

An infusion strength of 0.025%

Haloperidol in a syringe driver may
cause diamorphine in the mixture to precipitate out after 24 hours

FIRST STATEMENT :-

SECOND STATEMENT :-Mixtures of Diamorphine and

Haloperidol are liable to precipitation
after 24 hours if the concentration of
haloperidol exceeds 2mg/mL
20)

A 150g jar of a 0.0035% w/w cream

Contains 525micrograms of active ingredient

FIRST STATEMENT :-

SECOND STATEMENT :-There are 35mg of active ingredient in

100g of the cream

21)

A patient is prescribed potassium permanganate 4% w/v solution with

instructions to dilute the solution for soaking feet in a 10L bucket. The final
solution should be 1 in 10,000. What volume of 4% solution should you tell
them to add to the 10L of water?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

22)

25ml
50ml
75ml
100ml
125ml

You receive the following script: "Send 200ml Benzalkonium chloride

solution which when diluted 1 in 20 produces a 1 in 500 solution"
There is a concentrate available containing 50% w/v.
What volume of concentrate is needed?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8ml
12ml
16ml
20ml
24ml

71

23)

Calculate how much concentrated chloroform BP is required to produce

20,000 litres of double strength Chloroform water BP
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

24)

How much Concentrated Rose Water BP is required to produce 1,500mls of

Single Strength Rose Water BP.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

25)

250mls
500mls
750mls
1000mls
2000mls

3.75mls
7.0mls
37.5mls
70mls
140mls

A patient has been taking Ferrous Fumarate 225mg tablets at the rate of 4 tablets daily. Their bioavailability is calculated to be 80%. Due to an operation,
the patient is now unable to swallow the tablets and has been changed to
Sytron Elixir. This is calculated to have a bioavailability of 100%.
Ferrous fumarate 225mg tablets contain the equivalent of 100mg Iron (Fe++)
Sytron contains Sodium ferridate equivalent to 27.5mg Iron (Fe ++) in each
5mls
Calculate to the nearest 5mls, the equivalent dose of Sytron.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8 x 5ml Spoonsful
10 x 5ml Spoonsful
12 x 5ml Spoonsful
14 x 5ml Spoonsful
16 x 5ml Spoonsful
-----------------------------------------------

72

Chapter 6
1)

Potassium permanganate is often available as a concentrate that requires dilution and its final strength is usually expressed as a ratio such as 1 in 8000.
What is the percentage of the concentrate that requires a 1 in 50 dilution to
produce a 1 in 8000 final solution ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

2)

You have been asked to administer 150mg of a drug in 1 litre of NaCl at a

rate of 60micrograms per Kg / Hour for a 50Kg Female Patient. Assuming 20
drops per ml, what is the nearest approximate whole drop rate per minute that
needs to be set on the giving set.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3)

1.03%
0.85%
0.625%
0.50%
0.3125%

5 drops
7 drops
9 drops
12 drops
15 drops

You require a paediatric dose of a drug that is only available as 60mg tablets.
It is intended to make up powders so that these may be sprinkled on the childs
food to disguise the taste. You need to make 10 powders each weighing
200mg containing 24mg of a drug and using Lactose as the diluent as the child
is can tolerate Lactose. Which of the following would meet your requirements
(Assume no waste) :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Four tablets made up to 1.80g with lactose

Four tablets made up to 2.00g with lactose
Four tablets made up to 2.60g with lactose
Four tablets made up to 3.00g with lactose
Four tablets made up to 3.60g with lactose

73

4)

A patient requires Potassium supplementation through their IV solution. Their

current Potassium level is 2.9mmols / Litre. The Parenteral Nutrition Team
recommend that the equivalent of 50 mmol of Potassium be added to a to a 1L
bag of 0.9% Sodium Chloride. If you use Potassium Chloride Concentrate
Sterile Solution you would need to add :a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

5)

You receive a prescription form FP10 in your pharmacy for paediatric chloral
hydrate. It is not commercially available so you contact the GP and arrange for
a subsitute prescription for Welldorm Elixir. The dose of Chloral Hydrate
was to be 50mg/Kg at night The GP asks you the equivalent dose of Welldorm. What is the equivalent dose of Welldorm Elixir to the nearest 1ml if the
child weighs 8Kg
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

6)

15ml to each 1 Litre bag

20ml to each 1 Litre bag
25ml to each 1 Litre bag
30ml to each 1 Litre bag
35ml to each 1 Litre bag

10ml
12ml
15ml
18ml
20ml

A Patient on your ward requires inotropic support using Dobutamine. The

recommended dosage for Dobutamine hydrochloride by IV infusion is
10mcg / Kg / minute. One 20ml vial of Dobutrex is added to 1 Litre of Sodium
Chloride 0.9% w/v. The patient is an 75Kg adult. Assuming no adjustment is
required for deal body weight etc., What should the infusion rate, in mls /
minute, be set at:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1.0ml
1.5ml
2.0ml
2.5ml
3.0ml

74

7)

A Patient is receiving a Diamorphine infusion over 24 hours. They are currently receiving a dose of 150mg over a 24 hour period using a syringe pump
that is calibrated to 36mm / 24 hours (note that some syringe pumps are calibrated in mm/hr). You increase the rate of infusion to 54mm / 24 hours. What
dosage is the patient now receiving ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

8)

175mg /24 hours

200mg /24 hours
225mg / 24 hours
250mg / 24 hours
300mg / 24 hours

A solution of Sodium Acid Phosphate contains 109.2gms in 1 Litre.

This is equivalent to a 0.7 molar solution. What is the Gram Molecular Weight
or Relative Molecular Mass of Sodium Acid Phosphate.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3.12 gms
15.6 gms
31.2 gms
156 gms
312gms

The formula for Screenistat Ointment is as follows :Screenistat 2gm

Beeswax 20gm
White Soft Paraffin 30gm
Light Liquid Paraffin 25mls
Cetoseryl Alcohol 33gms
You are required to manufacture 750gm of the above. Which is the correct formula:
9)

Ingredient
A
Screenistat
14gm
Beeswax
140gm
WS Paraffin 210gm
LL Paraffin 175gm
Cetoseryl Alc. 231gm
10)

B
28gm
140gm
210gm
175gm
231ml

C
28gm
140gm
210gm
175ml
231ml

D
14gm
140gm
210gm
175ml
231gm

E
28gm
140gm
210gm
175gm
231gm

What amount of base is required to manufacture 50 suppositories, each containing 100mg Theophylline if each suppository will weigh 1gm and the displacement value of Theophylline is 0.5
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

40gms
42.5gms
45gms
47.5gms
50gms
75

11)

What weight of white soft paraffin is required to make 250g of the following ?
Zinc oxide
12%
Salicylic acid
1%
Starch
15%
White soft paraffin
to 100%
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

12)

Which one of the following shows the correct weights of sodium chloride and
anhydrous glucose present in 500mL of intravenous infusion containing
sodium chloride 0.18% and anhydrous glucose 4%?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

13)

Sodium chloride 0.18 g and anhydrous glucose 20 g

Sodium chloride 0.9 g and anhydrous glucose 20 g
Sodium chloride 0.9 g and anhydrous glucose 40 g
Sodium chloride 1.8 g and anhydrous glucose 20 g
Sodium chloride 1.8 g and anhydrous glucose 40 g

An injection solution requires a concentration of 0.5% w/v of active

ingredient. How much of the active ingredient is needed to prepare 500 Litres
of solution?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

14)

70g
100g
150g
180g
200g

0.25Kg
0.50Kg
1.00Kg
2.50Kg
5.00Kg

Salbutamol Tablets BP are available as tablets containing Slbutamol sulphate

equivalent to 2 mg and 4 mg of Salbutamol. To prepare Salbutamol 2 mg
tablets, what weight of Salbutamol sulphate is needed in each tablet? (March
2003)
Molecular weights:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Salbultamol: C13H21NO3
Salbutamol sulphate: (C13H21NO3)2SO4

0.83 mg
1.66 mg
2.00mg
2.41
4.82 mg

76

= 239.3
=576.7

15)

A tablet contains 5% w/w of binder, which is added to the other ingredients

during granulation as a 25% w/v solution. What volume of this solution is
required for the manufacture of 500,000 x 100 mg tablets? (March 2003)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

50 litres
25 litres
12.5 litres
10 litres
5 litres

A variation on this question which you can try contains a tablet core of weight
1.9gms which will be coated to a weight of 2gms. 100mg of coating will be added
using a 25% solution. If the coating is added at the rate of 10mcg / second , how
long will it take to coat 1 million tablets
16)

A sugar coated tablet has a dry weight of coating of 10mg/tablet.

The coating solution is prepared to contain 10% w/v of coating material.
How long is needed to coat a batch of 1 milllion tablets at a spray rate of
250mL_min of coating solution.
Assume that coating efficiency is 100%? (a variation on March 2004)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

17)

25 min
40 min
100 min
250 min
400 min

This concerns the following formula that can be used to calculate paediatric
doses: (November 2002)
Approximate dose for child=

surface area of patient (m 2 ) x adult

1.8

If the adult dose of a medicine is 300 mg, what is the approximate dose for a 5
year old with a body surface area of 0.72m 2?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

120 mg
140 mg
180 mg
200 mg
240 mg

77

18)

Approximately how many millimoles of sodium ions are there in 50mL of

sodium chloride solution 0.9% w/v? (November 2003)
[atomic weight of sodium = 23; atomic weight of chlorine = 35.5]
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

19)

0.0077
0.23
0.77
2.3
7.7

Assume that it is correct that Granicidin for a 50Kg patient should be infused
at a rate of 240mg per hour and answer with regard to the correctness of the
following statements
0.2% of Granicidin in a 500ml infusion bag should be
infused at a rate of 60mls per 30 minutes
Second Statement :- This represents an infusion rate of 80mcg / Kg / Min
First Statement :-

Decide whether the first statement is true or false

Decide whether the second statement is true or false Then choose
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

20)

If both statements are true and the second statement is a correct explanation of the first statement
If both statements are true and the second statement is NOT a correct
explanation of the first statement.
If the first statement is true but the second statement is false.
If the first statement is false but the second statement is true.
f both statements are false.

2 Litres of 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Solution provides

2000 mmols each of Na+ and HCO3 Second Statement :- 8.4% w/v Sodium Bicarbonate solution contains
1mmol/ml of electrolytes
First Statement :-

Decide whether the first statement is true or false

Decide whether the second statement is true or false Then choose
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

If both statements are true and the second statement is a correct explanation of the first statement
If both statements are true and the second statement is NOT a correct
explanation of the first statement.
If the first statement is true but the second statement is false.
If the first statement is false but the second statement is true.
f both statements are false.

78

Chapter 6 Extra questions not in MCQ Style

Question
1) 200gms of Dithranol Ointment contain 6gms Dithranol.
If 45gms of this is diluted to 900gms, what strength as a
percentage of dithranol is the diluted ointment ?
2) 50gms of Acriflavine cream is diluted to 300gms. The concentration of the
diluted cream is 0.1%.
What was the concentration of the original cream ?
3) What quantity of Codeine Phosphate Solution 30mg in 5mls is needed to
provide 200mls
of a solution containing a total of 10mg Codeine Phosphate.
4) A stock solution of Potassium permanganate is 0.25%.
How much of this is needed to prepare 6 litres of 1 in 12,000 solution
5) A solution of Alcohol contains 90% w/v Alcohol.
How much of this is needed to provide 500mls of a 4.5% Alcohol solution ?
6) A solution of Frusemide is needed and to prepare this you will need to
dissolve 40mg tablets in water.
If you need to prepare a solution containing 50mcg in 10mls,
what volume must you prepare from 1 40mg tablet.
7) You have two solutions containing 60% and 5% respectively of the same
ingredient.
How much of each do you need to prepare 200mls of 10% solution
8) You have two solutions containing 80% and 15% respectively of the same
ingredient.
How much of each do you need to prepare 400mls of 20% solution
9) You have two solutions containing 90% and 30% respectively of the same
ingredient.
If you used 200mls of the 30% to prepare 600mls of solution with the
remainder being 90%,
what is the strength of the final solution.
10)A cream contains 3.5% of active ingredient. What ratio dilution is required to
produce a 0.7% cream ?

79

Question
11)What quantities are required for 20mls of Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops
If the formula is 5% Sodium Bicarbonate w/v, Glycerol 30% v/v and water
to 100% ?
12)This is the formula for St. George's Hospital Peppermint Water :Conc. Peppermint Water 1 part v/v
Methylhydroxybenzoate 1% w/v
Propylhydroxybenzoate 0.3% w/v
Water to 40 parts
How much of each ingredient is required to produce 5 Litres
13)What quantity of Concentrated Aniseed Water is required to produce
3 Litres of Calcium Carbonate Suspension if the Suspension contains 0.1%
Aniseed Water ?.
14)A Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid Ointment contains 2% of each by weight in
Wool Alcohols Ointment
What quantity of each is required to prepared 1/2 a Kilogram ?
15)An aqueous Anaesthetic Cream contains the following ingredients
Lidocaine (Lignocaine) 1% w/v
Cetomacrogol emulsifying wax 5%
Phenoxyethanol 0.5% v/w
Glycerol 1 part in 25 v/w
Calamine 1 / 25th by weight
Chlorphenamine 0.5% w/w
How much of each is required to produce 50gms
16)What is 0.05% expressed as a percentage by parts (1 in X)
17)What is 1/8th of 40%
18)If a 50% solution is diluted 30 times and that solution is then diluted a
further 100 times,
What is the final concentration as a percentage.
19)If 50% of a 4% ointment is diluted with White Soft paraffin to produce
600gms of 0.05% Ointment,
what was the original amount of ointment ?
20)A solution contains Sodium Chloride 1 n 500.
How much Sodium Chloride needs to be added to convert the solution to 1
in 20 ??

80

ANSWERS
Please remember that there are many ways that an answer for any of these questions
can be obtained.
These explanations are not exhaustive. You may know a quicker and easier way. In
which case, that is the method you should use.
What I have tried to do is show how you can break the problem down into simple or
simpler stages and so understand what is being asked a little bit better.
Some explanations are longer than others and with some a number of different methos
are shown.

81

Chapter 1 Questions
Calculations - Answers
A simple calculation but you need to check BNF for strength
1)
E
The elixir contains 50mcg in 1ml
0.125mg = 125mcg = 2.5mls
Conversion charts of age and weight to body surface area were
2)
B
originally in the BNF but have now been transferred to the paediatric BNF. If you
check there, the body weight conversion chart gives
14kg = 0.62m2 then calculate. (450 x 0.62 = 279 279/500 = 0.558 = 0.56mls)
1.5gm = 20mmols you need 80 mmols so you need 4x10ml = 40
3)
B
1 in 10,000 is equivalent to 1gm I 10,000mls or 1,000mg in 10,000mls
4)
A
Which simply put is 1mg in 10mls
The rate is 6mls per minute = 6 x 60mls per hour
= 360mls / hour
10 mls contains 1mg so 360mls contain 360/10mg = 36mg
5)
D
The dose is (80mg x 2) + (70mgx 2) + (60mg x 2) + (50mg x 2) + (40mg x 2)
+ (30mg x 2) + (20mg x 2) + (10mg x 7) = (5mg x 7)
This can be simplified as (80+70+60+50+40+30+20)x 2 + (10 + 5 ) x 2
= (350 x 2) + (15 x 7)
= 700 + 105
= 805mg
This should be easy 3% of 750gms must be between 21gms and 24gms
6)
A
- as those are 3% of 700 and 800 respectively and ARE SIMPLE to calculate
Only A is in the right value range so there is no need to spend a long time
calculating.
see below
7)
C
The correct individual dose is (15 x 7.5)mg / 3 = 37.5mg
The strength is 250mg in 5ml or 25mg in 0.5ml
Now 37.5 is 25 + 12.5 (half of 25)
So the dose is 0.5ml + 0.25ml = 7.5mls
Alternatively you can use ( 5 x 37.5) / 250 =0.75
From (250/5) = (37.5/X)
We often fail to think about the dose contained in an eye drop.
8)
C
0.5% = 500mg in 100mls
= 5mg in 1ml
=(5 / 20)mg in 1 drop or mg
= 0.250mg
= 250 micrograms in 1 drop
0.02% = 0.02gms in 100mls
9)
E
= 20mg in 100mls
= 20 x 6mg in 600mls
= 120mg
the concentration would have halved three times.
10)
C
after 12 hours the concentration would be 34mcg/ml 68/2
after 24 hours the concentration would be 17mcg/ml 34/2
after 36 hours the concentration would be 8.5mcg/ml 17/2
2.5% = 2.5gm in 100ml
11)
E
= 2.5/5gms in 20mla (2.5 x 20)/100
=0.5gms
=500mg
42 drops / minute = (42 / 20)mls / minute
12)
A
= (42 / 20) x 60 mls per hour
= 2.1 x 60mls / hour
= 126mls / hour
This should now indicate that the answer must be less than 10 i.e. A
So the infusion will last = 1000 / 126 hours
= 7.9999 hrs
= 8 hrs

82

13)

14)

15)

16)
17)

B
C

18)

19)

20)

21

22

23

This is one of those questions that look far worse than they are.
Digoxin injection contains 250mcg in 1ml but in 2ml ampoules
So 750 mcg is contained in 2 ampoules
2 ampoules would be added to the bag and 75 mls run over 1 hour
(Note that roughly allows more variation in total volume than approximately).
simply put the rate is increased by 50% so 240mg per 24 hours becomes
360mg per 24 hours 4
This is actually a simple calculation.
You receive 1,100 items and pay 90p each
10% means 10% so for 11,000 boxes with a 10% discount you should pay 90p each
i.e. 9,900 not 10,000. If you pay 10,000 you are paying 10,000/11,000p each =
90.9p. Over 2 years you would be using 10,000 x 12x 2 boxes = 240,000 boxes. If
you paid 90.9p each instead of 90p, then you would overpay by 2,160. 2,400 boxes
of Ranitidine at 8.63 each. If overcharged by 0.09% would amount to 180, a small
but significant amount that could easily be overlooked but it would cover the costs of
a Reps visit !!.
On a drug bill of 10 million. A 0.09% overcharge would represent around 9,000
this is easy 6.35 x 2 x 2.4
again easy (250 x 3 x 2) / 25
Mrs X is on 250mg x 3 x 2 mg daily = 1500mg
Her weight is therefore 1500/25 = 60kg
The dose is 70 x 15mcg / minute = 1050mcg
= 1050 x 60mcg /hour
= 1050 x 60 / 1000 mg / hour
=63mg or 62.5 approximately
Note this relies on observation. The dose is asked for in mg not mls.
Ignore the drug strength, its irrelevant
1000mls over 10 hours = 100mls per hour
= 100 / 60 mls / minute
= (100 x 60) / 60 drops / minute
= 100
500mg in 100mls = (500 x 35) / 100 mg in 35mls
= 175mg / hour
= 175 / 60 mg / minute
= 3 mg approximately
= 3000micrograms
= 3000 / 60 micrograms / minute
= 50 micrograms / minute
5.6gms Hydrocortisone and 11.2gms Fusidic Acid
A patient is instructed to use Fucidin HC ointment twice a day to the affected area on
both arms and legs. The application to each arm is approximately 5gms and the
application to each leg is approximately 15gms. Over a one week period, how much
Hydrocortisone and how much Fusidic Acid will be applied topically.
The formula of Fucidin HC Ointment is 1% Hydrocortisone as Acetate and 2%
Fusidic Acid
Each day they will apply( 2 x 2 x 5)+ (2 x 2 x 15)gms = 80gms 2 arms and 2 legs
Over 1 week they will apply 7 x 80gms = 560gms
You should be able to estimate that 560gms will contain 5.6gms Hydrocortisone and
double that of Fusidic acid = 11.6gms
14gms (4 x 3.5)gms as there are 4gms Menthol in every 100gms
Or if you want a full formula (4 x 350)/100
4mls per minute = 240mls per hour ( 4 x 60)
1 in 10,000 is 1gm in 10,000 mls
= 1mg in 10mls
or 0.1gm (100mg) in 1000mls
or 0.01gm (10mg) in 100mls
=10mg in 100ml
or 0.024gm (24mg) in 240mls (100 x 2.4)=24mg
or ((4 x 60)/10,000)gms =24mg
or ((4 x 60)/10,000) * 1000 mg = 24mg
24mg / 70 = 24000/70 = 240/7
= 340micrograms approx.

83

24
25

B
E

0.5% = 500mg in 100mls or 50mg in 10mls

Both statements are false
From the Question 120mg / hour = 120/60 mg / minute
= 2mg / minute
Statement 1
0.2% contains 200mg in 100mls
= 2mg in 1ml
Rate should be 1ml / minute
Statement 1 is wrong
Statement 2
= 2mg / 50 mg / kg/minute
= 2000/50 micrograms/kg/min
= 40micrograms/kg / minute
Statement 2 is wrong

---------------------------

84

Chapter 2 Questions
1

You have been asked to supply some Lidocaine suppositories using Cocoa
Butter as a base for a patient. The suppositories will be made using a 4gm mould and
each suppository will contain 10mg Lidocaine. You need to supply 50 suppositories.
Given that the displacement value of Lidocaine in Cocoa Butter is 0.5, calculate how
much base and active ingredient are required if a surplus of 5 suppositories are to be
made.
To make 55 suppositories at 4gms total weight
= 55 x 4
= 220gms
Displacement value of Lidocaine = 0.5.
This means 0.5 gm Lidocaine displaces 1gms base.
Weight of Lidocaine required
= 55 x 10mg
=550mg
550mg Lidocaine displaces (550/0.5)mg Base
= 1,100mg Base
=1.1gm
Therefore we will need 220gm 1.1mg Base
= 218.9mg Base
And
550mg Lidocaine
You should be able to eliminate E as being incorrect as 220mg is the total amount of
base without any ingredient added and the Lidocaine will displace some of the base.

Enos fruit salts contain Citric Acid 2.18gms, Sodium Bicarbonate 2.32gms
And Sodium Carbonate 0.5gms in each 5gm sachet Given that the GmMwt of
Sodium Bicarbonate is 84gms and Sodium Carbonate
is 106gms, calculate the approximate number of millimols of Sodium in each 5gm
sachet
84gms Sodium Bicarbonate
= 1000mmols Sodium
2.32gms = (2.32/84) x 1000mmols
= (2.3/84) x 1000 (approximately)
= 2300/84
= 200/6 (approx) (Divide by 12)
= 26.7 (approx)
(2.32/84) x 1000mmols
= 27.6 (so by estimating our error was 0.7)
106gms Sodium Carbonate

= 1000mmols Carbonate and

2000mmols Sodium
as the formula is Na 2CO3
So 0.5gms Sodium Carbonate
= (0.5 x 2/106) x 1000
= 1000/106
= 10 (approximately)
= 9.43 (accurate)
Note -in one there was a slight overestimate and one a slight underestimate.
The total = 26.7 + 9.43
= 36.13
My rough estimate gave 26.7 + 10= 36.7
Either way the nearest correct answer is D
This is relatively easy
15.3mg in 150ml
= 10mg in 100mls (Approx)
1000mg in 100mls = 1%
100mg in 100mls = 0.1%
10mg in 100mls = 0.01%
Interestingly, there is no guidance on how much water or milk to use to make up
Pripsen sachets so the eventual glass could have a variable concentration.
For children aged 1-6 the advice is one 5ml spoonful of the sachet contents in the
morning. (No given volume)
The dose for a 3month to 1 year old child is 2.5mls spoonful of the sachet contents.
(No given volume)

85

Ranitidine Syrup contains 75mg in each 5mls.

Ranitidine has a molecular weight of 350
How many millimols of Ranitidine are there in a 10ml dose.
350gms Ranitidine contain
1 mol
= 1000mmols
350mg
= 1 mmol (350/1000 x 1000)
10mls will contain
75 x 2 = 150mg
150mg

= 150/350 mmols
= 30/70
= 3/7
= 0.427 mmols or 0.4 mmols

This calculation must be done in several steps and there is some unnecessary
information. (This is added to distract you and is common in official questions
The patient weighs 54Kg and the dose is 2.5mg/Kg.
Therefore the dose is 54 x 2.5mg
= 135mg
It is not necessary to know that it comes as 100mg in 10mls.
However if you were asked 135mg is contained in 13.5mls total by volume
This is added to an intravenous solution to give 135mg in 250mls
Again this really isnt important what is important is the time it is administered
over which is 3 hours
135mg over 3 hours = 135/3 mg in 1 hour = 45mg / hour
45mg / hour = 45/60mg minute
3/4mg / minute (Divide by 15)
=750mcg / minute
NOTE :- What could have been asked for is the flow rate per minute
The rate is 250mls / 3 hours
= 250 / (3 x 60) mls / minute
= 250/180mls / minute
Note that this is just a bit bigger than 240/180 = 4/3mls / minute
= 1.33mls / minute approximately but is really a bit bigger.
The actual answer is 1.38mls or 1.4mls to 1 decimal place

If you look in the BNF under section [Link] there is value provided but
this includes the Sodium in the Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
Some calculation questions will need you to refer to the BNF but its likely the
answer will still need some calculation. Here is the calculation.
Gm MWt of Sodium Chloride is 58.5
Round up the 58.5 to 60 (this wont introduce too great an error)
60gms = 1Mol so
60gms = 1000mmols
60mg = 1 mmol
So number of millimols in 470mg = 470/60
= 47/6 = 8mmols (approximately)

21mg in 2.5mls
= 21/2.5mg in 1ml
= 21/ 2.5 x 100 mg in 100mls
= 21 x 40mg in 100mls
= 840mg in 100mls
=0.84gms in 100mls
= 0.84%
Please note that Answer E should stand out as being obviously wrong.

86

20mls Magnesium Carbonate four times each day

6mmol Na in 10mls
= 6 x 2 x 4 mmols each day
= 48mmols each day
= 48 x 7 each week = 336mmols
Rennie duo 10mls four times a day and 20mls at night
= 60mls a day
Rennie Duo contains 2.6mmols Na in 5mls
= 5.2 in 10mls
= 5.2 x 6 in 60mls
= 31. 2mmols per day
= 31.2 x 7 mmols in 1 week
= 218.4mmols
Total in 1 week = 218.4 + 336 mmol
=556.4mmols
NOTE
556mmols of Sodium equate to 12.8gms Sodium which in combination with Chloride
would equate to 32.5gms Salt per week and an intake of over 4gms a day i.e. over
the daily recommended maximum.

This looks very difficult but isnt.

10mls QDS and also at night = 50mls per day
60 days supply
= 50 x 60 = 3,000mls
500ml per bottle
= 3000/500
= 6 bottles.
In BNF it states that each 5ml contains 3mmols Na
So total number of Sodium
= (3000/ 5) x 3 mmols
= 600mmols x 3 mmols Sodium
= 1800mmols
Gm MWt of Calcium Carbonate is 100gm
Strength in Acidex
= 80mg in 5ml
= 80 x (3000/5) in total
=48,000mg in total
=48 gms
Now there are several ways to calculate the number of mmols
This is the easiest 100gms = 1000mmols
So
48gms = 480mmols
ALSO If you calculate one value and know you have calculated correctly, only one
answer can be correct. There is no need to calculate the remainder.
In the UK you cannot supply on prescription in bottles larger than 500mls
This eliminates Answer A (3000/4 = 750mls Not allowed)
Standard bottles are 50,150,200,300 and 500mls
So C cannot be correct (3000/8 = 375mls per bottle
That leaves B, D and E to test

10

An antacid preparation is calculated to contain 160mg of Sodium

Bicarbonate in each 5ml dose. A patient has taken 600 mls over the last 24 hours.
Calculate the number of millimols of Sodium that the patient has ingested given that
the formula of Sodium Bicarbonate is NaHCO 3 and that the respective weights are
Sodium 23 and Bicarbonate (HCO3) is 61
The molecular weight of Sodium Bicarbonate is 84 (61 + 23)
Therefore 84gms Sodi. Bicarbonate contain 1000mmols Sodium (1 Mol).
The patient has ingested 600mls
= 120 x 5mls (600/5)
= 120 x 160mg
= 19200mg
= 19.2gms
Now 84gms contains 1000mg

87

19.2 gms is nearly 20gms

20gms is nearly of 84
of 1000 is 250
So you should now be able to eliminate at least 3 answers A,B and E
As these are either far too small or far too big.
You are left with 228 and 342mmols
Now 19.2 is less than of 84
So the answer must be less than of 1000 = 250
Therefore only C can be correct
The correct answer is obtained as follows
divide by 12

cont....

= (1000/84) x 19.2
= 19,200 /84
= 1, 600/ 7
= 228.6 mmols

The last two questions (9 and 10) are designed to show how what appears to be a
very difficult calculation can be considerably simplified or in fact is a very easy
calculation.
11

The trick with this question is to calculate in minutes not hours

Antibiotic 250mg in 100mls
administered at a rate of 1.25mg / Kg / 30 minutes
The child weighs 18Kg.
How long will the infusion run for ?
1.25mg / kg / 30 minutes
= 1.12 x 18 mg every 30 minutes =
= 2 x 1.25mg x 18mg every hour
= 45mg per hour (or per 60 minutes)
= 45/60 mg per minute
= 0.75mg / minute
The infusion will therefore run for
250 / 0.75 minutes
At this point you should see it will be more than 250 minutes
250 minutes is 4 hours and 10 minutes which eliminates two answers
= 500/1.5
=100/0.3
= 1000/3
= 333 minutes
= 333/60 = 5 hours and 33 minutes
= 5.5 hours approximately
(Alternatively 250/0.75 = 250 x 4/3)

12

How much potassium permanganate is there in 350mls 1 in 8000000

1 in 8000000 is
1000mg in 8000000mls
= 1mg in 8000mls (Divide by 1000)
=1000mcg in 8000mls
= 1mcg in 8mls
= 1.25mcg in 10mls (remember 1/8 = 0.125)
=12.5mcg in 100mls
= 37.5mcg in 300mls
= 6.25mcg in 50mls
=43.5mcg in 350mls
A formula would be
((1 x 1000 x 1000)/8000000) x 350

88

13

This isnt as difficult as it looks

75mls of 1.8% diluted 50/50 gives a 0.9% solution of Sodium Chloride
YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS IS ISOTONIC AND THAT.....
1 Litre of 0.9% Sodium Chloride contains 150mmls (actually slightly more).
So 150mls would contain approximately 22.5mmols
(100mls contains 15mmols and 50mls contains 7.5mmols)
This shows that Statement 1 is incorrect
You will also be expected to know the atomic weights of Sodium and Chlorine
The Gm Molecular weight of Sodium Chloride is 58.5gms
BEWARE - There is no way out of being expected to know this
So Statement 2 is Correct.
This means D is the correct answer
The Gm Molecular weight of Sodium Chloride is 23 + 35.5gms = 58.5gms
So statement B is correct.
This eliminates Answers C and E
So only A,B and D can be correct
75mls of 1.8% diluted 50% becomes 150mls containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride.
This is very approximately 1%
= 1.5gms in 150mls (1.45gms is more accurate)
58.5gms represents the gm molecular weight of sodium Chloride.
So 58.5gms in 1000mls represents a molar solution
58.5gms in 1000mls represents 1000millimols in 1000mls
58.5gms = 1 Mol = 10000millimols.
= 5.85gms in 100mls
5.85gms = 100mmols (divide 1000 by 10)
0.585gms = 10mmols (Divide by 10)
Double this = 1.170gms = 20mmols
1.5gms cannot contain a smaller number of millimols than 1.170gms (1.5gms
contains 25.64mmols)
So Statement A is incorrect
Therefore Statement A is incorrect and Statement B is correct
The correct answer to the question is D
There are different ways of doing this question.
One way is to use the formula
(1.5/58.5) x 1000 = 25.64mmols
This gives the number of mmols in 1.5gms
Alternatively you can use
(58.5/1000) x 15 = 0.8775gms
This gives the number of gms equal to 15mmols

14

A Patient is admitted to casualty having taken an overdose of soluble Paracetamol.

The half life of Paracetamol is 2 hours
Their blood levels show a concentration of 80mg / Litre
It is estimated that their Total Volume of distribution is equivalent to 40 Litres and it
is 6 hours since they ingested the paracetamol
If the amount absorbed is 40% of the total amount taken how many tablets did they
take ?
With a half life of 2 hours, there are exactly three half lives since it was taken.
The amount decreases by 50% every half life so
Current concentration 80mg/ Litre
2 hours ago = 160mg/ Litre
4 hours ago = 320mg / Litre

89

6 hours ago = 640mg / litre

This is the point at which it was taken
Their total Vd = 40 litres
So the amount would be 640 x 40 mg
= 25,600mg
This however represents only 40% of the amount taken
So amount taken = 25,600 * (100/40)
= 64,000mg
Each tablet would be 500mg
So number of tablets taken = 64,000 / 500 = 128
In real life, this would suggest that in fact it is less than 6 hours since the tablets were
actually taken
15

Not as bad as it looks. Read carefully.

Calculate the cost of making the 200mg tablets
2 million packs will contain (30 x 200mg x 2000000) of drug
= 30 x 200mg x 2000 gms of drug (divide by 1000)
= 30 x 200 x 2 Kg of drug (divide by 1000 again
= 12,000Kg
Each Kg costs 200 so the cost will be 200 x 12,000
= 2,400,000
HOWEVER if making the 400mg tablet the cost would be double.
So the saving is 2,400,000
Simply put
1 x 200mg tablet with a 90% bioavailability provides 180mg of drug
1 x 400mg tablet with a 40% bioavailability provides 160mg drug
(200mg x [Link] 400mg x 0.4 respectively.)
So 1 200mg tablet will replace 1 x 400mg tablet
So the drug cost will simply be halved.

16

2.15% means

= 2.15gms in 100gms
= 4.3gms in 200gms
= 0.43gms in 20gms
= 430mg

Formula X = 20 x 2.13 / 100

17

But I think my method is simpler and more meaningful

4.2mg Adrenaline require.
1 in 10,000 means
1gm in 10,000 mls
= 1000mg in 10000mls
= 1mg in 10mls
= 0.1mg in 1ml
= 0.42mg in 4. 2mls
You should be able to see that the answer will contain 42
Formula = 10000/1000 x 0.42

18

32gms in 2500mls
= 64gms in 5000mls
=128gms in 10,000mls
= 1.28gms in 100mls (divide by 100)
= 1.28%

90

19

20

Using percentage
5gm in 20ml
= 25gms in 100mls
= 25%
To convert to 1 in 6000
25 in 100 to 1 in 6000
Dilution coefficient =
6000 x 25 / 100
= 1 part of 25% to 1500
= 1 Litre diluted to 1500 litres
= 100mls to 150 litres
= 10mls to 15 litres

Using parts
5gm in 20mls
= 1gm in 5mls
= 1 in 4
1 in 4 to 1 in 6000
6000/4
= 1 part of 1 in 4 in 1500
= 1 Litre to 1500 litres
= 100mls to 150 litres
= 10mls to 15 litres

250gms Ointment contain 1% of drug =

2.5gms in total
You will add X amount of drug to make it 2.5%
That will make 250gms + X gms in total
Now (2.5 +X)gms is 2.5% of (250+X)gms
Or

2.5 + X = (2.5x (250 + X))/100

Multiply both sides by 100
250 + 100X = 625 + 2.5X
Rearrange
100X 2.5X = 625 250
97.5X = 375
X = 375/ 97.5
Now this looks difficult but it is approximately 360/90 = 4
Or perhaps a better estimate is 375/100 = 3.75 BUT
As you rounded up to 100, the correct answer will be larger.
So the answer is going to be about 3.75gms but just a little bit MORE.
The correct answer is 3.85gms
There are two possible answers B and C
If you calculate incorrectly and use the 250gms to calculate 2.5%
You will get an answer of 6.25gms.
If you then subtract the 2.5gms you already have, you will get 3.75gms.
This is the wrong answer because you will add the pure drug to 250gms of 1%
ointment and the total amount will be greater than 250gms so 3.75gms is incorrect.
An alternative method is to use alligation
Pa = 2.5 1 = 1.5
Pb = 100-2.5 = 97.5
Now Pb = 250gms so 97.5 parts = 250gms
So 1 part = 250/97.5
And 1.5 parts = (250 x 1.5)/97
If you look, this is now the same calculation as in the first method
375/97.5 = 3.85
21.

An infusion pump is set up to administer a drug at the rate of 4.5mcg per

Kg every minute to a patient who weighs 85Kg.
What dose of drug will the patient receive if the drug is administered for a total of 3
hours.
The dose per minute is 4.5 x 85 = 382.5mcg
The dose per hour = 382.5 x 60 = 22950mcg = 22.95Mg
The dose over 3 hours = 22.95 x 3 mg = 68.85mg
If this drug was being given in real life, a dose of 70mg would be
administered over 3 hours as the error in adding an extra 1.15mg would be
insignificant.

91

22
23
24

B
C
A

See below
See below
You need to check in the BNF.
All three preparations contain 5% Sodium Bicarbonate.

25

this is easy 6.35 x 2 x 2.4

------------------------------------------

92

Chapter 3 Questions
1

Again easy (250 x 3 x 2) / 25

Mrs X is on 250mg x 3 x 2 mg daily = 1500mg
Her weight is therefore 1500/25 = 60kg

The dose is 70 x 15mcg / minute = 1050mcg

= 1050 x 60mcg /hour
= 1050 x 60 / 1000 mg / hour
=63mg or 62.5 approximately
Note this relies on observation. The dose is asked for in mg not mls.
Ignore the drug strength, its irrelevant
1000mls over 10 hours = 100mls per hour
= 100 / 60 mls / minute
= (100 x 60) / 60 drops / minute
= 100
500mg in 100mls = (500 x 35) / 100 mg in 35mls
= 175mg / hour
= 175 / 60 mg / minute
= 3 mg approximately
= 3000micrograms
= 3000 / 60 micrograms / minute
= 50 micrograms / minute

There is a lot of extra information here that you do not need.

The calculation is quite simple.
Assume an 80% bioavailability
that means 40mg will enter the bloodstream
f) The volume of distribution is 15 x 60 litres
g) = 900 litres
Therefore the concentration will be 40mg in 900 litres
= 40/900 mg in 1 Litre
= (40 x 1000)/ 900 micrograms / Litre
= 400 / 9 micrograms / litre
= 44.44micrograms / litre
= 44.5 micrograms / Litre (approx)

Here you need to calculate the concentration again or, if you are sure of
the answer to Question 21, you can calculate the concentration quite
simply.
The concentration to start with is 44.5mcg/ Litre
After 20 hours it would reach 22.25mcg/litre
After 40 hours it would reach 11.125micrograms / Litre
After 60 hours it would reach 5.56 micrograms / litre
= 5.5 micrograms approximately
The details on Levomepromazine are essentially correct.
N.B. It does have a half live of 20 hours (15-30 hours) and it does undergo
significant first pass metabolism. However its metabolites may be active so the 80%
bioavailability has been used purely to provide a calculation.
It has been claimed that the RPSGB has used linked calculation questions. However
both 21 and 22 can be calculated separately and they are not dependent on knowing
the answer to 21 (although you do need to calculate it in 22 ).

The patient takes half the maximum dose that is 4 tablets a day
They take them on 3 days a week so that is 12 tablets a week
They need 3 months supply = 12 weeks
Therefore they need 12 x 12 = 144 tablets
Its an easy calculation but an unusual setting !!

93

The dilution must not be less than 2mg / 1ml (BNF Appendix 6)
Therefore the 50mls of 20mg in 1ml may be diluted up to a maximum volume of
500mls
If the 500mls is administered over three hours, the flow rate per minute will be
500/(3 x 60) = 500 / 180 = 50/18 = 5.555/2 (divide by 9)
= 2.77mls / minute
= 2.8mls to 2 significant figures

Infatabs contain Phenytoin base 50mg per tablet.

The patient take 4 x 75mg per day = 300mg = 6 tablets = 2 x TDS
Phenytoin suspension contains Phenytoin base 30mg in 5ml
Therefore his daily dose would be 50mls (300mg)
Now comes the tricky part what is the nearest measurable dose
17.5mls TDS is the nearest = 52.5mls
This is an error of 5% - within reason. It would be correct to give a
slightly higher dose rather than a lower dose as the aim is not to lose
control of seizures.
52.5mls x 28 days = 105 x 14 = 1,470mls

10

11

12

Twice daily for two weeks

= 25ml x 2 per foot
= 25 x 2 x 2 = 100mls daily
Used for 14 days
100 x 14 = 1400mls
Looking in the BNF,
The concentration of Chlorhexidine in Tisept = 0.015%
1,400mls of 0.015% contains
0.015gms in 100mls
0.06gms in 400mls
0.15gms in 1000mls
= 0.21gms in 1400mls
=210mg
The formula is ( 25 x 2 x 2 x 14 x 0.015 x 1000)/100 mg
The concentration of Cetrimide is 10 times that of Chlorhexidine
So the amount used in 1 week is
5 x 2 x 2 per day = 100mls
For 7 days = 100 x 7 = 700mls
700mls of 0.15% Cetrimide contain
7 x 0.15gms = 1.05gms
The formula is 25 x 2 x 2 x 7 x 0.15/100 gms
Looks difficult but try this :Using Alligation
Pa = Fc-Bc = 3-0.5 = 2.5 parts
Pb = Ac-Fc = 100 3 = 97 parts
The parts of B = 500gms
So 97 parts = 500gms
So 1 part = 500 / 97
And 3 parts = 500 x 2.5 / 97 = 1250 / 97
= 12 + 86 / 97
Now you should see that 86 /97 is just under 1
This should indicate that 12.9gms is probably correct.
Using algebra, you know that 500gms contains 0.5 x 5gms Dithranol =
2.5gms
500gms of 3% will contain 5 x 3gms = 15gms
15 2.5 = 12.5gms
So the answer must be greater than 12.5gms

94

13

14

15

16

17

Using Alligation
Pa = Fc Bc = 40-25 = 15
Pb = Ac-Fc = 90 40 = 50
Total Parts = 65
Total Volume = 500mls
So 65 parts = 500mls and 1 part = 500/65
So of the 90% Solution we need 500 x 15/65 = 115.4mls
Of the 45% solution we need 500 x 50/65 = 384.6mls
If you look at the ratio 50 parts of weaker to 15 parts of stronger
You should see that it is a ratio of about 31/3 to 1
This will eliminate answers A,B and C
Check
384.5mls of 25% contain 96.125gms/mls Ethanol
115.5mls of 90% contain 103.95 gms/mls Ethanol
= 200gms / mls ethanol (approx)
= 400gms in 100mls = 40%
There are different ways of doing this but the simplest is this
Total amount of drug added = 300mg + 25mg = 325mg
325mg in 1 Litre
= 0.325gms in 1 Litre
= 0.0325gms in 100mls
= 0.0325%
A lot of unnecessary info to eliminate in the question.
This is easy 100gms contains 2.5gms
So 420gms contains 2.5 x 4.2gms = 10.5gms
First read the question.
Because both statements contain 200gms you should realize you can
eliminate C and D.
You should also realize that you can eliminate B because if statement 2 is
not true then statement 1 cannot be true.
So that leaves you A and E
You should know that at the start of the chapter on Skin in the BNF, there
is a small section on suitable quantities Section 13.1.2
This gives you the correct answer without calculating.
There is actually no calculation required.
If you cannot trust the BNF and you do calculate then the answer
is correct :-7gms per limb twice a day = 7 x 2 x 2 = 28gms a day
= 28 x 7
= 196gms for 1 week
Drug A and B are in the ratio of 25:1.
A 5ml dose contains 1.5 % solution of Drug A .
How many micrograms of Drug B does a 5ml dose contain. ?
A 1.5% solution contains = 1.5gms in 100mls
= 1,500mg in 100mls
= 15mg in 1ml
= 75mg in 5mls
Now the ratio is 25 :1
So there is 25 times as much of drug A as there is of drug B
So there is 75/25mg of drug B
= 3mg
= 3,000 micrograms
If you want a formula = (1.5 x 1000 x 1000 x 5) / (100 x 25)
From Strength in micrograms of A = 1.5 x 1000 x 1000
Then calculate concentration of A in 5mls = x 5/100
Then divide by 25 to give the concentration of B = / 25
Combine these (1.5 x 1000 x 1000) x 5/100 and multiply by 1 / 25
(Note multiplying by 1/25 is the same as dividing by 25)

95

18

If you understand the problem well, you can see that Statement 2 is
possibly the easiest to calculate
30mg / minute = 30 x 60mg per hour
= (30 x 60)/ 60mg / kg / hour
= 30
So statement 2 is true
A 0.5% solution contains 500mg in 100mls
= 5mg in 1ml
= 30mg in 6mls
So 30mg / minute = 6mls / minute by volume
= 6 x 30mls in 30 minutes
= 180mls in 30 minutes
So statement 1 is false
There is no simple way of seeing that the two statements cannot both be
True so it is necessary to calculate both.

19

The required dose for each 8 hour dose is 150 x 12 mcg

= 1,800 micrograms
The dose for 24 hours is 1,800 x 3 = 5,400micrograms
= 5.4mg
25mg in 10mls = 1mg in 10/25 mls = 1mg in 0.4mls
5.4mg in = 5.4 x 0.4mls
= 2.16mls
=2.2mls to 1 decimal place
For Formula fanatics Volume = (12 x 150 x 3 x 10 ) / (1000 x 25)
From dose = (150 x 12 x 3 / 1000)
And volume containing 1mg = (10/25)
Giving ( 150 x 12 x 3/1000) x (10/25)
= (12 x 150 x 3 x 10 ) / (1000 x 25)

20

This is best calculated using an estimate of an extra 2 puffs every two

days = (2 x 8) + 2 puffs every 2 days.
= 18 puffs.
2 months equal 56 days
For every 2 days 18 puffs are required so the total amount of puffs
= 56/2 x 18 = 504 puffs over 2 months
If you use two extra puffs every three days this will equal
3 x 8) + 2 puffs = 26 puffs
= 56/3 x 26 puffs for 2 months = 486 puffs
There are 200 puffs in each inhaler so this will equal 3 inhalers
and allow between 114 and 96 extra puffs..
This is a question that might come up in real life and would allow you to
reassure parents etc.

21

5.6gms Hydrocortisone and 11.2gms Fusidic Acid

The formula of Fucidin HC Ointment is
1% Hydrocortisone Acetate and 2% Fusidic Acid
Each day they will apply 2 x 5 + 2 x 15gms = 40gms
Over 1 week they will apply 7 x 40gms = 280gms
You should be able to estimate that 280gms will contain :2.8gms of Hydrocortisone (1%)
and
5.6% of Fusidic acid (2%)

22

24 x 3gm Pessaries containing 200mg Clotrimazole with a displacement

value of 0.5
Total amount of Clotrimazole required = 24 x 200mg = 4.8gms
Total amount of base for a 3gm mould would be 24 x 3 = 72gms
However the Clotrimazole will displace 4.8 x 0.5gms base = 2.4gms
Therefore you will require 72-2.4gms Base =69.6gms
And 4.8gms Clotrimazole
Don't be distracted by being asked to manufacture Pessaries instead of Suppositories.
The naming is purely convention and there is in fact no difference between a
suppository and a pessary except where they are to be used.

96

23

The easy part :The Patient will use 25mls twice a day for 2 weeks this equals
25 x 2 x 14 = 700mls
All the answers have this volume so in fact you do not need to calculate it
This intermediate solution is diluted = 25mls to 5,000 litres
= 25 to 5,000,000mls
= 1 to 5000000/25
= 1 in 200,000
This solution is a 1 in 20,000,000 solution
So the intermediary solution that you will dispense will be
2000,000 times stronger
= 1 in 20,000000/ 200,000
= 1 in 100
= 1%
So the solution you provide will be a 1% solution
And you will provide 700mls of a 1% solution
The dilution coefficient is 1 in 35 (35% to 1%)
So you will require 700/35mls = 20mls

24

100mls x 3 times a day for 28 days = 300 x 28mls

= 8,400mls
The concentration is 0.02% = 0.2gm in 1000mls
= 0.2 x 8.4 = 1.68gms

25

This question has provoked debate and no single option has proved acceptable to all.
However Option B has been considered correct by the majority but that majority is
small . However B is my view.
Option B does not include any statement about the ampoule volume only an
amount contained in 1ml So the percentage of the ampoule cannot depend on a
simple concentration.
If the two statements were reversed, Option A would be correct
If you put BECAUSE between the two statements, you need to add a qualifying
statement to B to make it correct Each 1 ml contains 2mg and the ampoule size is
12.5mls.

97

Chapter 4 Questions
1

You are asked to check on the administration of Dopamine which has been made
up to a concentration of 80mg in 500 ml in an infusion pump running at the rate
of 1 drop per minute. The prescribed dose is 2-5 micrograms / kg / min. The
patient's weight is 65kg. What dose is the pump actually delivering to the patient if
there are 20 drops in 1ml
1 drop / minute = 60 drops per hour
60 drops = 3mls (60/20) so the rate is 3mls / hour
The strength is 80mg in 500ml = 160mg in 1000mls
= 16mg in 100mls = 1.6mg in 10mls
= 0.16mg in 1ml = 0.48mg in 3mls (0.16 x 3)
So the patient is receiving 0.48mg in 1 hour
0.48mg = 480mcg (multiply by 1000)
So the rate / kg/ hour
= 480/ 65
This is very approximately 480 / 60
You should be able to see that the value is just under 8.
A quick test of 7.5 x 65 will give you 455+ 32.5 = 487.5
So the value is near to 7.5mcg
(Actual value is 7.38mcg)
One formula would be( (1 x 60/20) x (80 x 1000/500))/ 65
(Volume of drops in 1 hour) x (Concentration in 1ml in mcg) / (Weight in Kg)
-Another simple calculation 1 in 40000
is 1gm in 40,000mls or
0.1gm in 4,000mls or
0.1gm/4 = 0.025gms in 1000mls
= 25mg
One formula would be ( (1 x 1,000) / 40,000) x 1000
This is not as difficult as it looks.
The patient now takes 100mg + (200mg x 2) + 400mg each day = 900mg in total
The bioavailability = 80%
= 900mg x 0.8 = 720mg absorbed
The Dr would prefer a lower rather than a higher dose
However with the MR tablets only 60% is released,
so the actual physical dose would be 700mg /0.6 = 1200mg
One formula to calculate the dose would be 0.8 *(100+200+200+400) = 0.6X
However you would then need to assess how the value of X was best split over two
daily doses
NOTE _-These bioavailabilities are used here for exercise and do not relate to
any currently available Carbamazepine products.
0.005% equals 5mg in every 100mls ( 0.005 x 1000) for formula seekers
This would equal 7.5mg in every 250mls
(5 x 2.5)
So statement 1 is wrong
If you can see that 250 and 5 have a relationship of 1:2 you can also see that both
statements cannot be true
75mg in 250mls would mean 150 in 500mls which would not equate to 250X in 5mls
for statement 2 so statement 1 and 2 are not linked (X = any units)
0.005% = 5mg in 100mls
= 5000mcg in 100mls
(multiply by 100 to convert Mg to Mcg)
= 50mcg in 1ml
(divide by 100)
=250mcg in 5mls
(multiply by 5)are the limits
So statement 2 is true
You should read the question and see that statements 1 and 3 are incompatible.
If the dose must not be below 24.5mg, then E would not fit the MHRA requirements.
98% to 105% of 25mg 10% of 25mg is 2.5mg so 1% is 0.25mg
So 98% is 25mg (0.25mg x 2) = 24.5mg Statement 1 is correct
10% = 2.5mg so 5% is 1.25mg
105% of 25mg = 25mg + 1.25mg = 26.125mg Statement C is incorrect.
Similarly for statement 2
98% of 150mg is 147mg
2% of 100 is 2 and 2% of 50 is 1 = 3mg
105% of 150mg is 157.5mg
5% of 100 is 5 and 5% of 50 is 2.5 = 7.5mg
So statement 2 is correct

98

10

11

12

The GmMWt = 58.5 = 60gms approximately

So 60gms contains 1000mmols (approx)
You need to look in the BNF which lists Mucoclear of having a sachet volume of
4mls. (I have now added this to the question
So 10 sachets would equal 40mls
As the concentration is 4% this contains (40/100) x 4gms = 1.6gms
1.6gms = (1.6 x1000)/60 mmols (approx)
= 27mmols
Using a GmMwt of 58.5 the answer is (1.6 x 1000)58.5 = 27.35mmols
Check in the BNF Section 1.1.1 for the sodium content of Gaviscon Advance.
The sodium content is 2.3mmols / 5mls
Each day they are consuming around 100mls
The daily dose is therefore 2.3 x 100/5 = 46mmols
Pa =50 -10 = 40
Pb = 70 50 = 20
Total parts = Pa + Pb = 60
But you need to manufacture 1,800mls
Each part = 1800/60 = 30mls
40 parts = 30 x 40 = 1200mls of Stronger
20 parts = 30 x 20 =600mls of Weaker
1 x 100mLs Furosemide 60mg/5mLs = 20 x 60mg = 1,200mg
1,200mg = 1200/40 = 30 Furosemide tablets _
Statement 1 is incorrect
x 25mg Spironolactone =
1 x 200mls Spironolactone 25mg/5mls =40
1000mg will require 10 x 100mg tablets
Statement 2 is correct _
1 x 150mLs Captopril 12.5mg/5mls = 12.5 x 150/5 = 375mg = 375/25 = 15 tablets
Statement 3 is correct.
2.5% = equals 2.5gms in 100mls
= 2500mg in 100mls = 250mg in 10mls = 25mg in 1ml
Dose is 1 drop in each eye SIX times a day
= 12 drops
20 drops = 1ml
Dose = 12/20 of 1ml
= (12/20) x 25mg
=300/20 = 15mg
7.5% of 250gm = 17.5gm
2.5% of 250gm = 6.5gm
WSP = 250gm -17.5gm -6.5gm = 226gm
This is a genuine question from a RPSGB sample paper !!
The trick is to avoid/ cut out the lengthy waffle and just calculate.
CC = (1.2(140-60)x 50)/300
= (1.2 x 80 x 50)/ 300
= (1.2 x 400) /300
= 4800 /300
=48/3
= 16
therefore the dosage should be
2.5mg/ kg x 24 hrs = 2.5 x 50 = 125mg
If you get to a SC of 16, this gives only options C and E as being correct
D as 12 hourly which would be incorrect
As the dose is above minimal, then C would be logical as a choice if you
get stuck on the rest of the calculation
(The value of 1.2 is normally given as 1.23 for males and 1.04 for females)

99

13

By Alligation
Parts of Chlorhexidine (powder) required PA = 40-25 = 15 parts (PA = Fc Bc)
Parts of Chlorhexidine 6% solution required PB = 100- 40 = 60 parts
(PB = Ac Fc)
(remember the Chlorhexidine is 100%)
Total parts = 60 + 15 = 75
1 part = 4000/75 (dont calculate this yet
Therefore to make 4 litres you would need
(4000/75) x 15 parts Chlorhexidine = 4000 / 5 = 800gms (mls)
And of Chlorhexidine 25% Solution you would need
4000 800 = 3,200mls
(3,200gms)
Or (4000/75) x 60 = 4000 x (4/5)
Strictly speaking we would need to take into account specific gravity but this would
have a negligent effect on the actual amount.
If you wanted to use algebra......
We have 4,000mls of 40% which contains 4,000 x (40/100)gms of Chlorhexidine
To make this we have a volume X which contains X x (25/100) gms of
Chlorhexidine
And a value Y of Chlorhexidine to be added
So X(25/100) + Y = 4000(40/100)
Also X+Y = 4000
The first equation can be simplified here are two ways.........
a)
b)
0.25X + Y = 1600
0.25X + Y = 1600
X + Y = 4000
X + Y = 4000
Rearrange these
Rearrange these
Y = 1600 0.25X
0.25X = 1600 - Y
Y = 4000 X
X = 4000 -Y
So 1600 0.25X = 4000 X
So X = 6400 4Y (multiply by 4)
Rearranging
Rearranging
X 0.25X = 4000-1600
4000 Y = 6400 4Y
0.75X = 2400
4Y Y = 6400 - 4000
X = 2400/0.25
3Y = 2400
X = 3200
Y = 800
So Y = 4000-3200 = 800
So X = 4000-800 = 3200

14

15

16

17

18

The daily dose is (5 x30)mg = 150mg

The strength is 60mg in 10ml so 1mg is contained in 10/60mls
150mg is contained in 150 x (10/60)mls = 25mls
A dose will therefore be half that amount = 10.5mls given twice daily
This is simple. The Gm molecular weight of Sodium Chloride is 58.5gms.
= approximately 60gms
60gms = 1000mmlols (1 mol)
So 15gms = (60/15) x 1000mmols = 250mmols
This is not really a calculation but requires a check in the BNF the value given is
1mmol / 10ml for a low sodium antacid.
= 10mmol/100ml
= 100mmol/ 1000mls
This is a test as you should know or at least recognise this value.
0.9% Sodium Chloride = 9gms / Litre
Therefore the concentration in mmols equals
9/60 x 1000
You should use the value of 60 as the GmMWt as suggested by Q15
= 900/6
=150mmols
This is a simple question but relies on you being aware that the equivalent doses of
opioid analgesics are in the Prescribing in Palliative Care section of the BNF (BNF60
pages 20 and 21).
These equivalences are not definitive and different values are given elsewhere.
However for the exam you must use the latest BNF.

100

19

20

21.

22

23

24

25

The concentration will fall by 50% every10.5 hours so

after the first 10.5 hours it will be 26mcg/ml
after the 2nd 10.5 hours it will be 13mcg/ml
after the 3rd 10.5 hours it will be 6.5mcg/ml
after the 4th 10.5 hours it will be 3.25mcg/ml
After the 5 th 10.5 hours it will be 1.625mcg/ml
The time will therefore be 10.5 x 5 = 52.5 hours
You could work backwards 1.625 -> 3.25 -> 6.5 -> 13 -> 26 -> 52
The required dilution is from 0.05% to 0.0125%
(Look in BNF for strength of commercial product which is 0.05%)
So dilution is 1 in 4
Therefore the quantity required is 750/4gms = 125gms
The correct answer is: E steps
After 4hrs 50% is eliminated
After 8 hrs 50% of what remains is eliminated = 25% of the initial full amount
So the answer is 75%
(50% of the remaining 50% = 25%
50% + 25% = 75%)
In the first half life of a drug 50% is eliminated
In the 2nd half life 50% of the remainder = 25% of the original amount = 75%
In the 3rd half life 50% of the remainder = 12.5% of the original amount = 87.5%
In the 4th half life 50% of the remainder = 6.25% of the original amount = 93.75%
In the 5th half life 50% of the remainder = 3.125% of the original amount = 96.875%
1 in 40 so amount = 1/40 x 200mls?
All concentrated waters are 40 x stronger than standard\waters
Total weight of coating = 10mg x 1,000,000 = 10,000,000mg = 10,000gms
Coating contains 10% so 250ms = 25gms / minute
Time = 10,000/25 minutes (assuming 100% efficiency)
= 400 minutes
40% diluted to 0.01% so dilution
40 : 0.01 = 400 : 0.1 = 4000 : 1
so a 1 in 4,000 dilution is required.
5000mls needed so 5000/4000 = 5/4 = 1.25mls of 40% concentrate is required
Check....
1.25mls of 40% solution contain 1.25 x (40/100) gms Benzalkonium chloride
= 0.5gms
5 Litres of 0.01% solution contain 5,000 x (0.01/100)gms Benzalkonium chloride
= 0.5gms
If 400mg of Potassium permanganate is dissolved in 2.5litres of water, what is the
percentage strength of the resulting solution?
One way (There are lots of ways).
400mg in 2.5 Litres
= 4gms in 25 Litres
= 16gms in 100 litres - Answer must contain 16 so only B can be correct
16gms in 100 litres
= 1.6gms in 10 litres
=0.16gms in 1 litre
=0.016gms in 100mls = 0.016
Another (very similar) way
400mg in 2.5 Litres = 40mg in 250mls (/10) = 160mg in 1 Litre
(x 4)
=16mg in 100mls
Only B has 16 in the answer so only B can be correct - check
1.6gm in 100mls = 1.6%Divide by 10
160mg in 100mls = 0.16%
16mg in 100mls = 0.016%
A Formula
((400/1000) /2,500) x 100%
-----------------------------

101

Chapter 5 Questions
1

4
5

A
C

10

11

12

13
14

A
D

15
16

B
A

17

Need strength of 120mg/5mL

Tagamet is 200mg/5mLs
Final volume is 5mLs x 3 (tds) x 7 (days supply) = 105mLs
Therefore: 120/200 x 105 = 63mLs of Tagamet
105 (final volume) 63 (mLs of Tagamet) = 42mLs syrup BP
40mg temazepam is equivalent to 20mg diazepam (BNF 44 page 169)
Therefore need 2 x 10mg tablets diazepam x 14 days = 28 tablets
4.50 x 2 = 9.00
Dispensing fee = 20%
9.00 x 1.2 = 10.80
0.09% to 0.045% is a 1:1 dilution
15mg x 23 kg = 345mg in the first hour
10mg x 23kg x 2 = 460mg for next two hours
Total in three hours = 345 + 460mg = 805mg
Active ingredient = 12.5g in 100mLs
One ampoule 1.25g in 10mLs
Need 0.5% active ingredient in 1 litre
= 0.5g in 100mLs = 5g in 1 litre
Therefore ampoules required = 5/1.25 = 4 ampoules
5mLs diluted to 300mLs is a 60 x dilution
This produces a 0.02% solution, therefore the original solution must have been
60 x 0.02% = 1.2% w/v
This is equivalent to 1.2g in 100mLs
= 3g in 250mLs
Need 400mg x 24 = 9.6g of drug A
1.2g of drug displaces 1g of Witepsol
1g of drug displaces 1/1.2g of Witepsol
9.6g of drug displaces 9.6/1.2g of Witepsol = 8g
will require (24 x 2) 8g of Witepsol
Will need 9.6g drug and 40g base
Diazepam (0.5% w/v) 500mg in 100mLs 5000mg in 1 litre
Need 200mg in 1 litre
200/5000 x 1000mL = 40mLs of original solution
Amount of Glucose 5% = 1000 40 = 960mLs
Furadantin suspension is 25mg/5mL
need 200/25 x 5ml = 40mLs each day
40mLs x 7 = 280mLs total supply
BNF 44 page 463
15mmol of phosphate in 1 litre
7.5mmol in 500mLs
BNF 44 page 444
35mg x 2 tablets = 70mg
BNF 44 page 468
Proguanil two tablets each day for two people for seven weeks
= 98 tablets per person
= 196 tablets total supply
1 in 10 000 1g in 10 000mLs 10mg in 100mLs 20mg in 200mLs
0.04% w/v suspension = 40mg in 100mLs = 400mg in 1 litre
for 5 litres will require 2g of tocopheryl acetate
Recommended dose 1 12 years for juvenile arthritis 1 3 mg/kg daily
Child weighs 21kg maximum daily dose = 63mg
1. 25mg suppository tds = 75mg overdose
2. 50mg would be within range but BNF specifically states 25mg tablets only
3. (2 x 12.5) + 12.5 + (2 x 12.5) = 62.5mg within range

102

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

300mg/50mL at 1mL/hour = 6mg/hour x 24 = 144mg/day

1. 144mg = 0.144g
2. 6mg/hour = 6/60mg/min = 0.1mg/min = 100micrograms/min
100/60 = 1.67micrograms/kg/min
3. 300mg/50mL = 0.6% w/v
BNF 44 page 16 infusion strength of 2mg/ml cause precipitation
This is equivalent to 0.2% w/v
First Statement - FALSE
0.0035% w/w 3.5mg in 100g = 3500micrograms in 100g
5250micrograms in 150g (3500 x 1.5)
Second Statement FALSE
- From above 3.5mg in 100g
1 in 10,000 is final solution and we need 10 litres
Original is 4 in 100 (4%)
1 in 10,000 is 0.01 % (1 in 100 = 1 , 1 in 1000 = 0.1%
So dilution is 4 to 0.01
= 40 to 0.1
= 400 to 1 i.e. a 1 in 400 dilution
So need 1/400 of 10 litres = (1/40 x 10,000
= 10,000/400 = 100/4 = 25mls
Using Formulae C1/V2 = C2/V1
4 / 10,000 = 0.01 / X
4X = 0.01 x 10,000
4X = 100
X = 25
But needed to convert strengths. If we didnt, we would get
(4 in 100) / 10,00 = (1 in 10,000) / X
(4 in 100) x X = (1 in 10,000) x 10,000
= ( 4/100 ) x X = (1/10.000) x 10,000
1/25 X = 1
X = 25
Note 1 in 10,000 would be a very strong Pot. Permanganate solution.
Potassium Permanganate is now rarely used but calculations involving it are regular
questions in the pre-reg exam.
You will at some point need to convert from parts to percentage
1 in 20 produces a 1 in 500 solution so it is 20 times stronger
= 500/20 as a strength = 25 i.e. 1 in 25
Now 1 in 25 = 4 in 100 = 4%
But you start with 50% so to go from 50% to 4 %
requires a 50/4 dilution = 12.5
Now you need 200mls of solution obtained by diluting 1 in 12 .5
So you need 200/12.5 = 16
(same as 400/25)
All dilutions of a Concentrated Water BP to a Single Double Water BP are 1 in 20
So 1 in 20 = 20.000/20 = 1,000mls = 1 Litre
All dilutions of a Concentrated Water BP to a Single Strength Water BP are 1 in 40
1 in 40 = 1,500 / 40 = 37.5mls
4 tablets daily = 225 x 4mg Ferrous Fumarate. According to BNF = 4 x 100mg Iron
Only 80% available
So actual dose is 4 x 100 x 0.8 = 320mg Iron.
Sytron contains Sodium ferridate equivalent to 27.5mg Iron in each 5mls
Therefore equivalent dose of Sytron
= 320 / 27.5
= 320 /28 (approx) Divide by 4 gives 80/7
80/7 = 11.4 = 3/7 approx. but will be just a little bit more due to rounding up
So nearest amount is 11 or 12 x 5ml (320/27.5 = 11.6)
In the exam, the difference would be great enough to select a correct answer (e.g.
10,12, or 14 5ml spoonsful)
In reality you would probably choose between 10 or 12 spoonsful and do blood tests
to check the benefit

103

Chapter 6 Questions
1

|C

1 in 8000 is achieved by a 1 in 60 dilution. Therefore the original concentration

is (8000/60) = 160 or a 1 in 160 solution. 1 in 200 is 0.5% (half of 1 in 100 = 1%)
1 in 100 is 1% So 1 in 160 is going to be between 0.5% and 1% but will be less than
0.75% (1 in 150) so 0.625 is the only sensible answer
60 micrograms per kg for a 50kg patient = 3000mcg or 3mg per hour
The concentration of the solution is 150mg/1000ml =1.5mg/10ml
3mg per hour = 20ml per hour = 20/60 or 1/3ml per minute.
Converting to drops 20/3 = 6.67 or 7 drops per minute is the required drip rate.
The full formula is
((60 x 50)/1000) x (1000/150) / ( 60)) x 20
=( (3 ) x (10/1.5) / (60 ) ) x 20
(60x50/1000) to convert the dose to mg per hour
x (500/75) to convert mg to mls per hour
divide by 60 to convert to mls per minute
x 20 to convert to drops per minute
10 powders weigh 200mg each or 2gms total. They contain 10 x 24mg active
ingredient or 240mg
Therefore the total quantity of active drug needed is 240mg or 4 x 60mg tablets
These need to be made up to 200mg each or 10 x 200mg total = 2gm
Potassium Chloride Concentrate Sterile Solution is a 15%w/v solution
(sterile) and contains 2mmol Potassium in each 1ml. Therefore 50mmols would
be contained in 25mls. See BNF40 pge 430. The original version of this question
used "Potassium Chloride Strong Solution". This is not listed in the BNF.
NB: The aim with K+ is to ensure it is NOT injected undiluted
This is less difficult than it looks. The BNF states that the dose for Welldorm
elixir is 0.4 1.3gm (15-45mls). The dose is 50 x 8 = 400mg
The answer is therefore 15mls = 0.4gm (400mg)
Try it this way. Dobutrex 20ml contains 12.5mg/ml or 250mg in 20ml.
We add this to 1 Litre and get 250mg in 1 Litre (1000ml) or 1mg in 4ml.
The dose we need is 10mcg/min/kg or 75x10mcg/min = 750micrograms per minute.
1mg in 4ml = 250mcg in 1ml or 750mcg in 3ml so the answer is 3ml..
An alternative:- It is intended to dilute the solution from 20 to 1000.
This is a 1 in 50 dilution. We need 750 micrograms
20 mls contains 250mg so 2mls contains 25mg and 0.2mls contains 2.5mg
and 0.02mls contains 250micrograms (0.25mg). So 0.06mls contains
750 micrograms. Now the dilution is 1 to 50 so there will be 50 times the
volume in the final bag so the volume will be 0.06mls x 50 = 3ml
This again avoids using complicated formulas (just simple steps).
To put it all in a mathematical formula the quantity required is :(10 x 75) / ((250 x 1000) / 1000) = 750 / 250 = 1.5mls
(dose per Kg times number of kg) divided by ((number of mg converted to
micrograms) divided by (final volume) to give micrograms per ml)
With all calculations TRY and guess at the rough value of an answer before
calculating as usually only one answer will be in the right 'ball park area' .
The question assumes that 20ml added to 1 Litre is approx 1 litre rather than
1,020mls. If you substitute this, again the only correct answer is 3.1 to the nearest
2 significant figures (The answer will be 3mls) NOTE :- I have worked to 2 sig
figures as all the values are to 2 significant figures.
this is quite a simple calculation. The rate has been increased by 50% so the
new dose is 150mg x 1.5 = 225mg. In detail, the increase represents 18mm.
(54 -36) The current dose the patient is receiving is (150 / 36) mg/mm.
The new dose will be (150 / 36)* 54 = 225mg / 24hrs
NOTE - with syringe pumps it is easy to increase the rate on the dial ;
it is more difficult to increase the dose and then try to calculate the rate.
There is a further problem attached to this question that was
originally worded as what possible problems could changing the dosage introduce
The answer centres around the problem that the syringe pump would now

104

10

11

12

13

14

be infusing faster and therefore would not last for 24 hours. You cannot calculate
easily how long it will last unless you know when it was started AND then when
the rate was changed. This is a professional problem not part of the calculation.
156gms - This is a simple calculation.
The RMM or GMW = Weight / MMOLS = 109.2 / 0.7
Look at the formula. Only Light Liquid Paraffin is in MLs.
This eliminates A, B, C, E
There is no need to calculate but you do need to know the units
You require 50 x 100mg Theophylline = 5gms
The displacement value is 0.5 so 5gms will displace 5 / 0.5gms base
Or 10gms
Therefore you will need (50x1gm) 10gm base
= 40gms
What weight of white soft paraffin is required to make 250g of the following
product?
Zinc oxide
12%
Salicylic acid
1%
Starch
15%
White soft paraffin
to 100%
In 100 parts WSP represents 72 (72%)
In 250gms WSP would represent (72 x 250) / 100 = 180gms Correct answer D
Do the easy bit first
Glucose 4% is 4gms in 100mls or =20gms in 500mls
That eliminates C and E
Sodium Chloride 0.18% equals
=0.18gms in 100mls
=0.9gms in 500mls
That eliminates A and D
The fact that the concentration is 0.5% should tell you that the answer will contain
half the number that is posed in the problem Thinking simply = if the strength is
0.5% you will need half the final amount in either weight or volume (depending on
units). So 500 litres will require 2,500gms
= 0.5%
= 0.5gm in 100mls
= 5gm in 1000mls (1 Litre)
= 25gms in 5 litres
= 2,500 gms = 2.5 Kilograms (Kg) in 500mls
Salbutamol Tablets BP are available as tablets containing Salbutamol sulphate
equivalent to 2 mg and 4 mg of Salbutamol. To prepare Salbutamol 2 mg tablets,
what weight of Salbutamol sulphate is needed in each tablet? (March 2003)
Molecular weights: Salbultamol: C 13H21NO3 = 239.3
Salbutamol sulphate: (C 13H21NO3)H2SO4=576.7
The ratio of the weight of Salbutamol sulphate to Salbutamol in a tablet is equal
to the ratio of their molecular weights
i.e. 576.7 to 239.3 x 2
NB there are 2 molecules of Salbutamol in Salbutamol Sulphate)
and X
to 2mg
so 576.7/X = (239.3 x 2) / 2
X = (576.7 x 2)/ 239.3
= 1153.8/(239.3 x 2)
= 2.41
Care here as it is too easy to express the ratio as 576.7 to 239.3

105

15

Tablet 5% w/w binder

25%w/v solution
5g/100g
25g/100ml
500,000 100mg tablets = 500,000 X 0.1g = 50, 000 tablets
As 5%w/w of tablet is the binder
5% of 50,000 = 2500g
2500g of binder with a 25g/100ml solution
Therefore 10,000ml of 25g/100ml solution will make
2500g of binder = 10L Correct answer D
A variation contains a tablet core of weight 1.9gms which will be coated to a weight
of 2gms.100mg of coating will be added using a 25% solution. If the coating is added
at the rate of 10mcg / second , how long will it take to coat 1 million tablets ?
Coating per tablet is 100 micrograms
All tablets coated at same rate
Therefore only need to calculate for 1 tablet
10mcg / second
= 100mcg in 10 seconds
= 1000 mcg in 100 seconds
= 1mg in 100 seconds
= 100mg in 10,000 seconds
= 10,000/60 minutes
= 166 minutes

16

17

A.

18

The dry weight of the coating is 10mg/tablet (=0.01g/tablet)

Therefore dry weight of coating for 1 million tablets = 10,000g
The coating solution contains 10% w/v coating material = 10g in 100ml
=10,000g in 100,000ml (100Litres)
Spray rate = 250mL/minute
Therefore 1 Litre in 4 minutes and 100 Litres in 400 minutes
Or
10mg of coating/ tablet = 0.01g of coating/ tablet
10% = 10g/100ml solution
0.01g X ? tablets from 10g/100ml solution
? = 1000 tablets
Therefore if 1000 tabs from 10g/100ml
2500 tabs from 25g/250ml/min
1000,000 tabs / 2500
= 400 min
Dose = (0.72m2 X 300mg)/1.8
= 216 /1.8
= 2160/180
= 120mg
1 millimole Na+ and Cl- = 23 + 35.5 = 58.5gm
58.5gms = 1mol or 1000mmols (1mmol =58.5mg)
0.9% = 0.9g/100ml = 900mg/100ml
= 450mg/50ml
? millimoles of Na ions = 450mg NaCl/50ml
= 450 /58.5
= 450/60 approximately
=7.5mmols approximately
(450/58.5 = 7.69)

106

19

20

Calculate the recommended dose.

240mg / hour = 4mg / minute (240/60)
= 4/50 mg/kg minute = 0.8mg/kg
= 800mcg / kg/ minute. The recommended dose is therefore
800mcg/kg/min
Statement 2 is therefore clearly seen as being correct
(0.8mg = 800mcg)
Statement 1
0.2% represents 2mg in 1ml ( remember 1% is 10mg/ml)
60mls = 60 x 2 = 120mg over 30 minutes
120mg in 30 minutes = 240mg in 1 hour = 4mg / minute
Statement 1 is also correct
Statement 1 and 2 are complimentary
(Try putting because between them) so the correct answer is A
If you look carefully, only options A and E can be correct answers
2 Litres of 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Solution provides 2000 mmols
each of Na+ and HCO3 8.4% w/v Sodium Bicarbonate solution contains 1mmol/ml of electrolytes.
Both these statements are the same i.e. 2000mmols in 2 litres equals
1mmol / ml.
8.4% is chosen as a strength to use because of the simplicity of a 1mmol/ml concentration.

107

Chapter 6 Extra Questions Answers

Question

Answer

1) 200gms of Dithranol Ointment contain 6gms

Dithranol.
If 45gms of this is diluted to 900gms, what
strength as a
percentage of Dithranol is the diluted
ointment ?

45 gms contains (6/200) x 45 gms

= 270 / 200 = 1.35gms
1.35gms in 900 gms
= (1.35 / 900) x 100%
= 1.35 / 9 = 0.15% w/v

2) 50gms of Acriflavine cream is diluted to

300gms.
The concentration of the diluted cream is
0.1%.
What was the concentration of the original
cream ?

The dilution is 300 / 50 = 6 times

The concentration therefore was
0.1 x 6 = 0.6%

3) What quantity of Codeine Phosphate Solution

30mg in 5mls is needed to provide 200mls
of a solution containing a total of 10mg
Codeine Phosphate.

30mg in 5ml
= 1mg in 5/30mls
= 10mg in (1 x10)/30mls
= 0.333mls

4) A stock solution of Potassium permanganate

is 0.25%.
How much of this is needed to prepare 6 litres
of 1 in 12,000 solution

0.25% = 0.25g in 100

= 2.5g in 1000
= 1g in (2,000/2.5)
= 1 in 800
The dilution is therefore
1 in 1200/800 = 1 in 1.5
and the quantity required
6 litres / 1.5 = 4 Litres

5) A solution of Alcohol contains 90% w/v

Alcohol.
How much of this is needed to provide
500mls of a 4.5% Alcohol solution ?

500mls contains 4.5 x 5 gms

= 22.5gms
as the solution is 90% this will be
contained in
(100/90) x 22.5mls
= 22.5 x 1.11 = 24.97 mls
= 25mls to the nearest 1ml .
This assumes no contraction on mixing

6) A solution of Frusemide is needed.

To prepare this you will need to dissolve
40mg tablets in water.
If you need to prepare a solution containing
50mcg in 10mls,
what volume must you prepare from
1 x40mg tablet.

50mcg in 10ml
= 500mcg in 100ml
= 1mg in 200mls
= 40mg in 200 x 40mls
= 8,000mls
= 8 litres

7) You have two solutions containing 60% and

5% respectively of the same ingredient.

Using alligation
Pa = 10 - 5 = 5 parts 60%

108

How much of each do you need to prepare

200mls of 10% solution

Pb = 60 - 10 = 55 parts 5%
200mls = 55 parts
Volume 60% = (200 / 55) x 5
= 18.18mls
Volume 5% = (200/55) x 50
= 181.81mls

8) You have two solutions containing 80% and

15% respectively of the same ingredient.
How much of each do you need to prepare
400mls of 20% solution

Pa = 20 - 15 = 5 parts 80%
Pb = 80 - 20 = 60 parts 15%

9) You have two solutions containing 90% and

30% respectively of the same ingredient.
If you used 200mls of the 30% to prepare
600mls of solution with the remainder being
90%,
what is the strength of the final solution.

Pa = X - 30
Pb = 90 - X
Pa + Pb = Pt

400mls = 65 parts
Volume 80% = (400/ 65) x 5
= 30.76mls
Volume 15% = (400/65) x 60
= 369.2 mls

Pa = 2Pb (volume is double)

Pb = 200mls,
Final volume is 600mls
so Pa = 600 - 200 = 400mls
So (X-30) =2(90-X)
X - 30 = 180 - 2X
3X = 180 + 30
X = 210/30 = 70%
Final strength = 70%

10)A cream contains 3.5% of active ingredient.

What ratio dilution is required to produce a
0.7% cream ?

Dilution is 3.5 / 0.7 = 350 / 7

(multiplying by 10)
= 50
Dilution is therefore 1 in 50

With all the above, what I have tried to do is show simple steps towards arriving at the correct
answer.
There are many other ways these questions can be answered.
If you know a method, are familiar with it and happy - then use that method.
If not try the way shown above - simply writing down stepwise what you are trying to achieve.
Each step should be a logical move towards obtaining the correct answer.

Question

Answer

11)What are the required quantities for 20mls Sodium Bicarbonate 1gm (5/100) x 20
of Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops
Glycerol 6mls
(30/100) x 20
109

If the formula is 5% Sodium Bicarbonate Water to 20mls

w/v, Glycerol 30% v/v and water to
100% ?
12)This is the formula for St. George's
Hospital Peppermint Water
Conc. Peppermint Water 1 part v/v
Methylhydroxybenzoate 1% w/v
Propylhydroxybenzoate 0.3% w/v
Water to 40 parts
How much of each ingredient is required
to produce 5 Litres

Conc. Peppermint Water 125mls

(1 /40) x 5000
Methylhydroxybenzoate 50gms
(1/100) x 5000
Propylhydroxybenzoate 3gms
(0.3 / 100) x 5000
Water to 5,000mls
The 'Parts' are only used for the Pepp.
Water

13)What quantity of Concentrated Aniseed

Water is required to produce
3 Litres of Calcium Carbonate Suspension
if the Suspension contains 10% Aniseed
Water ?.

3 litres contains 10 % A.W

= 300mls
= 300 / 40mls Conc. Aniseed water
= 7.5mls

14)A Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid Ointment

contains 2% of each by weight in
Wool Alcohols Ointment
What quantity of each is required to
prepared 1/2 a Kilogram ?

1/2 Kilo = 500gm

2% of 500gms
= 10mls by volume
or 10gms by weight

15)An aqueous Anaesthetic Cream contains

the following ingredients
Lidocaine (Lignocaine) 1% w/v
Cetomacrogol emulsifying wax 5%
Phenoxyethanol 0.5% v/w
Glycerol 1 part in 25 v/w
Calamine 1 / 25th by weight
Chlorphenamine 0.5% w/w
How much of each is required to produce
50gms

Lidocaine (Lignocaine) 0.5gm

Cetomacrogol emulsifying wax 25gm
Phenoxyethanol 0.25mls
Glycerol 2mls
Calamine 2gms
Chlorphenamine 0.25gm
How much of each is required to produce
50gms

16)What is 0.05% expressed as a percentage

by parts (1 in X)

0.05gms
= 0.05gm in 100
or 0.5gm in 1000
or 1gm in 2000
=1 in 2000

17)What is 1/8th of 40% as a percentage

5% (40/8)
18)If a 50% solution is diluted 30 times and
that solution is then diluted a further 100
times,
What is the final concentration

110

The dilution is 30 x 100

= 1 in 3,000
so the final strength will be 50/3000
= 5/300
= 0.0166%

19)If 50% of a 4% ointment is diluted with

White Soft paraffin to produce 600gms of
0.05% Ointment, what was the original
amount of ointment ?

600gms of 0.05% contains 0.05 x 6gms

= 0.3gms
Original strength was 4gm in 100gm
or 1gm in 25gms (100/4) gms
or 0.3gms in (25 x 0.3)gms
(100 / 4) x 0.3
= 7.5gms
As this is half the original quantity,
original quantity = 15gms
(100 x 2 x 0.3)/4
Now check
7.5gms(50%) contains 7.5 x 4 / 100 gms
= 0.3gms

20)A solution contains Sodium Chloride

1 in 500. How much Sodium Chloride
needs to be added to convert the solution
to 1 in 20 ??

1 in 500 requires 1 gm in 500mls

1 in 20
= 500/20 in 500
= 25 in 500
It is therefore necessary to add 24gms to
the solution to convert it to 1 in 20.
In reality this would produce a slight
over-volume and be less than 1in 20.
To ensure absolute accuracy a different
calculation would be used.
You can use alligation.
The actual ratio is about 98:5 (19.6:1 )
rather than 500:24 (20.8:1)

111

Appendices
Alligation
Chloroform and Waters BP
Dilutions (Serial)
Dilution (Parts)
Displacement Values

112

All you ever wanted to know about Alligation

Alligation is the name usually used for a process that involves calculating the result of
mixing together two different concentrations of the same drug.
Alligation is an old (about 1728) but very practical method of solving problems
related to mixtures of different strengths of the same (or different) ingredients. It has
two components which you dont really need to know about :Alligation medial is used when calculating a final concentration
Alligation medial is merely a matter of finding a weighted mean.
Alligation alternate is used to find the amount of each ingredient (by concentration)
needed to make a concentration of a given percentage.
Alligation alternate is more complicated and involves organizing the ingredients into
high and low pairs which are then calculated against each other.
This is the method most familiar in pharmacy .
That concentration of solutions can vary from 0% to 100%
If you use 100% then the amount will be in Grams rather than Millilitres if you are
adding pure drug to a solution otherwise the units will usually remain the same
depending on whether you are using gms or mls .
Do remember that in allegation any volumes that are to be used are normally parts
Hopefully this is explained below but a specific volume such as 100mls may be any
number of parts depending on any particular question.
Calculating changes in concentration using Standard Algebra
To think about how the calculation works you need to use a bit of algebra to start
with.
Lets call the Final Concentration Cf when we mix two different concentrations
together.
If you are mixing a strong and a weak concentration then Cf must be:1) Weaker than the stronger concentration
2) Stronger than the weaker concentration
NOTE You cannot make a strong concentration any stronger by adding a weaker
concentration and also you cannot make a weaker solution any weaker by adding a
stronger solution.
Now if you start with a weaker solution lets call the concentration Cb
To make it stronger, you will add a stronger solution of the drug
So the stronger solution will be Ca
You now know that
and

Ca is stronger than Cf
Cf is stronger than Cb

Now if you start with a stronger solution lets call the concentration Ca
113

Now to make Cb stronger, you will add some of the stronger solution Ca
How stronger it gets will depend on how much of Ca you add.
The two operations are in fact exactly the same :So if you start with Xmls of Ca and mix it with Ymls of Cb
the final concentration will lie somewhere between the two concentrations.
So if you start with Ymls of Cb and mix it with Xmls of Ca
the final concentration will lie somewhere between the two concentrations.
Now using algebra the final concentration will be somewhere between Ca and Cb
Using 100mls of 30% and 50mls of 20% gives
((30/100) x 100) + ((20/100) x 50) = ((Cf/ 100) x 150) (dont try to remember
this !!)
This is not an easy formula but :(30/100) x 100
(20/100) x 50
(Cf / 100) x 150

gives the amount of drug in 100mls of 30% solution and

gives the amount of drug in 50mls of 20% solution and
gives the amount of drug (as a %) in 150mls of final solution
(100 +50mls)

This formula gives 30 + 10 = ((Cf / 100) x 150)

40
= CF x 150/ 100
40 x 100 = Cf x 150
4000
= Cf x 150
Rearranging Cf
= 4000/150
= 26.6%
Now this is a difficult calculation if you are not too good with algebra.
However it can be simplified .
If you look at the above calculation, the ratio of the two volumes is

The two concentrations were

2:1
100mls to 50mls
30% and 10%

So 2 parts of 30% were used and 1 part of 20%.

You should be able to see that as there is more of the 30% than the 20%, the
concentration will be stronger than that produced by simply mixing two equal
volumes of 30% and 20% (when the final concentration would be 25% - half way
between the two).

114

The trick with allegation is to see how the final concentration varies depending on the
ratio of the different volumes used.
Using the above example we added 100mls + 50mls
If we had used 50mls of each we would end up with a concentration of 25%.
However we added 100mls of 30% - i.e. 50mls more.
If we had used only 50mls we would have had 100mls of 25%.
Now if we add 50mls of 30% by how much does the concentration change
Using the formula above we would get
(25/100) x 100
(30/100) x 50
(Cf / 100) x 150

gives the amount of drug in 100mls of 25% solution and

gives the amount of drug in 50mls of 30% solution
and
gives the amount of drug (as a %) in 150mls of final solution
(100 +50mls)
I wont give all the details but
This now gives us 25 + 15 = (Cf x 150)/100
You should see that this is exactly the same as above and gives a concentration of
26.66%
Now using statistics, it can be shown that the final concentration can be calculated
much more simply by reducing the algebraic method above ( which shows that the
final concentration is dependant on the ratio of the two volumes - rather than their
absolute measure - and the difference between their percentage) as follows :Cf x Vf = (Ca/ 100) x Va + (Cb/ 100) x Vb
But Vf = Va + Vb

(Va and Vb are the volumes of A and B and the final volume)

And the concentration will change depending on the ratio between the volumes of Va
and Vb (multiplying Va and Vb by any number in the above equation has no effect
on the final answer as Vf would also increase proportionally and cancel any effect out
.)
e.g. Adding 200mls of 30% and 100mls of 20% will give the same final concentration
as adding 100mls of 30% and 50mls of 20% as the final concentration simply depends
on the ratio of the two different concentrations used.
So instead of Va and Vb and Vf we use Pa, Pb and Pf to represent the ratio of the
volumes as parts.
This is in fact a simple way of calculating the amounts.
The old method showed that the ratio by volume of the two different concentrations
are as follows
Pa x (Cf-Cb)

Pb x (Ca Cf)

and

Pf = Pa + Pb

115

This however was calculating the actual volumes

We can reduce this formula (which just uses simple ratios) and parts makes it a lot
simpler
and we can now also try and forget the more complicated Algebra
as it becomes
Pa = Cf Cb
Pb = Ca Fc
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
Pb = Parts of B by volume
Pf = Final Volume ( = Pa + Pb) (note the use of parts rather than Va and Vb
Now using our first example of 100mls of 30% and 50mls of 20% - we need to
calculate the final percentage strength Cf
Substituting in the formulae given, we get (and remember the volumes are being
used as RATIOS to each other)
Pa = Cf - Cb
Pb = Ca - Cf

=
=

Pa = Cf - 20
Pb = 30 - Cf

A
B

This gives two simple algebraic equations

Using the example, now we know that PA = 100 and Pb = 50 (as a ratio)
So Pa = 2Pb
So we can rewrite the equations :Pa = Cf 20
2Pb = (30 Cf) x 2 = 60 2Fc

(I am multiplying equation B from above by 2)

But these two equations are equal because 2Pb = Pa

Cf- 20 = 60 2Cf
Rearranging
3Cf = 60 + 20
Cf = 80/3 = 26.6666%
Now as the extreme limits of any concentration are 0% and 100%, you should see that
you can use this to calculate any concentrating process or diluting process.
*************************************

116

Example 1
e.g. How do you make a 10% solution into a 5% by adding water.
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
Pb = Parts of B by volume

= 5%
= 10%
= 0%
= Pa
=Pb (unknown)

Pa = 10 5 = 5
Pb = 5 0 = 5
i.e. you use the same volume of 10% solution as pure water.
Example 2
How do you make a 30gms of 3% ointment up to 10% using pure drug ?
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
Pb = Parts of B by volume

= 10%
= 100%
= 3%
= Pa (unknown)
= 30 (gms)

Pa = 10 3 = 7
Pb = 100 10 = 90
Total parts = 97
But Pb = 90 parts = 30gms
Therefore 1 part = 30/90gms = 3/9 gms = 0.333
So 7parts = 3/9 x 7 = 2.333gms
So you need to add 2.33gms of pure drug to 30gms of 3% ointment to make it a 10%
ointment
Check 30% of 3% ointment contains 3/100 x 30gms Drug = 0.9gms
Adding 2.331gms drug will give 2.331 + 0.9gms = 3.2333gms drug
And the total weight of ointment when mixed will be 30+3.2333gms = 33.221gms
10% of 33.221 = 3.321gms
(Note when recurring decimals occur the figure can never be exactly right.).

117

Example 3
How much 10% ointment do you need to add to 30gms of 3% Ointment to make it
6%
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
Pb = Parts of B by volume
weight

= 6%
= 10%
= 3%
= Pa (unknown)
= 30 (gms) by

Pa = 6-3 = 3
Pb = 10 - 6 = 4
Now 4 parts = 30gms so 1 part = 30/4 = 7.5gms
Therefore
3 parts = 22.5gms
so you would need to add 22.5gms of 10% Ointment to 30gms of 3% Ointment to
make a 6% Ointment
Quick Check
22.5 + 30gms = 52.5gms total.
52.5gms of 6% Ointment contain 6 x 62.5/100gms = 3.125gms Drug
22.5gms 10% Ointment contain

10 x 40/100gms = 2.25gms Drug

30gms of 3% Ointment contain 3 x 30/100 = 0.9gms Drug

Total amount of drug in 52.5gms is 3.125gms

Example 4
How much water do you need to add to 500mls of 80% to make it 35%
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
volume)
Pb = Parts of B by volume
118

= 35%
= 80%
= 0%
= 500mls (by
= Pb

(unknown)

Pa = 35 0 = 35
Pb = 80 - 35 = 45
Total Parts = 80 but 35 parts = 500mls
So 1 part = 500 / 35
And 45 parts = 500 x 45 / 35 = = 500 x 9 / 7 = 4,500/7 = 643mls (approx)
Quick check
So you would need to add 643mls water
This would give a total volume of 643 + 500mls = 1143mls
1143mls of 35% contain 35 x 1143/100gms = 4000.5gms (approx)
500mls of 80% contain 500 x 80/100 = 400gms
NOTE in this example Pa = 35 and Pb = 45
As this is a calculation on ratios, you could divide both numbers by 5 to give
Pa = 7 and Pb = 9
The ratio is the same and gives a total number of parts equal to 16
1 part would equal 500/16
7 parts would equal 500mls and 1 part would equal 500/7mls
9 parts would equal (500 x 9)/7 = 643mls
Try and see that (500 x 7)/ 9
is exactly the same calculation as (500 x 35)/45
and that both equal 643
Example 5
You start with a 30% solution and manufacture 2 litres of a 6% Solution using a 1%
solution to dilute the 30% solution. How much of each concentration was used ?
Cf = Final Concentration
Ca = Concentration of Stronger Solution
Cb = Concentration of weaker solution
Pa = Parts of A (by Volume but change to weight if Ca = 100%)
Pb = Parts of B by volume
Pf = Parts of final solution by volume

= 6%
= 30%
= 1%
= Pa (unknown)
= Pb (unknown)
= 2 Litres

This calculation is a little more tricky as you only know the final volume and need to
calculate the value of the two constituent volumes

119

Pa = 6 - 1 = 5
Pb = 30 6 = 24
Pa + Pb = 2000mls

(2 Litres)

and

(the final volume)

Total Parts = 24 + 5 = 29 parts

29 parts = 2000mls
So 1 part = 2000/29 = 69mls (approx)
So you need
5 parts of 30% solution = 69 x 5mls = 345mls
And
24 parts of 1% solution = 69 x 24 = 1656mls
1656 + 345mls = 2001mls

Check
2000mls of 6% contains 2000 x (6/100)gms = 120gms
345mls of 30% contains 345 x (35/ 100)gms = 120.75gms
These small discrepancies should not be a problem in the exam as the difference
between individual answers is around 10% or more.

120

Here is a recent example of a problem where alligation can be used. Its a problem
currently on a poster for a new show by Dara OBriain (March 2012)
Two trains are travelling towards each other on the same line. One is travelling at 75
MPH and one is travelling at 100MPH. They are 525 miles apart. How long will it be
before they crash ?
If you think about it, this is very like alligation.
Lets first look at this as a simple algebraic calculation.
In any unit of time ( lets use 1 hour)
Train A will move 100 miles
and
Train B will move 75 miles
So in 1 hour the trains will travel a total of 100 + 75 miles = 175 miles
This could be written algebraically as follows
Let N = the Unit of time and let
A = miles travelled by A in that time
And B = miles travelled by B in that time
Then for any number of miles to be travelled (Lets call this C) the time taken will be
T = C/ N(A + B) (remember T is in units of N)
Using the above example this becomes (using N = 1 hour)
T

= 525 / (100 + 75)

= 525 / 175
=3
So the time when the two trains will meet will be 3 hours.
Using Alligation and comparing this with mixing solutions :For each unit of time (volume) one train (solution) adds 100 parts and the other adds
75 parts. When they crash (get mixed up) there will be a total of 525 miles (or bits,
gms etc of solute)
So using the formulas
Pa = Fc Bc gives 100p = 525 Bc
- Eq 1
4p = 525 - Bc
And
Pb = Ac Fc gives 75p = Ac 525
- Eq 2
3p = Ac - 525
I have added a small p to show they are parts and we know that Pa + Pb = 525 parts
In fact by writing this down you should now see that the parts ratio is 3 parts of B to
4 parts of A (75:100)
So the total number of parts = 7 and their value is 525 miles (bits of solute)
Divide 525 by 7 = 75 miles (or bits of solute)
Pa = 4 parts = 75 x 4 = 300 miles
Pb = 3 parts = 75 x 3 = 225 miles
300 + 225 miles = 525 miles.

121

So the train travelling at 100 miles an hour will travel 300 miles (3 hours)
And the train travelling at 75 miles an hour will travel 225 miles (3 hours)
If you cannot see the relationship immediately, you know that
Pa + Pb = 3p + 4p = 525 miles (the distance between the trains)
and if 7p = 525 then p = 525/7 = 75 miles
Substituting the value of P in the equations
4 x 75 = 525 Bc so the distance B travels (or solution B ontributes) =
Bc = 525 300 = 225 miles (or bits of solute)
And
3 x 75 = Ac 525
Ac =525-225 = 300 miles (or bits of solute)
Alternatively think about this problem in relation to time.
Every hour Train A travels 100 miles
and Train B travels 75 miles.
So each hour a total of 175 miles is travelled
The distance they are apart is 525 miles.
So they will meet at 525/175 hours
= 3 hours.
In 3 hours train A travels 3 x 100 miles= 300 miles
And train B travels 3 x 75 miles =225 miles
You can do this using algebra
Train A travels a distance of A miles in 1 hour.
100
Train B travels a distance of B miles in 1 hour
75
Total distance travelled in 1 hour = A + B
175
Distance apart = C
525
Time taken to meet and crash = C/(A + B )
525/175
Distance travelled by A = (C/(A+B)) x A
(525/175) x 100 =
300
Distance travelled by B = (C/(A+B)) x B
(525/175) x 75 =
225
And C = (C/(A+B)) x A) + ((C/A+B)) x B)
((525/175) x 100) + ((525/175) x
75) =525
Now you can substitute any speeds and any distance
(You cannot use such a simple starting formula in alligation as we normally deal with
percentage concentrations) but these are roughly the formulas from which the simple
allegation equations are derived.)

122

This train calculation can be re-written in several different ways and the following
can be used to see how the same methods can be used for what appear to be very
dissimilar problems. Compare examples 2 and 3 with the original.
1) Two trains are travelling towards each other on the same line. One is travelling
at 75 MPH and one is travelling at 100MPH. They are 525 miles apart. How
long will it be before they crash ?
2) Two solutions are to be mixed in equal proportions.
Solution A contains 100gms of drug A in each litre
Solution B contains 75 gms of drug B in each Litre
How many litres of each need to be used to produce a solution that contains
525 gms of Drug A
This gives an answer of
And

3 litres of A = 300 gms

3 litres of A = 225 gms
= 525gms

3) An orthopaedic hospital has two wards. There are the same number of patients
on each ward.
On Ward A all the patients still have all four limbs
On Ward B all the patients have had one limb removed.
There is a fire and all the patients are evacuated and then counted. The fire
officer is asked to count the patients, but instead of counting the patients, by
mistake counts all the limbs. There are 525 limbs in total and all the patients
are rescued. How many patients were there on each ward ?
This gives an answer that there are
And

75 patients with 4 limbs = 300 limbs

75 patients with 3 limbs = 225 limbs
= 525 limbs

123

Chloroform and Waters BP

There are many different Concentrated Waters but most are now rarely used.
They are a throwback to the days of extemporaneous dispensing.
Waters were normally stored as Concentrated Waters to reduce space- and the concentrated waters may contain a significant amount of alcohol (around 50%).
The concentration of the water depended on its solubility in water :Name of Water
BP
Chloroform

Strength (ConcenStrength
trated)
As water
10%
0.25%

Peppermint

2.0%

Anise

2.0%

Camphor
Cinnamon

4.0%
2.0%

0.025%

Comment
BP 1959
Care when diluting
easily separates
BP 1973
Concentrate is 60%
alcohol
Concentrate contains 70% alcohol

0.05%
0.025%

Concentrate is 60%
alcohol
Despite the problems with Peppermint Water, it is still very difficult to find any details of actual concentration anywhere of Concentrated Waters and the safety sheet for
peppermint water focuses on the alcohol as a risk
There is no readily available list of the strengths of B.P. Waters
Concentrated Chloroform Water is sometimes called Chloroform Water Concentrate.
Converting a concentrated water to standard strength water requires a 1 in 40 dilution.
Concentrated Waters and their strengths are not mentioned in the BNF or MEP.
Any pre-reg exam questions based on their percentage strength is extremely rare as
there is the need to provide the strength in the actual question. The exception is Chloroform Water which is still in common use and it is expected that the strength is
known.
When diluted to standard or single strength they have various properties - flavouring /
preservative etc. and the concentrated form is a way of storing economically and
providing ready access to a method of preparing the single strength in a preparation.
Some are known as Aromatic Waters.
The common theme is that all Concentrated Waters BP are 40 times as strong as the
single strength water BP.
So to dilute a Concentrated Water to a single strength requires a 1 in 40 dilution
To dilute a double strength water to a single strength water requires a 1 in 2 dilution
To dilute a concentrated water to a double strength water requires a 1 in 20 dilution

124

This latter dilution is important and a common component of questions especially

where this involves preparing certain extemporaneous medications.
The question often requires the person answering it to distinguish between using
concentrated waters and double strength waters.
Extemporaneus preparations are often made using double strength waters so that
when made up to a final volume, the overall strength equals a single strength water.
E.g.
If making 300mls of an extemporaneous preparation, how much
1) Double strength water Chloroform Water is needed
2) Concentrated Chloroform Water is needed
1) = 150mls
2) = 1/40 of 300mls = 7.5mls

125

Dilutions (Serial)
Problems involving serial dilutions usually involve :a) A Stock Solution
- the most concentrated
b) An intermediary solution
- usually being supplied to the patient
c) A Final Solution
- prepared by the patient
These are not all inclusive and there are different versions.
A typical question asks
A Patient is to use a solution of Concentration C
If Made by diluting an intermediary solution(B) X times
How much of solution A of concentration Y is needed to supply sufficient of B for Z
days (or for Z doses)
These appear complicated but can often be answered very simply as most of the
values are known
Here is the same problem but with different values to be calculated.
Example 1
A Patient is to use 2 litres of a solution of Concentration 1 in 20,000 of drug X once a
day
This is to be made by diluting an intermediary solution(B) 50 times
How much of solution A of concentration 30% is needed to supply sufficient of B for
20 days.
Solution
Each 2 litres of C will be made from

2000/50 mls of B
= 40mls
The concentration of B will be
= 1 in (20,000/50) = 1 in 400
Convert this to percentage
= 1 in 400
= 0.5 in 200
= 0.25 in 100 = 025%
So solution B is 0.5% and we need 40mls a day
= 40 x 20mls in total
= 800mls
So we need 800mls of 0.25% solution as solution B
The concentration of A is 30%
So the dilution to make 0.25%

= 30/0.25
= 120
So to convert A to B we need to dilute 1 in 120
As we need 800mls of B this would equal
800/120 mls A
= 6.66mls

126

A Patient is to use 2 litres of a solution of Concentration X of drug once a day for 2

weeks.
This is to be made by diluting an intermediary solution(B) 150 times
Solution B is made by diluting Solution A 400 times
Solution A has a concentration of 12%
What is the concentration that the patient will use and how much of Solution B is
needed.
Solution
Solution B is diluted 150 times to make solution C
So every 2 litres of C is made from

2000/150mls B
= 13.33mls
For 14 days supply we would need
14 x 13.33mls
= 186.6mls
(Note this may be rounded to 200mls in a question)
What is the concentration of C
A is 12% and is diluted 400 times to make B
So concentration of B

= 12/400
= 0.03%

Solution C is made by diluting B 150 times

So concentration of C

=0.03/150
= 0.002%

You could use parts for the concentration if the answer is given in parts
What is the concentration of C in parts
A is 12%
and is diluted 400 times to make B
So concentration of B

and this is 12 in 100

= 12/400 in 100
= 0.03 in 100
= 3 in 10,000

Solution C is made by diluting B 150 times

So concentration of C

Check 1 in 2,000,000 = 0.002%

127

= 3/150 in 10,000
= 30/150 in 100,000
= 300/150 in 1,000,000
= 2 in 1,000,000
= 1 in 500,000

Dilution in Parts
Remember this

1% = 1 in 100 = 10mg in 1ml

This has a neat combination of 3 different ways of expressing strength

1 in 100 = 1%
10mg in 1ml

1 in 10000 = 0.1%
1mg in 1ml

Ration (in)
1 in 2
1 in 3
1 in 4
1 in 5
1 in 8
1 in 10
1 in 40
1 in 100
1 in 1000
1 in 8000
1 in 100000000

Ratio (to)
1: 1
1:2
1:3
1:4
1:7
1:9
1:39
1:99
1:999
1:7999
1:999999

1 in 1000000 = 0.001%
1 microgram in 1ml
Percentage
50%
33.33%
25%
20%
12.5%
10%
2.5%
1%
0.1%
0.0125%
0.001%

Strength
500mg in 1ml
333.3mg in 1ml
250mg in 1ml
200mg in 1ml
125mg in 1ml
100mg in 1ml
25mg in 1ml
10mg in 1ml
1mg in 1ml
0.125mg in 1ml
1mcg in 1ml

Note that the same values recur and only the zeros and decimal points vary.
Note 1 in 40
1 in 800
1 in 8 million

is weaker than 1 in 10
is weaker than 1 in 100
is weaker than 1 in 1 million

128

DISPLACEMENT VALUES
Displacement values are used where a known weight is to be added to a liquid (or solid) to arrive at a final fixed 'volume'.
I.e. the calculation involves a weight in volume.
Displacement values are not needed for w/w calculations.
Most suppository moulds are made to contain a certain known weight of a base.
To add a known weight of drug it is necessary to use the final 'volume' of the mould to
calculate a formula as the moulds are filled to completion, and it is the final fixed
volume that is used as the final measure.
However it is the weight of the base that occupies that final volume that is used in calculations that involve adding drugs by weight to that final volume.
Think of it this way.
When Archimedes stepped into a full bath of water and it overflowed - he shouted
Eureka !
Well - how much water would he have needed to remove so that when he got in the
bath, it was full to the brim but no water was spilt ?
( luckily Archimedes didn't dissolve in the water !).
The answer is a volume of water equal to the volume of Archimedes - but this water
would have a different weight to Archimedes.
It is therefore highly unusual (almost impossible) to find suppository strengths specified by percentage strength as it would therefore also be necessary to know the actual weight of the final suppository and that percentage would have to equal a fixed dose
of the drug.
Try thinking about what would be the real meaning of the following :A suppository contains 10% Paracetamol (or a tablet contains 10% paracetamol)
compared with
A suppository contains 500mg Paracetamol (or a tablet contains 500mg Paracetamol)
A 500mg Suppository of Paracetamol contains 500mg Paracetamol, no more , no less
(the suppository may weigh between 2 and 4gms or more or some unspecified weight
and its size is possibly of more importance !).
A 10% Suppository of Paracetamol contains how much ??
(a suppository weighing 2gms would contain 200mg and one of 4gms , 400mg )
A 50% Paracetamol suppository does not contain 500mg unless its total weight is exactly 1gm

129

E.g. How much water (by weight) is to be added to 10gms Sugar , 20 gms Sugar or
30gms of sugar to ensure a final volume of 40mls.
As sugar has a different density to water, the answer is NOT 30, 20 or 10mls but a
volume based on the density of sugar in relation to the density of water.
I.e. The displacement value is a relationship between the volumes occupied by the
same weight of two different materials.
The displacement value for any single material will vary depending on what is going
to be used as the base solvent or diluent.
(Many books give a single displacement value using Theobroma oil as the standard
base and assume that displacement value is the same for all other bases)
e.g
The displacement value of Drug X in Theo4gms Drug X displace 1gm Theobroma oil is 4
broma oil
The displacement value of Drug X in Witepsol 3gms Drug X displace 1gm Witepsol
is 3
As the diluent or base is usually water or an organic material as in suppositories, displacement values are often greater than 1
E.g. - The displacement Value of Drug A in Witepsol (a suppository base) is 5. This
means 5gms drug A displace 1gm Witepsol
So to make 1 x '5gm Suppository' of Drug A in Witepsol would require 5gms Drug A
and 4gms Witepsol.
Remember that the '5gm Suppository' refers to a fixed volume suppository mould.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Simple calculation
Answer
Drug A has a displacement value of 5 in
Witepsol
It is intended to make 20 x 4gm suppositories
each containing 1gm drug A
What quantities of each will be required.
remember the 4gm relates to a Suppository
Mould

Question :- What will each suppository

weigh

130

Total weight of suppository base

would be 20 x 4gms = 80gms
However we will be adding 20
x1gm Drug A = 20gms
Displacement value is 5
so 20gms drug A will displace
20/5gms Witepsol = 4gms
so quantities will be
20gms drug A and (80-4) = 76gms
witepsol
Answer
Each suppository will weigh
(76 +20)/20gms
= 96/20gms
= 4.8gms

An alternative way of calculating

this is 4 + 1 - (1/5)
(Mould weight + Weight of drug weight of base displaced)
When making suppositories and / or powders, it is good practice to make a slight excess to ensure a full batch can actually be made.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Example
Answer
A drug with a displacement value of 0.5 in
Theobroma is required in suppository form.
200mg suppositories are required and a 2gm
mould is available.
What are the quantities to be used to manufacture a batch of 24.
What will each suppository weigh ?

24 x 2gm suppositories = 48gms

base
24 x 200mg = 4.8gms drug
4.8gms base displace (4.8/0.5) gms
theobroma = 9.6gms
So weight of ingredients =
4.8gms drug A + (48-9.6) =
38.4gms Theobroma
each suppository will weigh (4.8 +
38.4)/24gms
= 43.2 / 24gms = 1.8gms

Here are the displacement values for some drugs in Cocoa Butter (Theobroma
Oil) (an old suppository base)
Aspirin

1.1

Alum

2.0

Phenol

1.0

Aminophylline

1.5

Quinine Hydrochloride

1.0

Cocaine Hydrochloride

1.5

Zinc Oxide

5.0

Iodoform

4.0

Zinc Sulphate

2.0

Morphine Hydrochloride

1.5

Displacement values are also important in the manufacture of some solid dose tablets
where the difference in density between a drug and Lactose (The vehicle it usually
replaces) can be important.
It is imperative that both solute and solvent are named when using displacement
values or displacement volumes. some texts ((introduction to Pharmaceutical
calculations (pharmaceutical press 1st edition) fail to draw attention to this.

131

An alternative method sometimes used is to give displacement volumes. Again it is

important to remember that the displacement volume will be specific for a pair of
named solutes and solvents.

Example :The displacement volume for Diamorphine in water is

0.12mls per 10mg

This means that 10mg Diamorphine will displace

0.12mls water.

100mg Diamorphine will displace

=1.2mls water

0.12 x (100/10) mls

1gm (1000mg) Diamorphine will therefore displace

12 mls water

Therefore the displacement value for Diamorphine would be

1/12 or 0.0833

1gm Diamorphine would therefore displace 1/0.0883mls water

= 12 mls

What this means is that 1gm of Diamorphine has the same volume as 12mls of water
A displacement value greater than 1 indicates that a material is more dense than the
solvent in which it will be mixed (and thus displace).
A displacement value less than 1 indicates that a material is less dense than the
solvent in which it will be mixed (and thus displace).
Keep in mind that what you are being asked to calculate with displacement values
relates to equal volumes rather than equal weights.
Many calculations involving displacement values will also require additional
suppositories to be made (or included in the calculation). E.g. A prescription will be
for 20 suppositories but you will be asked to calculate the quantities for 24
suppositories (to allow for loss in manufacturing).

132

Molarity and Millimols

A commonly used concentration unit is Molarity.
Molarity is defined as the moles of solute per litre.
A 1 Molar solution contains 1 Mole in 1000mls
Solutions may simply be referred to as Molar solutions
E.g. A 2 Molar solution has a strength of 2 Moles /Litre
A 0.4 Molar solution has a strength of 0.6 Moles / Litre
If a solutions strength is expressed as a molarity, there is no need to specify any
volume.
Compare a 2 Molar Solution and a 2% Solution
Their actual concentration is defined through the terms Molarity and Percentage as
these are terms expressing defined ratios.
Molarity defines the total number of atoms or molecules in every 1000mls
Percentage defines the weight contained in every 100mls
Solutions can also be defined as containing a number of Moles / Volume
e.g. 2 Moles in 600mls.
This is less common than using the former
The second definition can be converted to the first by dividing the number of Moles
or Millimoles of solute by the volume of the solution in millilitres.
e.g. a 2 Mole in 600mls is a 2.0 /0.6 or 3.33 Molar solution
One Mol of any particular element or compound contains 6.02 x 10 23 atoms or
molecules (this is Avogadros number)
and the weight of a Mole is also known as the Relative Molecular Mass
This is normally expressed in grams as the Gram Molecular Weight.
As examples,
One Mole of Hydrogen weighs 1gm.
One Mol of Sodium Chloride weighs 58.5gms
So a molecule of NaCl is 58.5 times heavier than 1 atom of Hydrogen
The symbol used for Moles is the capital letter M.
For example :a 3M Sodium Chloride solution, contains 3 moles of NaCl in every litre of that
solution.
One Mole of any product by definition will contain 1000 millimoles
One Litre contains 1000 millilitres
So a 1M solution contains 1 Mole in 1000mls = 1000 millimols in 1000mls
= 1 millimole in 1 millilitre
So a 3M solution of Sodium Chloride contains 3 millimoles of NaCl in every millilitre
of solution.

133

A Mole of any chemical is its atomic or molecular weight in grams

An alternative, and more correct way of thinking is that Moles (mol) represent
amounts of substances in the unit of Avogadro's number (6.022x10 23) of atoms and
molecules.
Since empirical formulas e.g. Fe 2+ ions and Fe2O3 are used for ionic compounds, a
mole represents Avogadro's number of ions or per formula as written.
A mole of Fe2+ has 6.022x1023 ions.
A mole of Fe2O3 has
1.204x1024
Fe atoms (Avagadros number x 2) and
24
1.8066x10
O atoms (avagadros number x 3),
Which is a total of 3.0x1024 Fe and O atoms combined (Avagadros number x 5)
since in each molecule there are a total of 5 atoms.
The mole is a very important unit for chemical reactions, so is the skill to convert
masses in g to mol.
The number of moles of a substance in a sample is the mass in g divided by the molar
mass. This gives the amount in moles.
Mole = (Mass (g)) / (Molar Mass (g / mol))
(Molar Mass = Gram Atomic weight or Gram Molecular Weight)
density = mass (g) / volume (cm3)
mass
= density (g cm-3) * volume (cm3)
For Monovalent atoms or molecules numerical values of millimoles and
milliequivalents are EQUAL
Millimoles: 1/1000th molecular weight in grams
So if the Weight of 1 Mole of Sodium Chloride
= 58.5gms (23 + 35.5)
The weight of 1millimole
= 58.5mg (53.5gm/1000)
Milliequivalent: This is used to express the concentration of electrolytes in solution
measures the chemical activity of an electrolyte.
A milliequivalent is the weight of an ion in relation to its atomic or molecular weight
that carries a single positive or negative charge i.e. would combine with or replace
one atom of Hydrogen).

134

E.g.
How much Ammonium Chloride must we give a 60Kg patient if the dose is 6
milliequivalents per kg ?
Ammonium Chloride Formula
Molecular wt
Millimole
6 mEq
Amount of NHCl to administer

= (NH Cl)
= 53.5g
= equivalent wt ( as NH and Cl are monovalent )
= 53.5mg = Milliequivalent
= 6 x 53.5mg
= 321 mg
= (Wt in Kg) x 321
= 60 x 321
= 19260mg
= 19.26gms

Simple examples
Gold has an atomic weight of 197. How many moles of gold are present in a mass of
1.0 kg?
Answer 1000/197

= 5.076 moles

A litre of water has a mass of 1.0 kg . The molecular weight of water is 18

(16(O) + 2(H x 2)). How many moles of water are 1.0 kg?
Answer = 1000/18 =55.6 moles
Urea, Formula CH 4N2O (Molecular Weight 54.6) , is used as a fertilizer and also used
as a skin hydrater in creams.
Each year usage amounts to around 1 million tons of urea.
If 1 ton = 983 Kg , how many moles are present is this amount?
Answer
= 983,000 / 54.6 moles / ton
= 18,003 moles per ton
= 18,003 million moles or 18.003 billion moles

135

A slightly more complex problem

Two solutions are mixed: 35mls of 0.284M KCl (Potassium Chloride) and 45mls of
0.196M AlCl3 (Aluminium Chloride).
Assuming that the volumes are additive, what is the molar concentration of Cl - in the
resulting solution?
(Note the above are expressed as Moles of Salt and remember there are three CL - ions
in AlCl3)
a. 0.124M
b. 0.235M
c. 0.382M
d. 0.404M
e. 0.455M
The final concentration in moles will be ((Moles in Potassium Chloride) + (Moles in
Aluminium Chloride) ) / (final volume)
Answer :- (There are much quicker ways of calculating this answer and you need a
calculator !)
How many Moles of Chloride are there from the Potassium Chloride
(35 x 0.284)/ 1000 (Moles in Potassium Chloride)
=0.00994
How many Moles of Chloride are there in the Aluminium Chloride
(45 x 3 x 0.196)/1000 Moles in Aluminium Chloride)
=0.02646
So total Moles = 0.00994 + 0.02646 moles
= 0.0364 Moles
Final volume = 35 + 45mls = 90mls
So the molar concentration = (0.0364/90) x 1000
= 0.404M

136

Using the Molarity Term

Example
A sample of NaCl weighing 5.8gms is placed in a IV Bag and made up to a volume of
500mls with sterile water.
Assuming the molecular weight of Sodium Chloride is 58, calculate the Molarity of
the resulting solution.
Solution
Convert the given grams of solute to moles of solute by dividing by the molecular
weight of NaCl
1 mole NaCl = Molecular mass of NaCl expressed in grams
= 23 (Na) + 35 (Cl) = 58 grams
(Note these may vary in other examples)
Molarity
= 5.8 grams x (1 / 58)
= 0.1 mole NaCl in 500mls
Convert given mls of solution to litres by dividing by 1000:
1 litre
= 1000 ml
500 ml/1000 = 0.500 litres
Apply the definition for Molarity:
Molarity = moles NaCl / volume of the solution in litres
M

= 0.1 mole in 0.500 litres

= 0.2 moles in 1 Litre
= 0.200 Molar NaCl

Example 2
You weigh out 73 grams of KCl (Gm Molecular weight 73gms) and place it in a 250
ml volumetric flask.
You fill the flask up to the designated 250ml mark on the neck.
Determine the Molar concentration of this solution.
Molarity
250mls
M

= 73gms x (1/73)
= 1Mole KCl in 250mls
= 0.25 Litres
(250 / 1000)
= 1 / 0.25
= 4 Molar Potassium Chloride Solution

Alternatively 1 mole in 250mls = 2 moles in 500mls = 4 moles in 1 Litre = 4 Molar

137

Example 3
I have a 5M solution of NaCl, I want to make a 100ml solution of 0.1 NaCl. What
volume of the 5 Molar solution is required ?
The change in Molarity is 5M to 0.1M = 50.1 = 50 times dilution
Therefore the dilution required is 1 in 50
The required final volume is 100mls
To make this will require 1/50 of that volume (as it will be diluted 50 times)
= 100/50
=2mls
So 2mls of 5 molar Sodium Chloride should be diluted to 100mls to produce a 0.1
molar solution.
More complicated examples with Moles
Weight percentage and mole percentage
A chemical formula provides the formula and weight and also accurately represents
the percentages of elements in the compound
If you know the percentage of constituents of a compound, you can derive its formula.
(This is how organic compounds were first analysed)
Percentage based on weights is called weight percentage, and percentage based on the
numbers of atoms or moles is called mole percentage.
Example
What are the weight and mole percentages of S in sulphuric acid?
Molecular weight of Sulphuric Acid H 2SO4= 98
(Oxygen = 16, Hydrogen = 1 Sulphur = 32)
Solution:
There are 32g of S in 98.0 g of Sulphuric Acid.
Thus the Weight percentage = 32/98 = 32.7%
From the formula, there is one S atom among 7 atoms in Sulphuric Acid -H 2SO4
Mole percentage = 1/7 = 14.3%

138

Example 2
What are the weight and mole percentages of C, H, N, and O for caffeine,
Formula :- C8H10N4O2? (C=12, H=2, N= 14,O = 16)
Molecular Weight

= (12 x 8) x (10 x 1) x (14 x 4) x (16 x 2)

= 96+10+56+32
= 194
Weight contributed bt Carbon = 12 x 8 = 96 etc..
Weight percentage for Carbon = 96 / 194 = 49%,
for Hydrogen
= 10/194 = 5% ,
for Nitrogen
= 56/194 = 29%
and Oxygen
= 32/194 = 16.5%
Mole percentage for :Carbon
= 8/24 = 33%,
Hydrogen = 10/24 = 42%,
Nitrogen
= 4/24 = 16.7%,
Oxygen
= 2/24 = 8.3%
Example 3
A compound is calculated to have an empirical formula of CH and it has a molecular
weight of 78 g/mol.
What is likely to be the molecular formula?
Solution:
The formula weight of CH is 13.0. (C= 12 H = 1)
Since 78/13 = 6, this suggests there are 6 units of CH per molecule
The molecular formula is C6H6,
This is the formula for benzene.
(Note an empirical formula only gives the ratio of ions. For the correct molecular
formula, the molecular weight must be known and for organic compounds a significant
amount of additional data would be required).

139

More On Molarity
How is the molarity for a solution computed from grams of solute and mls of solvent?
Example
How can I find the molarity of a solution that contains 1.80 g of glucose (MWt 180)
in 10.0 mls of water?
Solution
Calculate the number of moles of solute (Glucose).
In this problem, it's 1.8g / 180.0 g
= 0.0100 mol glucose.
Calculate the number of litres of solvent

= 10 ml / 1000 ml
= 0.0100 litres water.

Divide moles of solute by Litres of solvent.

This solution has a molarity of 0.0100 mol glucose / 0.0100 litres water
= 1.00 mol glucose / litre water.
The concentration as 1.00 M glucose on the label.
--------------------------------

140

Do not confuse Molarity with Molality

Molarity is the concentration in 1 Litre of Solvent
Molality is the concentration in 1Kg Solvent

(Weight in Volume).
(Weight in Weight)

At 4 centigrade, for any particular chemical in water molarity and molality are equal
(at 4 centigrade, 1 Litre water weighs 1Kg)
To convert molarity into molality.
If the solution is very dilute, molality and molarity will be about the same, because 1
Litre of a dilute solution will still weigh about 1 kg.
In concentrated solutions, molality and molarity are NOT equal, and it is necessary to
know the density (or specific gravity) of the solution to convert one into the other.
For example, to find the molality of a 3.00 M glucose solution with a density of 1.02
g/ml, follow this strategy:
Calculate the number of moles of solute.

It's 3.00 mol glucose in 1 L of solution.

Calculate the number of kilograms of solvent.

Find this as the difference between the mass of the solution and the mass of the solute.
The total mass of the solution is 1000 x 1.02 = 1.02 kg.
So 1.02Kg of solution contains 3.00mmols of Glucose.
So 1Kg of the solution contains (3.00/1.02) Moles
= 2.94M = 2.94 Molality
This also suggests that 3Moles of glucose by weight weigh 20gms more than an
equivalent volume of water.

141

Millimoles and Milliequivalents

Most solutes in the body are not measured in grams and moles, but milligrams and
millimoles instead.
So we can use the term millimols and milliequivalent when discussing such
substances.
Here are some things to keep in mind when converting to milliequivalents:
1millimol

= 1/1000 mole = 10 -3 moles

1 meq

= 1/1000 eq = 10-3 eq

For monovalent ions, 1 meq = 1 mmol

For divalent ions, 1 meq

= 0.5 mmol

For trivalent ions, 1 meq

= 0.333 mmol ( = means approximately)

Examples
How many equivalents (mEq) are present in 80 grams of calcium (molecular weight =
40 g)?
Answer = 4 (80/2 - see above)
How many equivalents of sodium are present in 116 g of NaCl (molecular weight of
Na = 23; molecular weight of Cl = 35)?
Answer = 116 / 58 = 2eq
How many millimoles of Mg +2 would be present in a solution containing 0.8
milliequivalents?
Answer
0.8 /2 = 0.4 mmols (as the valency = 2 and mEq / valency = mmols)
How many milliequivalents of P -3 are present in a solution containing 6 millimoles?
Answer
= 6 x 3 = 18 mEq (As the valency = 3 and mEq = mmols x valency)

142

Another Example
How many equivalents of Sodium are in a given volume of saline solution ?
If a patient is given 200 ml of physiological saline (0.9 grams of sodium chloride dissolved in 100 ml of solution), how many equivalents of Sodium did the patient receive?
Sodium has an atomic weight of 23

and a valency of 1.

Chloride (Chlorine) has an atomic weight of 35.5

and a valency of 1

If there are 0.9 gm of NaCl in 100 mL, there are

1.8 gms in 200 ml?

So how many moles of NaCl is that, if one mole of NaCl weighs 58.5 g?
= 1.8 / 58.5 moles
= 0.0307
(0.3=031 to two significant figures or 3 decimal places)
So how many equivalents of Na -if one mole of NaCl contains one mole of Na ?
Sodium has a valency of 1 so 1 mole = 1 equivalent (Eq)
The answer to the problem is 0.031 Eq.
Some Examples of Atomic and Equivalent Weights and mmols and mEq
Element or Molecule
Hydrogen
Chlorine
Sodium
Iron (as Ferrous)
Iron (As Ferric)
Calcium
Calcium Chloride
CaCl2
Aluminium
Sulphate
Aluminium Sulphate
Al 2 (SO4)3
Sodium Bicarbonate

Atomic / Molecular
weight
1
35.5
23
55.8
55.8
40
111
27
96
335
84

Valency

Equivalent Weight

Mmols and MmEq

1
1
1
2
3
2
Ca = 2
Cl = 1
3
2
Al = 3
SO4 = 2
1

1
35.5
23
27.9
18.6
20
55.5

1mmol = 1mEq
1mmol = 1mEq
1mmol = 1 mEq
1mmol = 2mEq
1mmol = 2 mEq
1mmol = 2 mEq
1mmol = 2 mEq Ca
1mmol = 2 mEq Cl
1mmol = 3 MEq
1mmol = 2 mEq
1mmol = 6 mEq Al
1mmol = 6 mEq SO 4
1mmol = 1 mEq

9
55.8
84

Note that for some atoms or molecules a milliequivalent appears equal one atom or
molecule
While for others, a milliequivalent appears less than one atom or molecule.
Remember that these are equivalent weights.
A milliequivalent is equal to the amount of that element or molecule that will replace
or combine with one equivalent weight of Hydrogen.
A Normal solution contains the Gram equivalent weight in 1 Litre . so 1ml of any
Normal solution is equivalent to 1ml of any other Normal solution.

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Definitions of Equivalent Weight - All are equivalent

1) The amount of a substance that combines with or displaces 8.0 g of oxygen (or
1.008 g of hydrogen), usually expressed in grams; for acid/base reactions, one
equivalent donates or receives a mole of protons, and the equivalent weight is
the ratio of the molecular weight to the number of protons involved in the
reaction. For redox reactions, one equivalent donates or receives a mole of
electrons, and the equivalent weight is the ratio of the molecular weight to the
number of electrons involved in the reaction.
2) The weight in grams of an element, compound or ion which would react with
or replace 1 gram of hydrogen; the molecular weight in grams divided by the
valence or valency.
3) Equivalent: the atomic weight of an element that has the same combining
capacity as a given weight of another element; the standard is 8 for oxygen
The equivalent (Eq or eq) is a reasonably common measurement unit used in
chemistry and the biological sciences. It is a measure of a substance's ability to
combine with other substances. It is frequently used in the context of
normality.
4) Molar mass divided by equivalents per mole. Used to determine the normality
of solutions.
5) The atomic or formula weight of an element or ion divided by its valence or
valency. Elements or ions entering into combination always do so in quantities
proportional to their equivalent weights. In oxidation-reduction reactions the
equivalent weight of the reacting substance is dependent upon the change in
oxidation number of the particular substances.
6) By definition one equivalent (or equivalent weight) of a substance is the
amount of that substance which supplies or consumes one mol of reactive
species.
In order to determine the equivalent weight of a substance you must know
something about the reaction but the reaction does not have to be balanced.
Equivalents can help in the analysis of a substance when the balanced reaction
is not known or cannot be written for whatever reason; because one equivalent
always reacts with one equivalent.
7) The atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a
given weight of another element; the standard is 8 for oxygen
8) A Molar Solution contains the gram molecular weight of a chemical in 1 Litre
of Solution. A Normal Solution contains the gram equivalent weight in 1 litre
of solution.

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