APEC Inc

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Module 1 :)
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Revision Questions '9n -~ .
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Phannaceutical Calclllitio11S} . , ' ;· :t • .;

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A Bridging Course for Overseas Qualified Ph2.rmacists

"

This manual contains the text of the Revjsion Test Questions wiiluri the.··· i\,'. · 0

Computer Based Program "APEC Module 1: Phannaceutjcal ·~alculatio~sn: :: '.:.

. . :· ·:-. :if . .~·: :·· .·· ..:. .;--:

Prepared by the Victorian College of Phannacy for the AustralialPharma~y ··.

· Exa1~ining Council Incorporated '. :· '
Pharmaceutical Calc11/ations-Rcvisio11 Q11cstio11s Contents

Module 1: Phannaceutical Calculations - Revision Questions

About This Module

This Module was developed by the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University in
conjunction with the Australian Pharmacy Examination Council Incorporated (APEC Inc.).

rt was funded by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) through the
Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETY A) to serve as a
bridging course for the APEC Stage 1 Examination.

Candidates should consult the current Pharmacy Candidates' Information Handbook for
detailed information relating to the requirements and procedures for this Examination.

This }.fodule is the property of APEC Inc. and cannot be used or copied without their
authorisation.
APECinc. /
c/o NOO,,S-R APEC
GPO B'6x l 407 PO Box 269
_rERRA ACT 260 I Civic Square ACT 2608
6\ustralia

Revision questions were prepared by:

Arthur Pappas Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice

Louis Roller Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice

(Production of Manual by Arthur Pappas • December J 996)

II
Pharmaceutical Calc11/ations-Revisio11 Q11estions Contents

INDEX
Pages

I. Units and Conversions 1. 1 - 1.20

2. Percentages and Conversions 2.1 - 2.29

3. Density and Specific Gravity 3.1-3.18

4. l\tlanipulating Pharmaceutical Formulations 4.1-4.15

5. \Veighing and .Measuring 5.1-5.12

6. Dilution of Liquid Formulations 6.1 - 6.23

7. Dilution of SoJid/Semi Solid Formulations 7.1-7.24

8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems 8.1 - 8.20

9. lVIillimoles, 1Vlilliequiv~1lents.and l\tlilliosmoles 9.1-9.25

10. Isosmotic .rnd Isotonic Solutions 10.1-10.15

] 1. Buffer Solutions 11.1-11.12

12. Drug Stability 12.1 - 12.15

13. IVIolccular Manipulations 13.1-13.13

14. Posology 14.1 - 14.30

This manual contains:

271 Revision Questions with Worked Answers

Tutorials with Worked Examples and Quiz Questions are found in

the foflowin_g manual:

"Tutorials on Performing Plrnrnrncenlicnl Caknlntions"

Ill
Phar111ace11/ica/ Ca/c11/atio11s-Revision Q11eslicms I. Units and Conversions

1.1 Express a 20 ml dose of Diphenhydramine Elixir in units of litre (L)

,.
l:
a) 0.0002 L
b)
9)
0.002 L
0.02 L f..
d) 0.2 L
e) none of the above
f:.:
I. 0 • ~~ ·- ./,:_
'
1;.,, Q == r
. I..
?o r•J -. lo:<lo--1 l - o.:12.

X
r
,.
. ...}

. \
r
' .
'

c)
. ,

Remember 1000 ml = 1 L

Therefore: 20 ml : x L ( x is the proportionate amount expresses in l)

Simple cross multiplication:

X = 20 ml X 1 L
------------·- = 0.02 L (of Diphenhydramine Elixir)
1 000 mL ~

{Note: units of ml cancel on the numerator and denominator)

I.I
 , , ." } \ ·1.1\oi\t':.lt<) nu\t.\-r.;1\-l.ttOi\muJ\r() \r,3\H1,:,r,1tnm\'\
'. 2 Express 250 mcg of Oigcxin in units of mil!iurams tmo) .

.(J?,!J ~;f £ rli (di) ;::bn,Joq ~.S 81S 91SflT e.r

a) 0.025mg ftsrtl ,ii 2;f ~fW'l'l won .,:'1i 05r !fiRi9W O£mDw.; ,t
b) 0.25 mg
c) 2.5 mg
d) 0.0025 mg
e) 25 mg t ,,.,
~;;et; (·:,
{ ir.~
,,
" } ~t~'l'

b) 1 mg : 1000 n,cg

X mg : 250 mcg

Therefore x = 0.25 mg (answer)

Q.>i ~ ~ dU)St •v.tqit!um aa01J
e.it ,.t't "' ... ···--~--~~.... "" x
di OS:.~
1.2
Pharmaceutical Calc11/alio11s-l?e1,isio11 Q11cslio11s

1.3 There are 2.20 pounds (lb) in a kilogram (kg).

If a woman weighs 160 lb. how many kg is that?

a) 9.1
b) 18.2
c) 36.4
e)) 72.7
e) 145.5

d)
I know what you are thinking !

Pounds went out a long time ago, so ·why bring it in now 7

Well, pounds are still being used as units of weight in American texts and
also people often think of in pounds when they are talking about certJin things
(Eg: "She had a Bib baby boy")

So:
2.20 lb 1 kg

16O1b x

Cross multiply: 160 lb x 1 Kg

x = ------------------ = 72. 7 kg
2.20 lb
 I. U11its tmd Conwrslons

One .C..spirin tablet contains 500 mq nf druo. Hov; many t2.:· ·,;:s :·eed to be crushed to
produce a 200 ml suspension of /\Sf)irin ccntaining 500 rr 'J/10 ;-·:..
dose?

..... -, .
a,' 20
b{ 100
c)
d)
e)
200
225
250 f~-, . ve>,J
O,JJ
/()~

/.
(ij) ~

'1: Ca!cuiate the amount of Aspirin in :2C2 r,-iL of mixture.

:~:ss multiply: x = 500 :ng x 200 mL

----------------·----· = 10,CCO mg= 10 g
10 ml

Step 2. Calculate number of tablets.

sea mg : 1 tablet
10,00Cmg: y tablets y = 10.000mg x 1 tab
-------------------- = 20 tablets (of Asp:r;:-:)
500 mg

1.4
 ·.
·. ,., iind l ·,•:n, ::.'h11,-,

}5
1.:. . orrnula for preparing 30 capsules of Sulindac (anti-inf:=..:.
grams cf drug.
'.'.'hat is the dose of Sulindac in mg per capsule?

'

. .!::' J 200
r'
-j .250 m:;
C 3CO rri-

x mg (amount of S1.:Hndac per capsule)

.\ =
 Pltar111ace11tical Calct1/atiot1s•Revisiot1 Questions J. Units a11d Conversions

1: / A pharmacist on three separate occasions dispenses 260 mg, 420 mg and 630 mg of
/ Morphine HCI powder. How much is remaining if the bottle originally contained 5 grams?

a) 1.87
b) 2.73
c) 1.85
,.d,
\./ 3. 69
e) 4.69

,-
) 0 Ct
,

d)
Simple arithmetic:

Be aware that you must use consistent units:

260 mg
+420 mg
+630 mg

1310 mg= 1.31 g {Morphine HCI dispensed)

Therefore remaining drug = initial • dispensed

= 5.0 g - 1.31 g
= -3.69 g Morphine HCI remaining

------- 1.6
PharmaceulicaJ Calc11latio11s-Revisior1 Questions }. Units and Conversions

How many litre ot Chlorhexldine Gluconate Solution are needed to fill q5 bottles, each
containing 95 ml ot the solution?

a) 4.73
b) 9.27
3.09
Gbe)
6.18 - /
12.35

d)

Simple multiplication:

95 ml 1 bottle

xml 65 bottles

Therefore 95 ml x 65 bottles
x= ------------------------- =6175 ml= 6.175 Lor about 6.18 L
1 bottle
,.

1.9
Phar111ace11tical Cnlc11lnlio11s-Revisio11 Quesliom I. Units and _Co,rversio,rs

7
If you have 20 g of Tetracycline HCI powder, how many 250 mg tablets can you prepare?

a) 40
50
~) 80-----
d) 100
e) 150

---------·-----------------·--------------.........----------------•--""... ______________...________ ___________________

,...

c)

Simple arithmetic:

250 mg Tetracycline HCI 1 tablet

20,000 mg Tetracycline Her x tablets

Therefore: 20,000mg x 1 tablet

x = - - - - -------- = 80 tablets (of 250 mg Tetracycline HCI)
250 mg .

1.10
Pharmaceutical Cnlc11lntions-Revisio11 Questions I. Units nnd Co11versio11s

7
The number of milligrams of Methylene Blue (a dye) contained in 25 ml of a 0.002%
solution would be:

0.2
J~
c)
0.5 ,___
2.0
d) 5.0
e) 50

-?
I oo r,-.p

------::·~~-, .. ~ -- ; ........

-----

f '

b)
1!
Stmpl:e expression of terms:

0.002% is: 0.002 g per 100 ml

· which is: 2 mg per 100 ml

or (divide by 4)

0.5 mg per 25 ml

-
Answer is 0.5 mg (of Methylene Btue)
t

1.11
Pltor111nce11ticnl Cnlc11lntionstRcri.ti()l1 Qursfions J. Unit.t ond Conversions
/

~ What does two thousand nanograms equal to 7

'\
a) 2 grams
b) 2 kilpgrams
.)
"
.x \o
l X \{)
I{ l I i'•./
.
-...
;
'
/~

~.,J"'
...,6))2 micrograms ( .-~ \() ,1(, r,.... -·<
' ....
._,
---
,

d) 2 milligrams '1 X I•)

e) none of the above

I •

c)
You need to commit the following facts to memory:

1 kilogram = 1000 g
1 centigram = 0.01 g
1 milligram= 0.001 g
0
1 microgram = 1 x 10·
9
1 nanogram = 1 x 10· g
6
Therefore 1000 nanograms = 1 x 10- g = 1 microgram

or 2000 nanograms = 2 m1crograms (answer)

1.12
 Pharmaceutical Calculalio11s-Revisio11 Questions J. Units and Conversions

1. ✓ A vial containing 25 ml of an anti-fungal medication is labelled

/ - "2.0 mega units". How many units of the medication are present
6
.. in each ml ? (Note: 1 mega unit = 1 x 10 units)

a) 80
b) 800
c) 1600
d2 8,000
-~JB0,000 .>

e)

The prefix 'mega' {M) represents one million in the metdc system.
ie: 1,000,000 Units

Using simple cross multiplication:

25ml 2,000,000 U
1 ml xU

Therefore x = 80,000 (Units/ml)

l. lJ .
 Pltar111ace11licnl Calculntions-Revi.vion Q11estio11s I. Units and Conversions

A paediatric mixture of Digoxin contains 0.05 mg of Digoxin per ml.

How many micrograms (mcg) are there in 4 ml of the mixture ?

a) 0.20 mcg
/
b) 0.020 mcg
c) 2.0 mcg
d) 0.0020 mcg
e))200 mcg
.::,,.-· .

0>r ,, .
0 . t>
L, . f
"-
./ ..,
I '

--------------------------------------------·---
e)

1 mg 1000 mcg
0.05 mg x ( in a ml of mixture)

Therefore: x = 50 mcg { in a ml of mixture)

Finally in 4 ml of mixture: 50 mcg x 4 = 200 mcg Digoxin (answer)

J.l.j
 Phnrmaceulical Calculalions-Revision Q11eslio11s I. Units and Conversions

v•·_"
~5 The adult intravenous dose for a drug is 4mg/kg given every 4 hours
(six times within a 24 hour period)
· · How many grams will a 175 pound patient receive daily?
( 1 kg = 2.2048 lb)

~aj 0.95 g
Ce,1.90g ✓
c) 0.16 g
d) 19.0 g
e)3.17g

,·i

b)

Firstly, convert pounds to kilograms:

1kg 2.2046 lb
X kg 175 lb
Therefore x = 79.38 kg

Secondly, work out individual dose of drug:

4mg/kg x 79.38 kg = 317.52 mg

Finally, work out how much drug administered in 24 hours:

(this is 6 doses)
le: 317.5 mg x 6 = 1905.12 mg= 1.9 g (answer)

l.}5
Pl,nrmnccuticnf Cnfcufntinns-Revision Q11t!stions , 1. Uniis and Convttrsions

1.16 How many moles of Diclofenac Sodium (an anti-inflammatory drug) are in a 50mg
tablet? (MW Diclofenac Sodium= 318.1)

a}_ 1.57 .
© 1.57 X 10- &_,,,-· -4
3
c) 3.14 X 10·
d} 15.7 X 1 0-3
e) 31.4 X 10·3
\
?
.. ,
l 1 .l c, .,..
i

_...,-- -

b)

Using:

n= m/M

mass must be in grams; 50mg = 50 x10·3 g

n =50 x 10-3 g / 318.1 =1.57 x 10-" moles of Oiclofenac Sodium

1.16
 Phan11aceuticCfl CaJcr,Ja1ior1s-Re,•isio11 Questions J. Units and Conversions

/ <

7 What is the mass in kilograms of 10 moles of Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory drug)?

(MW Ibuprofen = 206.3)

/ a) 10.3
b) 20.6
c) 1.03
d) 4.12
-,~2.06 ....,..,/

i
- '

r
.. ''

-- .. .,. ..... -··-------- ..._.. ______________

..,. ,.._"" ___ ,.. ________ ..., _____.,. ___ ,............___________ _

e)

Using: n = m/M

m=nM
-
m = 10 x 206.3:: 20639 = 2.063 kilograms Ibuprofen

l.17
Plum11ace11tical (."nlc11/ntlo11s-Rcvi:do11 Q11esfin11s I. U1Jits n11d Conversions

1.18 The room temperature during a summer's day in Melbourne is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the temperature in degrees Celsius ?

a) 20
b) 25
(ep 40 ,_>---
d) 30
e) 35

C
;.--
'

c)

Using:

C = (F-32) x 5/9
C =(104-32) x 5/9 =40.0 degrees Celsius.
(Note: This is purely an example. Melbourne summers only occasionany reach this temperature
and the seasons are highly unpredictable. It is wise to bring an umbrella when visiting Melbourne I)

1.18
Pharmac,mlical Calc11lalions-Rev/sio11 Q11es;io11s /. U11ils am/ Conversfrms

1.19 The temperature In a hot-air oven is 100 degrees Celsius.

What is the temperature expressed in units of Kelvin ?

a) 186
b) 212
c) 273
~373 (._,./'
e) 38

---·------·-----...--_...____ _______ _________

.., .,.. , ..,,. _________________ ,., __________________________ ..,. ___ .._____ _

d)

Using:

t degree Kelvin· (K) = 1 degree Celsius {C) + 273

Temperature in Kelvin= Ti::mperature in degrees Celsius+ 273

= 100 + 273 = 373 K (answer)

l.19
Pllnrmnce11tic"l·cnlc1,lntio11.,~Revi.don Q11e.ttio,1:r J. Units and Conversio,is

1.20 How many micrometres in a melre ?

a) 1 X 10,e
b) 1 x 10·5
3
c) 1 X 10_-
d) 1 x 10:,
~e) 1 X 106v---.- j

.I -

---·---------...--------------··------...---------·--------------
e)

1 metre = 100 cm = 1000 miffimetres

1 millimetre= 1000 micrometres
. 9 •
Therefore: 1 melre = 1 x 1o mtcrometres

1.20
Pharmnceulica/ Calc11/alions-Revision Q11eslio11s 2. Percenlages om/ Co11versions

2.1 Please express the concentration term "1 in 2500" of a solution as a • I

l
percentage.
Assume we are ref erring to a solid dissolved in a liquid.

a} 4 % w/w
bJ 0.4 % w/w
~0.04 % w/v J--_/,,..-
d} 0.04 %w/w
e) 0.0004 % v/v

c)

Simple definition of terms:

1 in 2500 means: 1 g in 2500 ml

To express something as a percentage {it involves expression per 100 ml}

Therefore: 1g 2500 ml
xg 100ml

1 g X 100 ml
x= · - - - - = 0.04 g
2500 ml

ie: 0.04 g per 100 ml or 0.04 % (w/v)

2.1
 l'hnrmncc11ticn/ Cnlc11/nlimis-Revi.do11 Q11e.rtio"s

;,·Express "1 in 5,000" of Phenol in water as a percentage.

Gto.02 % w/v~
b) 0.04 % w/v
c) 0.05 w/v
d) 0.2% w/v
e) 0.4 % w/v

a)

Simple definition of terms:

1 in 50CO means: 1 g in 5000 ml

To express something as a percentage (it involves expression per 100 ml)

Therefore: 1g 5000 ml
xg 100 ml

1 g x 100 ml
X= ------------ = 0.02 9
5000 ml

ie: 0.02 g per 100 ml or 0.02 o/o (w/v) Phenol

2.2
 t\r91····~ .,. .
Pl1armac1mtlcnl Cntculntio,rs-Revislon Questions

\J · 2.3 Express 250mcg/mL Warfarin Sodium as percentage (w/v). r

i
'Jl' a)0.0001
(ili b} 0,0025

\ t:,-(~r~~~~s
e) 0.25
~
'~ ( .

L~
'2 5: Ooo
6~
/.

~
I

·-

.f
: I

c)

Simple definition of terms and arithmetic: (J I

'
To convert to percentage terms. you must express weight (g) per 100 ml

250 mcg per 1 ml

-I
or 25,000 mcg per 100 ml
or 25 mg per 100 ml

or 0.025 g per 100 ml

ie: 0.025 % (w/v of Waffarin Sodium)

/
,,,. -
Remember: 1% w/v = 19 per 100 ml ,. f
-
J
2.3 ,._,
I
Phnrmnceuticnl Cnlculnlions-Revi.fion Q11e.ffio11s 2. Percentages and Conversions

2.4 E ~ s the term "1 in 300" as a percentage.

/ a)0.0033
b) 0.033
c) 0.66
d) 0.066
...._...,_ .... 0.33
e) ,,.-' ....... -- .- ·

e)

Simple definition of terms:

1 in 300 means 1 g in 300 ml

For a percentage we need to express per 100 ml

x g : 100 ml

Therefore 1 g x 100 mL
x= --- = 0.33 g
300ml

ie: 0.33 % w/v ✓-~

/_,F"

2.4
 ,,
' •·· .. -~··"'·· . . ) . '

Plmr111ace111ical Calculations-Revision Q11eslio11s 2. Percentages and Conversions

/ ' Express 1 mL of Ethanol in 15 mL distilled water in terms of% v/v.

a} 0.15 % ·
b) 1.50 %
C} 0.667%
.'----'"-·
d)6.67%~
e} 3.33 %

\ .

. ''

d)

To express ~omething in terms of% (v/v} you need to work out the volume
of substance per 100 ml product.

Have: 1 ml Ethanol 15 ml water

X ml Ethanol 100 ml water

Therefore: 1 ml x 100 ml
x = --------------------- = 6.67 ml Ethanol (in 100 ml of product)
15 ml

ie: 6.67 o/ct (v/v) Ethanol

L,,/
/

2.5 •
 , 2. Percentnges n!ld Conversions
Phnrmnceuficnl Cnlculntion.r-Revision Questions

1
What is the final concentration of Amethocaine Hydrochloride (% w/v) if 1.5 g is

J dissolved in 120 ml ?

a) 0.15%
b) 0.125%
c) 1.25°/.:1,- -
d) 1.75%
e) 2.50%

II . -

_... ,,. .... .,. _____________________________________________________ .., _________________ .,..,. _________ .,. __________________ ,.. ___ _______ _______ _
.., ..,

c)

Simple arithmetic:

Remember that the expression% w/v means "grams per 100 ml"

So,

1.5 g 120 ml
xg 100 ml

Therefore 1.5 g x 100 ml

120 ml

·ie: 1.25 % w/V

2.6
1 (lei-
harmaceulical Calculations-Revision Questions ]. Pi:rci:11/ages mu/ Conversions

,¥ 2.7 Express 2 parts per million as a% w/v value.

a) 0.2
b) 0.02
c) 0.002
d)' 0.0002"" ..-
. e}0.00002

r
L
I
...' l
,

..
,-
.
;

...
-- ------------- --- _____ .. ____________ .. ----- -.. ----- _.. ------------------------- ----- --. ---- -- -·--- -- ... --------- -.... -_.. ___ --·--·---- ----------
...
d) ...
Note: 1 part per million means 1 g in 1 million ml - ,.
(For expressions of% w/v, it must be in terms or g per 100 ml) .
. ~
~·

or
2 ppm= 2 gin 1,000,000 ml
.~-
2 mg in 1,000 ml
or
0.2 mg in 100 ml
f...
(Now convert mg to g) f
!:.
or
0.0002 g in 100 ml .
,-

= 0.0002 % w/v (answer) ,. l

f
;
J>lwrmacc11lico/ Calc11/ations-Rcvisfo11 Q11e.rfio11s 2. Percentages nttd Conversions

.8 Express 0.05 % w/v Fluoride as parts per million.

~)50~
b} 50
c) 5
d} 0.5
e} 5000

a}

Remember: 1 part per million = 1 g in 1,000,000 ml

% w/v is expressed as "g per 100 ml"

So:
0.05 % w/v = 0.05 g per 100 ml

(multiply by. 104] 500 g per 1,000,000 ml

ie: this can now be expressed as: 500 ppm (answer)

2.8
Plum11aceutical Calculations-Re\•isio11 Q"':s.io11s 2. Perce11tC1ges anti Conversions

2.9 When using 100 ml measure, the error in reading the graduations is 1.0 ml.
What is the percentage error if 25 ml is measured using the above
me 9 sure?

a) 0.25
b) 2.5
c) 0.4

'- -~} ::g~,-✓

d)

Simple arithmetic:

error in reading quantity

% error = •-·------------------------- x 1oo %
quantity measured

Therefore: 1.0· ml
% error = ------------ x 100 % = 4.0 % (answer)
25ml ~.,,-

2.9
 Phnr111nc,:11licAl Cnlc11/ntions-Uevision Q111:stions 1. Percentages and Conversions

2.1 0 tfow many milligrams of Pilocarpine HCI is required to make 25 ml of a 0.5 %

I
l 7 w/v solution ?

a) 0.5 mg
b) 1.25 mg
c) 12.5 mg
d) 50 mg
e) 125 mg

---- ... -·-- ·---- ____ -- .. -· --..... __ .,.....

--- ... .,.-._.. __ -------·---- -- ,., .., _,....,.,. ... ______ . --- ----------------- -- ----------- __ ,.._ ------ ----- -- --- _.. ------ ----
.,._

e)

Definition of terms: % w/v means" grams per 100 ml"

Therefore:

0.5 % w/v = 0.5g: 100 ml

Therefore for 25 ml:

0.5 g 100 ml
X 25ml

0.5 g x 25 ml
x= ------------------ =0.125 g = 125 mg (answer)
100ml

2.10
-.\;- I'har111oce11ficol Calcufafions-Rcvision Questions 2. i'erccutages am/ Conversions

2.11 tr 500 ml or a
15% v/v solution of Methyl Salicylate in Ethanol is diluted to
1750 ml, what is the percentage strength?

a),4.2~.
b) 2.14
c} 6.43
d) 8.57
e} 1.07

:' j
I
I

a)

Remember% v/v means" rr,L per 100 ml" . I

!
'
15% v/v means 15 ml Methyl Sa:icylate in 100 ml product

Firstly, how much Methyl Salicylate is in 500 ml product?

(Ans: cross multiplication: 15 ml x 500 ml
-------------------- = 75 ml Methyl Salicylate
100ml

This 75 ml of Methyl Salicylate is diluted to a volume of 1750 ml, therefore

its% v/v is:

75ml
------------- x 100 = 4.29 % (answer)
1750 ml

2.11
Plw,;11. ncc11ticnl c;1c11lnfions-Rt'l'ision Q11csrirms • 2. Percentages nnd Conversions

.12 If 50 ml of a 1:20 (w/v) solution of Aluminium Acetate is diluted to 1000 ml,

what is its percentage strength ?

a} 0.025
~.:D.2~
c} 0.50
d) 0.75
e) 0.20

b)

Firstly find out how much Aluminium Acetate in 50 ml.

1g 20 ml
xg 50 ml

1 g x 50 ml
X = ·-·---------· = 2. 5 g
20ml

This 2.5 g Aluminium Acetate is diluted to 1000 ml.

Therefore to find its % wlv:

2.5 g
·····--·-·-· X 100 = 0.25 % (w/v) Aluminium Acetate in a litre.
1000 ml ,,,.,,-
~
2.12
Plwrmace11ticn/ CC1lc11/nlio11s-Rcvisio11 Questions 2. l'i:rci:ntngi:s 01u/ Co,wc:rsions
l.
2.1 How many ml of a 1 :400 (w/v) stock solution is needed to make 4 litres of a
1:2000 (w/v) solution ?

a) 200
.,.
b) 400
c) 600
t~eoo~_,/
e) 1000
.
?
i
i.

,,.
'

.-

----·----- __ ___ . ·-- -·- --------- .... ---------- ------------

.., ,.. ,.._ .......................... _.., .... ____ .. ___ ,.._ --· -- -·---·- .............. _________ .,.___ .,.________ ...... _.., _______

d)

Firstly how much drug in 4 L of the diluted solution (1 :2000) ?

1g 2000ml

xg 4000ml

Cross multiply to find x = 2 g

Secondly, now find the volume of the strong solution (1:400) that contains 2g.

1g 400ml

2g yml

Cross multiply to find y = 800 ml (answer) _

. ~
2.13
Pltnrmace11lical Calc11lalion:r-Rcvi.fio11 Q11eslic111s

2.14 You are to prepare 100 ml of a solution of formaldehyde of such strength

that 10 ml diluted t.o;rntre will give a solution containing Formaldehyde
0.15 % w/v. What yplum¢ of Formalin BP will be required? -)
\,_/ \
(Formalin BP = 36% w/w Formaldehyde; density= 1.08 g/ml)
0
'.·;
\

a) 17.3
(§}38.6t-
·c) 45.o
d) 48.6
e) 22.5

'I r.·

\
l'.
.

r
'

L •
1.l
j

us:r.g the dilution formula:

xg 10 ml 0.15 g
---··-···· X ••••••••••• ::: ·--·····--·
100 ml 1000 ml 100 ;;,L

x = 15 g of formaldehyde

Hew much Formalin BP do we need 7

36 g 100 g (strength of Formalin BP is 36% w/w)
15 g yg

y = 41.67 g of Formalin BP

To work out VOLUME of Formalin BP required:

m m 41.67 g
d = •••• V = V= = 38.6 ml of Formalin BP required (answer)
V d 1.08 g/ml

2.14
Phar111acc11/ical Calc11/a//ons-Revisio11 Questions 1. l'crccnlagi:s am/ Conversions

.15 10ml of a 1% w/v of Aminacrine HCI is diluted to 1 litre and then 10ml of this dilution is
further diluted to 1 litre.

What will be the concentration in mg/litre of the final solution?

/-::-1
( a), 1 ~
'--15) 1O ·
c) 50
d) 75
e) 100

----
'( 'I'.
·100, (•

-·
·.It .-;--

<". ,.,\ f .. - I t
•.• ;,A

._,/-·· r, I~~•

I: .:,• y I ,,

a)

1g 100ml
xg 10ml

X = 0.1g

this diluted to 1000ml

i.e. 0.1g 1000ml
yg 10ml

y = 0.001g
diluted to 1000m L
i.e. 0.001g: 1000ml
or 1mg/litre (answer)

2.15
Phnrmncculicnl Cnlculatio11s-Revisio11 Q11e.ttio11s
..
2. Percenf(lges (Ind Conversions

2.16- If tablets of Potassium Permanganate each containing 200 mg of KMNO 4 were to be

,luted to a litre of water, what would be the final concentration ?

a) 0.02 %
b)·o.oa 0
1'1:::.-
·. c) 0.2 %
d) 0.8 %
e) 8.0%

j
.r

b)

Firstly, work out how much Potassium Permanganate is present:

4 tablets each of 200 mg = 800 mg

This is diluted to one litre:

800 mg/litre (1000 ml)

= 80 mg/100 ml
= 0.08 g/100 ml
= 0.08% w/v (answer)

2.16
 I
I Calculations-Revision Q11eslio11s 2. Percentages and Co11versions

The concentration of sodium fluoride in a community's drinking water

is 0.6 ppm.

Express the concentration as a percentage.

a) 0.6%
b) 0.06%
c) 0.006%
d) 0.0006%
e)0.00006v

____________ ____.. ____

.,. ,.._.,._.,. ______ .., ________ ,.. _____________________ . --------------------·-----------··----·---------...------------
e)

1 ppm= 1 gin 106 ml

0.6ppm = 0.6 g in 106 ml

To express something as a percentage it must be "g per 100ml" in this case:

0.6 g in 106 ml
xg in100ml

ie: 6 x 10 -5 % w/v (answer)

2.17
 .
Pharmaceutical Calciilaticms-Revi.~ion Questions
. •..·,r-
2 Percentages and Conver:~ions

J2 8 A Potassium Iodide saturated solution contains 100 g of Kl in a total volume of 100 ml of

solution.

The density of this s9lution is approximately 1.7 g/ml.

Express the concemtration of this solution in terms of % w/w.

~) 15%
b) 59% ·
c) 70%
d) 100% .
e) 170%

,.1 -, :~- (.? X foo - ( 7o

b)

Firstly, determine the weight of 100ml of Kl saturated solution:

d=m/v m=dxv m=1.7g/mlx100ml=170g

Remember in this 100 ml product which weighs 170 g is 100 g of Kl.

Therefore % w/w of Kl is:

100 g
x 100 = 58.8% = about 59% w/w Kl (answer)
170 g

2.18
{
\ ~ Phar111oce11/ica/ Cnlculafions-Revision Questions 2. Percentages n,rd Co11wrsions

2.19 What is the percentage of Ethanol in a mixture of 300 ml of 95 % v/v ethanol, 1000 ml of
70% v/v Ethanol, and 200 ml of 50 % v/v Ethanol 7 ··

(Assume no contraction of volume)

a) 84%
,._.. ,.;,,tr'_,,..

b) .72o/oL-__.-
·cf 8.4%
d) 7.2%
e)29%

--- ., ____ .. __ -------- -___ ... ____ .,. _______ ----- .. -.... ---- .. ---- --·---- ______ .,. _____ ... ___ ------·----- .......... -· .. --.. ------ ------- ... ___ ... ----· -- ----- --- .. -------

b)

Firstly work out how much E!ha::ol is in the total mixture:

a) 300 ml of 95 % Ethanol 300 x 95/100 = 285 ml

b} 1000 ml of 70 % Ethanol 1000 x 70/100 = 700 ml

c) 200 ml of 50 % Ethanol 200 x 50/100 = 100 ml

Therefore total Ethanol volume is: 285 + 700 + 100 = 1085 ml

Total mixture volume is: 300 + 1000 + 200 = 1500 ml

1085 ml
Finally, percentage Ethanol=-------------- x 100 = 72.33 or rounded off to 72 % v/v
1500 ml

2.1?
 i
Phormaccmlica/ Colc11/nriom,-Uevisicm Q11esrio11s 1. Perce11tages and Conversions

_
The number of milligrams of a substance contained in 50_.,...,,ml of a 0.001%
- -· -
solution would be:

a) 0.2 mg. ,/
0),0.Sm~
c) 1.0 mg
d) 2.0 mg
e)5 ing

__.,. ·. .,

b)

This is an example of the correct use of units.

0.001 % means 0.001 g in 100ml

or 1 mg · in 100ml

Therefore in 50 ml, we have 0.5 mg of substance (answer)

2.20
J>han11oce:1t1icpl Ca/c11/otions-Revision Q11esth>11s 1. l'erce:nlc1ges om/ Conw:rsiom

c7
0 "'~tablets of Calcium Chloride each containing 500 mg of CaCl 2 were to be diluted to a litre
~f~ater, the final concentration (% w/v) of this salt would be ?

a) 0.02%
b) 0.08%
,,,.c) 0.2 %
__
I......_ d)..,..,0.4%
e}4 %

...... _.,. ____ ,.. ________ .. _______ ,..__ ,.. .. _____________ ,.. _______ ,. _____ .,_ .. ________________,._.., ________ ,.. __ ..,..,. ______________ " ---------------------------
d)

Firstly, how much drug in 8 tablets?

ie: 8 x 500 mg = 4000 mg

This is diluted to 1000 ml

So concentration is : 4000 mg : 1000 ml

or 400 mg : 100 ml
ie: 0.4 g in 100 ml

Alternatively expressed as: 0.4 % w/V answer

2.U
 l'lwrmoceuticol Co/c11/otib11s-Uevi.don Qut!.~lions 2. Pl!rcr11tngl's nnd Com·,.,.s:PIIS

t/ :'?·2·/wha. tis the percentage of Ethanol in a mixture of ~00 m.~.°-f 90% v/v ethanol, 1000 ml of 70
0 _vtv,_~th_~nol, an~:~0 ~l of 50 % v/v Ethan_~I? ·

/ (Assume no contraction of volume)

{ _ a) 84% . __.,..,,,,,.
( b)fi8.9%..::.~-----
. c) 6o.s%
d) 6.4%
e) 7.2 %

b)

Firstly work cut how much Ethanol is in the total mixture:

a) 400 ml of 90 % Ethanol 400 x 90/100 = 360 ml

b) 1000 ml of 70 % Ethanol 1000 x 70/100 = 700 ml

c) 500 ml of 50 % Ethanol 500 x 50/100 = 250 ml

Therefore total Ethanol volume is: 360 + 700 + 250 = 1310 ml

Total mixture volume is: 400 + 1000 + 500 = 1900 ml

1310 ml
Finally, percentage Ethanol=----------- x 100 = 68.9% v/v {answer)
·1900 ml

2,7.'
Phar111ace111ica/ Calc11/ations-Rel'ision Questiom; 2. Pi:rcc11toges and Cwwersio11s

1 Express • 1 in 5000" of a ~~~• as a percentage.

a) 2%w/w
b) 0.2%w/w
9 0.02%w/v
(_9}0.02% w~,- .. "'_•.-
e) 0.0002 % w/v

d}

Remember 2 solids mixed together when expressed as a percentage

strength, it is in the form of % w/w

1 in 5000 means 1 gin SOOOg

x g in 100 g .{for the % w/w calculation) {cross multiply)

X = 0.02g

ie: 0.02 % w/w (answer):, NOT ':t!l::!...

'~-

2.23
/'l,nrmnce11ticnl Cnlc:1ilntio11s-Revisirm Questions 2. Pcrce111nges mrd Conversions ·

/
2.24
yt,nsider the following formulation:
✓Potassium Permanganate Tablets 200 mg
Use 3 tablets in 500 ml of warm water and soak feet:

What is the final % w/v concentration of Potassium Permanganate ?

a) 0.06 °/4w/v
b) 0.6 % w/v
~} 0.12 <!fo w/v!,...---',/
d)2.0 % w/v
e) none of the above

,-
:;; I,,
0

v
'I

c)

3 tablets contain 200 mg x 3 = 600 mg Potassium Permanganate.

To express in% w/v need to express as grams per 100 ml.

0.6 g 500ml

xg 100 ml

The ref ore x = 0.12 g (Answer: 0.12 % ~~

2.24
 .
Pharmace111ical Calc11/alions-Rl!visio11 Q11eslions 2. Perce111ages and Conversions

1
How many ml of a 1:60 stock solution of Ephedrine Sulphate would be needed to make 30
ml of a product to treat nasal' congestion containing 0.25 % Ephedrine Sulphate ?

.. a) 2.5 ml .
b) 3.5 ml
c) 4.0 ml
~i:'4.5 ml c.., /'
'e) 5.0 ml

--------- -.. --- -- --------- --... -- ---- -.. --.. ----- ----- ·---- --- ----------- __ ..,_,.. ______ -.. -.... --- .. -·- .... -..... -. ------------ --------- -...... _... --------------
d)

Firstly, work out how much E;::hedrine Sulphate {ES) is in 30 ml of product:

0.25 g 100 ml {strength required)

X g 30ml

Therefore, x = 0.075 g

Secondly, work out the volume of ES stock solution (1 : 60) which will contain
0.075 g.

1g 60 ml
0.075 g yml

Therefore, y = 4.5 ml (answer)

~

2.25
 ,,
~ .~
/'/,nr,11ncl!11ficfll Cnlc11lfltimr.~-Rl!vi.~io11 (!11cstim1s

z-
:;;::::zpp
2.

~~ ~-
/>crcc11fn(?cs nncl Conversions

The water in a dam has been analysed for its Selenium content. It has been determined to
be in the order of 0.35 parts per e.!!U9e.
How many micrograms or Selenium would be
ingested daily by an animal if it consumes 1O litres of water per day ?

0,s mcg t.,_/

DJ 35 mcg
c) 70 mcg
d) 350 mcg
e} 3500 mcg

a)

1 part per million means 1 gin 1,000,000 ml

1 part per bittion means 1 gin 1,000,000,.000,-ml-

Therefore:
/6!),,J
0.35 g 1,000,000,000 mL (content of Selenium in water)
xg 10, 000 ml, (Selenium ingested daily by animal)

5
ie: x = 3.5 x 10 • g = 3.5 mcg (answer)

V 2.26
Pharmace11Jica/ Ca/c11/a1ions-Revision Questions 2. Percc:111ogcs <11ul c:011\., .'"
"-
\.._

Afl. batch of intravenous formulation (50 ml vials) was found to contain 1. 7 ppm of Lead
ch)oride. How much Lead Chloride is present in a 50 ml vial ?

a) 1.7 mcg
b) 8.5 mcg
( c} 85 mcg,_
··-d) 17 mcg
e} 170 mcg

--·-·-··------------------------·------------------------
c}

1.7 ppm means 1.7 g per 1,000,000 ml

We wish to find:
x g per 50 ml

=85.0 x 10 ·5 g =85 micrograms (mcg} [answer]

By cross multiplication: x
(Note: 1 mcg = 1 x 1 a -5 g) v
2.27
l'ltnrmncc11ficnl Cnlc11lntim1.r-Rt:l'i.do11 Q111:.rtio11.r 1. Perce11tnges and Conversions

2.21/,The content of Sodium Fluoride (NaF) in the local water supply is 2 ppm.
v(; How much Sodium Fluoride (in mg) is present in one litre of water ?

~mg~··
II . '--r;t4
mg
c) 20 mg.
d) 0.02 mg
e) 200 mg

J -

a)

2 ppm = 2 g per 1,000,000 ml

We want to know how much NaF is in 1 litre (1000 ml)

So:
2g 1,000,000 ml
xg 1,000 ml

-3 .
Therefore x = 2 x 10 g = 2 mg (answer)
(Note: 1 mg = 1 x 10 • g)
3
✓

2.28
 PJiarmace11tical Clllc11/ations-Revislon Questions 2. Percenlages and Conversions
I

If 15 litres of Methylated Spirits is found to contain 0.015 ml of Butanol, what is the

concentration of Butanol expressed in parts per million ?

~0.1 ppm ,,.

(__~1 ppm L - / ~
c) 10 ppm
d) 100 ppm
e) 1000 ppm

b}

'1 ppm' means 1 gin 1,000.000 mL for sotids dissolved in liquids

or 1 ml in 1,000.000 ml for liquids dissolved in liquids

0.015 ml Butanol 15,000 ml methyJated spirits

x ml Butanol 1,000,000 ml methylated spirits

Therefore x = 1.0 ml ie: 1 part per million (answer)

Plmr111nce11ticnl Calc11lntio11s-Revi:rio11 Q11estio11s 1 .J. Uensily amt ~pt!CIJIC vruv11y

3.1 y~thyl Salicylate Liniment APF contains 25% v/v Methyl Salicylate.
~ ~hat is the weight of Methyl Salicylate jn a 100 ml formulation ?
(density of Methyl Salicylate :.: 1.199/ml)

a) 24.6 g
b) 25.1 g
c) 26.2 g
d) 27.3 g
..- e) 29.5 g

e)

Simple cross multiplication:

1.18 g 1 ml (density of Methyl Salicylate)

X 25 ml {where xis the weight of 25 ml Methyl Salicylate)

(25 ml x 1.18g)
Therefore x = ----------------- - 29.5 g
1 ml

3.1
 Plwr111nce11ticnl Cn/c11/otiv11s-Re1•isitm Questions J, De11:.-ity and Specific Gravily

3/An ointment intended for treating d,y skin contains 10g of Liquid Paraffin.
/ . . ~hat volume {ml) of Liquid Paraffin is required to prepare 100g of the ointment ?

{density of Liquid Paraffin= 0.850 g/ml)

{density 4>f finished ointment= 0.982 g/ml)

a) 7.76 ml
b)B.18ml
c) 9.76 ml
d) 10.18 ml
@11.76 ml

~
l -- ,. , .
/

.I J ,-- ' ' C

··---- .... ------- -- -- --- ------ .. ---· .. ---- .. -- "'-----· ........ --- ------ -_.,. __ --- --_....... -..... --- __ ... __ --- --- ....... ---------~-------------·---------.. ----
.,_ ,.._ ..,

e)

Simple cross multiplication:

Note: the density of the finished. ointment is irrelevant in this situation.

We have been given a weight of Liquid Paraffin {10g} and are asked to
convert it to a volume.

0.850 g. • 1 ml {density of Liquid Paraffin)

10g X (where x is the volume of 10 g of Liquid Paraffin)

(10g :it 1 ml}

Therefore x = = 11.76 ml
0,850
Pl1im1mce11tical Calc1~lnlim1.t-Revisi<>n Qm:slimis 3. Density nnd Specific Gravity

3.3 If 20 g of Olive Oil is required to be added to Cetrimide Cream, what volume of Olive Oil
should be measured ?

✓ nsity of Oli~ Oil = 0.910 g/ml)

a) 18 ml
b) 20 ml
(c)l22 m ~ /
'-d'j24rnl
e) 26 ml

-··------------- ... ---------------------------------------·-----------------·-----....----------·---------·------·---

c)

Simple cross multiplication:

0.910 g : 1 ml (density of Olive Oil)

20 g : y (where y is the volume of 20 g of Olive Oil)

(20g X 1 ml)
Therefore y = -------- = 21.98 ml= about 22 ml Olive Oif
0.910 g

:u
 •
Pharmaceutical Calcu/ntions-Revision Questions / ~ L~ 3. Density ancl Specific Gravity

,-,;( ~y ~~j
3.4 A large batch of a topical formulation is to be prepared.
The formulation calls for 3.50 kg of an oil whose density is 0.922 g per ml.

How many ml of oil are required ?

a) 949 inl
b) 1,898 ml
le) ~.796 ml c.-_,,,.,---
'a) 7,592 ml
e) 15,184 ml

.i
'

--------------------------------------------------- ·----------------------------------------------------------------------3-.-
c)

Simple cross multiplication:

0.922 g 1 ml (density of the oil)

3,500g X ( where x is the volume of 3,500g of the oil)

REMEM8ER TO USE COMMON UNITS. ie grams not kilograms.

(3,SQ0g x 1 ml) .
Therefore: x = --------------:-------- = 3,796.1 ml of the oil
0.922 g

3.4
 J>hnrmncc11ticnl C'nlc11/ntim1.~-Rcvisio11 Q11csfions !- Density 011d Specific Gravity

. .
3 / An oral suspension formulation contains 0.80 mg of Prednisolone per ml of product.
/ Please calculate, to the nearest inte9..~r. the number of 5mg Prednisolone tablets required to
make 100 ml of this product.

a) 4 tablets
b) 8 tablets
c) 1O tablets
C~•16 tablets _:.
e) 22 tablets

1
'

d)

This is a simple cross multiplication also:

The "density" or really the concentration of the mixture is 0.80 mg per ml.

Firstly, calculate the amount of Prednisolone needed for 100 ml of mixture.

0.80 mg 1 ml (concentration of mixture)

X 100 ml (x= weight of Prednisolone in 100 ml mixture)

(0.80 mg x 100 ml)

The ref ore: x = ------------- = 80 mg Prednisolone
1 mL

Finally, 80 mg divided by 5 mg (per tablet) = 16 ~ablets.

V
---
J.5
P}wrmace11tica/ Calc11/ations-Revision Questions 3. Density and Specific Gravity

A pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy department is to prepare a 2 litre stock solution of

J Nystatin containing 10,000 units of Nystatin per_ml.

How many milligrams of Nystatin are required ?

(Assume that 1 mg Nystatin = 4350 Units of Nystatin)

a) 2,299
(b):4,598 ~ ·
-c) 6,299
d) 9,196
e) 13,794

-- ... - ... .... -- -- - - ·------------·-.---- .. ------- ... ________ __ ________________ _

,.. .,.

b)

Simple cross multiplication:

1. Work out the number of units of Nystatin in 2 litres (2000 ml)

10,000 U 1 ml (concentration of Nystatin required)

X 2000 ml ( x = amount of Nystatin in units per 2000 ml formulation)
6
Therefore: x = 20 x 10 Units.

2. Convert Units of Nystatin to milligrams of Nystatin.

1 mg Nystatin 4350 units Nystatin

6
y 20 x 10 Units

• Therefore: y = 4,598 mg of Nystatin required.

3.6
Pl,nrmnccuticn/ Cnlc11latio11s-Rcvisio11 Q11cslinns 3. Density 011d Specific Gravity '

3.7 The density of White Soft Paraffin {WSP) is 0.850 g/ml.

How much ointment if required to fill a glass jar which has a

capacity of 97 ml ?

a) 76.00g
b) 78.90g
A 8o.4sg
(_gi,82.45 g
e) 114.12g

----------------·----
d)

Simple cross multiplication technique:

0.850 g 1 ml (density of WSP)

x 97 ml (x is the weight of WSP to occupy 97 ml)

0.850 g x 97 ml
Therefore x = -------:------ = 82.45 g WSP o€cupies a 97 ml jar.
1 ml

J.7
... Phnrmace11ticnl Calc11/ations-Revision Q11estio11s 3. Den:.i{v nnd Spc:cijic Gravity

A children's formulation of Digoxin {a cardiac glycoside) contains 0.05 mg of

Digoxin per ml.

How many micrograms {mcg) of Oigoxin are there in a 5 ml dose of the mixture ?

a} 0.25 mcg
b) 2.5 mcg
c} 25 mcg
(d) 250 mcg,__.../
"--- /
e, none of the above

d)

Simple cross multiplication exer.cise:

Note: It is important to use consistent units.

0.05 mg 1 ml (concentration of Digoxin)

x 5 ml {amou11t of Oigoxin in a 5 ml dose)

(0.05 mg x 5 ml)
Therefore: x = --------------- = 0.25 mg
-1 ml

Converting to mcg: . 0.25 mg = 250 mcg (of Oigoxin}

J>hnrmnce11/ical Cnlc11lnlio11s-!lel'i.~lo11 Quesliom 3. De1M·ify a11d Specific Gravity

,/

3.-~~ many ml of Glycerin would be needed to prepare 500 g of an ointment

J c~ntaining 5% w/w Glycerin ? ·

(density of Glycerin= 1.25g per ml)

(a).)20m~
"75) 18 ml
c) 25 ml
d) 22.5 ml
e) 17.5 ml

a)

Be careful when looking at a figure for concentration.

Is it w/w or w/v ? They obviously mean different things.

5% w/w glycerin means 5 g per 100 g

5g 100 g (concentration of Glycerin)

xg 500 g (amount of Glycerin in 500g of ointment)
Therefore: x = 25 g (Glycerin)

To convert to a volume of Glycerin:

1.25 g 1 ml (density of Glycerin)

25 g y ml (y = volume of Glycerin occupied by 25 g)
Therefore: y = 20 ml (Gly_cerin)
.,..
• l_....,r/

3.9
 3. Density mu/ .Sj>ccific Grnvily
Pllar111ace111ical Calc11/atio11s-Revisio11 Qm:sti<ms
•
r
L

3.10 How many ml of a concentrated solution of Hydrochloric Acid (36.8 % w/w) is required to
prepare 4 litres of a 10% VJJ.y_ solution of Hydrochloric Acid ? --=
(density of Hydrochloric Acid 36.8% w/w = 1.19 g/mL)

0)913.4ml ~
b) 400.0 ml r
..
c) 1087.0 ml
d) 1294.0 ml
e) 513.4 ml

• l

r
i
•

..
.'

a)

Step 1. Calculate weight of HCI in 4 litres

10 g 100 ml (concentration of diluted rlCI)
x 4000 ml (amount of HCI present in 4 litres) Note: Common units.

Therefore: x = 400g HCI

Step 2. Calculate weight of strong HCI solution containing 400g HCI

36.8 g 100 g (concentration of strong HCI solution)

400 g y g (y is the weight of strong HCI solution containing 400g HCI)

Therefore: y = 1086.96 g or about 1087 g (stronQ HCI solution)

Step 3. Convert weight quantity of strong HCI solution to volume quantity .

d=mN

Therefore: volume= mass/density= 1087g/(1.19g/ml) = 913.4ml

~-··

3.10
Pharmnceulicnl Calc11lcilicm.v-Re,•i.tio11 (!11e:rtio11.t 3. De11si(v a11d Specific Gravily

A saturated solution of a drug contains 120 g of the drug in a total volume of 100 ml.

The density of this solution is approximately 1.5 g per ml.

Expres-s the concentration of the solution in terms of the % w/w.

a) 15 %
b) 60 %
(c)180 % ~ /
'rf)100%
e) 170 %

;iv

I'
f

c)

Remember % w/w means " g in 100 g".

Firstly, work out the weight of 100 ml of the saturated solution.

d= m/v m = d xv = 1.5 g/ml x 100 ml= 150 g (weight of saturated solution}

weight of drug 120g

% w/w of drug= -- - - - - - x 100 :;s - - - = 80 o/o w/w {answer)
weighfof pr~duct 150 g ----
~

3.11
 I
i'.... ,
(
· ~ Pharmaceutical Calc11/ations-Revisio1' Q11estio11s 3. Density am/ Specijic Gravity

~
·r >-
1
3.12
.
How much water would be needed to prepare 1000 ml of a saturated Potassium Iodide (Kl}
solution containing 100 g Kl per 100 ml of solution (density of saturated solution= 1.7 ~~~9

a) 300 ml
b) 412 ml
c) 588 ml
0}700 m l ~
e) 1000 ml

I r.

d}

Firstly, work out the amount of Kl in 1000 ml of saturated solution.

100 g Kl 100ml ~
xg Kl 1000 ml x = 1000g Kl
Secondly, what is the weight of 1000 ml of saturated solution?

m =d xv = 1.7 g/ml x 1000 ml= 1700 g

Now, out of this 1700 g, 1000g is Kl, therefore the rest must be water:

ie: amount of water required is: 1700 - 1000 = 700 g = 700 ml (answer)
(density of water is 1.00 g/ml) ·

3.12
 What mass (g) of Acetic Acid is present in 100ml of Acetic Acid (33%w/w) BP?
(Density or Acetic Acid BP = 1.04g/ml)

Qi_;34.3g~.
b) 209.0g :..
c)104.5g
d) 315.2g
e) 730.4g

_I ·, ..
-~------ ~-- ~· -

a)

Firstly, calculate the r:1ass cf 100ml of Acetic Acid BP

1.04g 1 ml
xg 100ml

x = 104g Acetic Acid BP

Secondly, calculate the weight of Acetic Acid in 104 g of Acetic Acid BP:

33g Acetic Acid 100g Acetic Acid BP

y g Acetic Acid 104g Acetic Acid BP

y = 34.3 g (answer)

3.13
\ Plwr111ace11tical C11lc11lalio11s-ni:visio11 Questions J. Density mu/ Specific Gmvity

✓
3 14 / The density of Glacial Acetic Acid BP (99% w/w Acetic Acid) is 1. OSg/ml.
Wt.lat mass of Acetic Acid is present in 1 litre of Glacial Acetic Acid BP ?
... . ·•
a)1050g
(b)J1039.5gV
c) 1.50 kg
d) 2079g
e) 990g

.. ·-..... -· -- -. -- ---- .. ---- -- -- ___ ........... ____ .... - .. __ ---------- -- ___ ..,...,..____,.____ ,,,._,. __ ... --- ----- ... ---- -- ------ .. ----- -.. ------ --- ---- .. _____ ..., __________
,.. .,

b)

Firstly, ce:ermir.e :ne mass of 1000ml of Glacial Acetic Acid BP.

1.05 g 1 ml
xg 1000 ml

x = 1050g Glacial Acetic Acid BP

Secondly, calculate the weight of Acetic Acid in 10509 of Glacial Acetic Acid BP

99 g Acetic Acid 100 g Glacial Acetic Acid BP

y g Acetic Acid 1050 g Glacial Acetic Acid BP

y = 1039.5 Acetic .A.cid (an?wer)

1 J
l1/u11wncc11tical Cnlc11/otio11.\·-Ur.,•isio11 Q11t.~fio11s J. De11si(v 011d Specific Gravity

3. 15 9teic Acid BP has a density of 0.892 g/mL.

/What volume (ml) is required to deliver 20g of Oleic Acid BP ?

✓ a)18.9 .
b) 8.9 ·
c) 20.0
d) 20.4
322.4 ~ - -

e)

Using d = mN

V = mid = 20/0.892 = 22.4ml {answer}

. ~-

3.lS
PJiarmaceulical Ca/cu/atio11s-Revisio11 Q11eslio11s 3. Density am/ Specific Gravl/y

3.10he specific gravity of yellow beeswax is 0.96.

✓ What volume (L) does 10kg occupy?

a) 8.61
b) 9.22
c) 10.00
~)}10.42 ~
e) 9.65

-3

d)

If specific gravity is 0.96, then density is 0.96g/ml

Using d = mN

V= mid= 10,000/0.96 = 10,417 ml:;: 10.42 L (answer)

3.16
 .
i'lmrmacci11ticnl Cnlc11/nti1111.v-Rcvi.d011 Q11e.ftitm.t 3. Density and Specific Gravity

phedrine Nasal Drops APF require 5% v/v of Propylene Glycol.

the specific gravity of Propylene Glycol is 1.036, what weight of Propylene
Glycol is required to make 50ml of nose drops ?

a) 1.04g
b) 2.og·
@59g ~ - -
d) 2.59kg
e) 2.07g

c)

If the specific gravity is 1.036, then the density is 1.036 g/ml

If Propylene Glycol is required 2t 5% v/v, then in 50ml, the volume occupied is:

5% of 50ml = 2.5ml

Using: d = mN

m =d V = 1.036 x.2.5 =2.59g (answ~-

- !./

3.17
 Plmrmace111ical Calc11lations-Revision Queslions J. Density"'"' S/Jf!cific Gravity ,..
'l

3.18 The,,.~;ity of a (180 ± 9) mg cylindrical tablet which has a diameter of

-
i
l
J.Mf1/v2) cm and a height of {1.2 +/- 0.1) cm is:

s::,, - ,,,, a) 119.2±2.8g/ml .-

a 1.19±0.28g/ml ~-__..,..,..
u~ 1'
1/
f.\ c) 0.30 ± 0.09 g/ml r
d) 0.30 ± 0.05 g/ml
e) none of the above l

!
. '

I
.•
.: .

--------------------·---------------------·-----·---·--. -·. ·----···----·--------··-----·-··----------..--...--......---

b)

d= m/v

Volume of cylinder = area of circle x height"

= {3.14 X r 2 ) X height
= 3.14 X {0.2) 2 X 1.2: 0.151 cm3
3
m= 180mg=0.180g v=0:151cm =0.151ml
3
d= m/v = 0.180g/0.151cm3 = 1.192g}cm or 1.192 g/ml

l.18
Phamuzce11ti'cal Cnlculations-Rcvi:rion Q11estio11s 4; A/n11ip11/ating P/larmncc11ticat Fomwtations

r For the formula:

Allopurinol
Syrup
Mucilage of Tragacanth
Concentrated Chloroform Water
200mg
1 ml
15%
2.5%
Purified water to 10 ml

Make a mixture supply 200 ml

Sig 10 ml daily

Allopurinol powder is not available to prepare this mixture. However, you do have Allopurinol
tablets each containing 1_00 mg of drug. How many tablets would you require to make up the
mixture?

a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
q) 20 ,..,..
e)
·-.._.::,,...,I
40_

__,
.,,,-...
~_;
·--~-

e)
For 200 ml of mixture we require the following amount of Allopurinol:

200 mg/10 ml x 200 ml= 4000 mg or 4 g of Allopurinol

Setting up a simple· proportion relationship:

1 tablet 100 mg Allopurinol

x tablets 4000 mg Allopurinol

i.e: 4000 mg x 1 tablet

x= - - - - ------ = 40 tablets (ansV1er)
100mg ~

4.1
I ~...... •.....

I
waceutical Cn/c11/aticms-Ri:visio11 Q11estions .J. Ma11ipul,tti11g J>f,nn,,nccmlical.For11111/atio11s

Atropine Sulphate Mixture RCHP contains:

.Atropine Sulphate 60mcg

Syrup . 0.6ml
Purified water to 5ml

What votume of an ampoule containing 1.2mg of Atropine Sulphate per ml would be required to
dispense 50ml of the mixture ?

a) 0.25m~ ./
Qpo.som~
c) 1.00ml
d) 1.50ml
e) 2.00ml

-
·--

./
'..... • '
·-
.,I r
A

: r-. l>-

b)

Firstly, work out how much Atropine Sulphate required per 50 ml mixture:
60mcg
---------- x 50 ml= 600 mcg
5ml

Secondly, what volume of the ampoule is required to deliver this amount?

120Omcg 1ml
600mcg xml

x = 0.5ml (of the contents of the ampoule)

~- -----
•1.2
Pllarmaceutica/ Calcrtlations-Revi.fion Q11estio11s 4. Manip11/ating Pharmace11tical For11111lations

4.3 Consider the following preparation:

J Liquid Paraffin
Glycerol
· Sodium Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate
100ml
10ml
0.5%
Purified Water · to 200 ml

How much preservative would be required in the mixture?

a) 0.25g
b) 0.05g
Ga) 1.1.so
oog L.--·----
9
e) 2.00g

---------------------------------------------------------------------
c)

Simple use of proportions:

O.Sg 100ml (concentration required of preservative)

X 200ml

x == 1.0 g preservative required for the 200 ml,rni->eture

. - ✓

4.3
 ·····

Pharmaceutical Ca/c11/ations-Revision Questions ./. ,lrlanip11/ati11g Pharmaceutical Formula/ions

4.4 Compound Hydroxybenzoate Powder APF (CHB) consists of Methylhydroxybenzoate (MHB)

65g and Propylhydroxybenzoate (PHB) 35g. Aqueous Triethanolamine Cream APF 1974
uses 0.2% of CHB powder. How much MHB is present in 50g of the cream ?

a) 32.5mg
,_,·b}65.omg~
'-c) 130.0mg
d) 50.0mg
e) 55.0mg

(J • 1.,, aCJiC -
g c>lf,___~

r ;v/JIB
tS -----➔ ltYD j

b)

0.2% w/w means 0.2 g : 100g cream (concentration of CHB in the cream)
xg: 50g '

Therefore: x = 0.1 g CHB powder

65
Proportion of MHB = -------- x 0.1 g = 0.065 g
100

Therefore 65 mg of MHB is required (answer)

v
4.4
Phnr111ncc11licnl r.qlc11/nti,111.,-Revl.d1m Q11c:rllon., 4. A=trmip11/nllng Plu1rmnce11tical J:or11111/ations

5 i'fhe following mixture is prescribed f~ an infant:

0 Atropine Methonitrate
lemon syrup
Compound Hydroxybenzoate Solution
Water
(Make 100ml)
to
0.3 mg
2.0 ml
0.05 ml
5 ml

The Atropine Methonitrate is available as a 0.6% wlv alcoholic solution.

What volume is therefore required for the aboveproduct ?
a) 0.25ml
~_b) 0.50ml /
': c):1.00m~___.,,.- ~.~
·- .d) 1.25ml
e) 1.50ml

··-------------------------------------··------- ---------------------------------------
c)

FirsUy, work out how much Atropine Methonilr'ate (AM) is required for a 100 ml mixture:

0.3mg 5ml
xmg 100ml

x = 6 mg AM

Secondly, determine the volume of the Atropine Methonitrate Solution (0.6% w/v) · that contains 6mg
clAM .

0.6 g 100 ml
0.006 g y ml

Therefore:
y = 1 ml (answer) ·

~
~.
-----··
4.S
 Phar111ace11tico/ Co/cu/nilons-Revision Q11estio11s ./. Manipulating Phormnceulicn/ Form11/alions

. 4.6/Conslder this formula tor supp_ositories (for migraine):

/ Ergotamine Tartrate '·: 2.5mg

Caffeine 100mg
Hard Fat to 2.0g

How much Ergotamine Tartrate is required to make a batch o~ 250_9 suppositories?

a) 3.12g
(]6.25g~
c) 2.50g
d) 1.25g
e) 7.50g

b)

Simple proportions calculation:

2.5mg 1 suppository
xmg 2500 suppositories

Therefore:

x = 6250mg = 6.25g (Ergotamine Tartrate)

4.6
Plmrmncl!uticnJ Cnlc11lntio11:i;;-R<!vi.rio11 Q1"Mtfmt.f 4. /i,/nnip11/ating Phnrmaceulical Formulations

4.7 A drug company uses the following formula to make 100 capsules:

Ephedrine Sulphate 35g

Amaranth 1.25g
Lactose 225g

What is the weight (kg) of Ephedrine Sulphate required to produce 150,000 capsules?

a) 26.25 kg
(6);52.50 kg ... _.. •··
c) 70.5 kg -
d) 120.0 kg
c) 150.0 kg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b)

Simple example involving proportions:

35 g 100 capsules
x g 150,00@apsules

Therefore:
x = 52,500g = 52.5 kg

4.7
 P!wrmace111ica/ Calc11/nlions-Revisio11 Q11eslio11s ./. A,/a11ip11/t1ti11g PJmrmace11/ica/ For11111lalio11s

~ .
/ The formula for a Zinc Oxide paste is:

Zinc Oxide 1. 5 parts

Starch 1.5 parts
WSP 3 parts

What is the amount of Starch required to make 1OOg of Zinc Oxide paste?

a) 12.5
b) 50
c) 37.5
/ei) 2s
'---e) 57.5

----------- -- .. -... ---- ----- -- .... _---- ......... ___ ____ ---- --- .. --- ... _________
.., ..,.., __ ,.. ____ .. ___ ,.. ,.. ____ ,,,. ·- -- -- ' ____ __... ____...__ ... ----------------·---
.., .,...,

d)

Firstly, i:s impr:a.~t i.o 1.mders!and the concept of 'parts'

Zinc Oxide 1.5

Starch 1.5
WSP 3.0

6 parts (or grams)

Secondly, work out the factor of multiplying the above 6 g formulation to get the
100 g formulation that we need:
100g
Factor is: ------- = 16.67
69
Therefore the amount Starch required= 1.5 x 16.67 = 25g (answer)

Note the Final Formula is: Zinc Oxide 25 g

Starch 25g
WSP 50g
1009

.4.B
 P/inrlllJICClllfcal C,tlc11lnt/011s-Rc1·t.vim1 Q11c.r1i,ms 4. J,.,fnhip11Jn1t11g Pliarmnceullcnt Fom111fations

4.9 The formulation for an analgesic powder is:

~:~-- Aspirin 6 parts

. Caffeine 1 part
// Lactose 3 parts

How many grams of Aspirin should be used to prepare 1.25kg or the powder?

a) 1000
b) 500
c) 1250
d) 250
-e>·.1so
-
,-· .,

e)

Formula:

Aspirin 6g
Caffeine 1g
Lactose 29
10g
Firstly, work out the factor required to multiply the above formulation to get to
the desired size of the final formulation:
1250g
Factor is: ------ = 125
10g

Therefore, the amount of Aspirin required= 6g x 125 = 750g {answer)

4.9'
 .: ...·

Plmrmaceutical Calc11/atio11s-Revision Questions. .J. Mn11ip11lati11g Plwrmaccmtical For11111lations

A pow9er for tinea has the following formula:

Benzoic Acid 1.5 parts

Talc 12 parts
Bentonite 4.5 parts

How much Talc is required to prepare 50g of powder?

,,-·-
( a);33.4
·-1)} 16.7
c) 12.0
d) 36.9
e}45.0

... _____________ ___________________________ .. _______ ______

.,. ,. .., ,.,._,.. ___ _______
.., ,.. _______________ .,.... ______
, __________ ____ _
..,

a)

Formula:

Benzoic Acid 1.5g

Talc 12g
Bentonite 4.5g
18g
Firstly, determine the factor required to multiply the above formulation to get the
desired formulation:
50g
Factor is: --=2.78
18g
Therefore:

Amount of Taic required= 12g x 2. 78 = 33.4g (answer)

--------
•UO
 Phnr111ncc11tlcnl Cnlc11/ntlo11.1·-Rel'isim1 Qm::rlim1s 4. Afrmip11/nling Plmrmnce11licnl Formulntions

(/f: ~~:ase
1)~n
Beeswax
contains:
1 part
WSP 24 par:ts

How many ~~ of ointment can be prepared from 550g of Beeswax?

a) 5.50
b) 6.88
c) 27.5
@;13.75
e) 19.75

I . j' . I

d}

Beeswax 1g
WSP 24g
25g

This is a simple proportion calculation:

1 g Beeswax 25 g ointment
550 g Beeswax x g ointment

Therefore x = 13750 g ointment (ie: 13.75 kg) (answer)

Final formula would be:
550 g Beeswax
13,200 g WSP

13,750 g ointment

4.11
Lt'(
~ ~ ; " ' • l i e n / Calcu1"/io,..,-R,Wsio,, Q"""°'" ,. Afa,,;po,/,uing l'h=maceo,t/cal Fommlalia,o,

/ \;·4.12. The local hospital asks you to prepare 5 litres of Calamine Lotion with an EXTRA 0.5% w/v
··.'. · phenol to increase its antipruritic activity. How much Liquefied Phenol BP would you require
• · if you were making the formulation?

DATA: Calamine Lotion already contains 0.5% w/v of liquefied phenol

Liquefied Phenol BP contains 80% w/w
Phenol in Water. !t has a density of 1.057 g/mL

a) 25 ml
b) 29.6 ml
Cj
c,

e)

Firstly, Catarr.ine Lc::cn ..;PF contains 0.5% w/v of Liquefied Phenol

So for 5 litres of Calami~e Lotion we would have 0.S(g/100mL) x 5,000ml = 25 g Phenol
Secondly, we reqL:ire an extra 0.5% w/v Phenol (i.e: 25 g Phenol)
Total Phenol required= SOg

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

Liquefied Phenol contains. 80 g Phenol 100 g Liquefied Phenol
50 g Phenol x g Liquefied Phenol
i.e. x = 62.5 g Liquefied Phenol

Finatly, to work out the volume of Liquefied Phenol needed: v= mid

62.Sg
V = -------------- = 59.1 ml
1.057 g/mL

Therefore total volume of Liquefied Phenol required is: 59.1 ml (answer)

.J.12
Plmrmncc11ticnl Cnlc11lntions-Rcvisim1 Q11c.rtio11.t 4. Mnnip11lnting P/rormoceulicol F!)ntllllnllons,

4.13. For the formula:

Paracetamol 300mg
/ Syrup 1 ml
V Compound powder of tragacanth 3%
Compoun~ hydroxybenzoate solution 0.1 %
Purified water to 10 ml

Make a mixture supply 200 ml

Sig 10·-mldaily

You do not have Paracetamol powder, but you do have paracetamol tablets each containing
~QQ__mg of drug. How many tablets would you require to make up the mixture?

a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
'.3 20
e) 40

___________ ,..__ .,. ______....__________ ... .,._..., _______________....._...

d)
For 200 ml of mixture we require:

300 mg/10ml x 200 ml= 6000 mg (6 g) of Paracetamol

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

1 tablet 300 mg Paracetamol

x tablets 6000 mg Paracetamol

i.e: 6000 mg x 1 tablet

x= ------------- = 20 tablets (answer)
300 mg _,-, .--------
[__,/

4.13
Pharmace11tical Calculations-Revision Q11eslio11s 4. Manip11/ati11g Plwrmaceulical Fon1111latio11s

Pholcodine Linctus APF 15 contains fung/Sl'l}L of Pholcodine.

How much Pholcodine is required to prepare a stock mixture o~~~~?

a) 100mg
.--t>)yaOmg
-·cj 5009
d) 250mg
e) 250g

b)

Simple proportion relationship:

5mg Pholcodine 5ml Mixture

xmg Pholcodine. 500ml Mixture

x = 500mg = 0.5g Pholcodine (answer)

.... 1 ·'
 ,Cl c11lnli1m.'>•Rl!visicm Q11c.tliu11s 4. Afh11ip11/nling Pl1nrmoce11ticnl Fon1111lnl/011s

pharmacist has 62ml of a stock mixture of Codeine Phosphate Linctus (20mg/5ml

Codeine Phosphate). How much further Codeine Phosphate {CP) does he need to prepare
a 100ml mixture of 25mg/5ml strength?

(a), 252mg'--_..,.-
'--6) 258mg
c) 504mg
d) 0.50g
e) 0.25g

a)

Firstly, determine hc·N ;-:;uch c;:, is in 62 ml of 20mg/5ml Linctus.

20mg 5ml
xmg 62ml

x = 248mg CP

Secondly, determine how much CP is in 100ml of 25mg/5ml mixture.

25mg 5ml
ymg 100ml

y= SOOmgCP

Therefore the amount of CP needed is: 500mg • 248mg = 252 mg CP (answer)

4.15
Phnrmace11tical C11Jculations-Rniision Qr,eslions 5. Weighing a11tl Mc:mmring

5.1 What is the percentage error in weighing 400mg of Paracetamol on a dtSpensing balance
with a sensitivity of 12.Smg?

a) 12.50
a 3.13 '--.,,,./
c) 6.26
d) 1.56
e) 4.69

• i

__ ________________ ___________ _____________

..,, ,... .., ....._.,_______ ..,_... __________ ..,_.,.... ______________ ..... __ ,. _____
b)

% e,ror=

12;5mg
= ---·-··· X 100 = .3.13 %
400mg

i.l
 5.2 · /2 balance has a sensitivity of 11.5mg, what is the minimum weight which will incur a 5%
/ t::11or?

a) 100mg
b) 115mg

a c) 200mg
230mg (.,,,- ,.-
e) 250mg

d)

sensitivity of the balance

% error = ------------------------------- x 100
amount weighed

Using simpf e cross multiplication:

5 11.5mg

100 X

Therefore: x = 230 mg {answer)

-,,,.---
~

5.2
 PJum11nce11lict'JI Cnlcuintions-llcvisi011 (!tu~sliOIU S. Weighi11g nm/ Mcw.mring

5.3 If a 60mg weight produces 15% error on a dispensing_ balance, what is the sensitivity of that
balance?

a) 4.5
b) 7.0
c) 15.0
,,--d),9.0

I '--·e) 7.5

X
'X

......

d}
sensitivity
---------- X 100 = 15%
weight

xmg
= 0.15
60mg

Therefore:
x = 9mg (answer)

5.3
 f'l,nr111acr11ticnl Cnlc11lntiom-lkvi.dm1 Q11c-.ftio11s J. 1Vcighi11g amt Mc-as11ri11g

5.4/What is the percentage error in weighing 25mg on a dispensing balance with a sensitivity of
../ 5mg?

a) 15%
Q}20% ~
-c) 2s%
d) 30%
e} 35%

b)
sensitivity
% error = - - - - x 100
weight

Therefore:

5mg
x 100 = 20% (answer)
25mg

5.4
Pl10rmace11/ical Cn/c11/atio11s-Revisio11 Question.f 5. Weighing am/ ,l;fcas11ring

V / a 50mg weight causes a 5 scale division deflection on a dispensing balance, what will its
~ensitivity be? --

a} 2.5mg

--~ b} 5mg
: c} 10ma,~
' -----cf)~· 1 5mg.....
e} 50mg

-------·- ...------------...-- .. --........... -.....--·-·-----------·--·--·-"'""_______ ................. ______ . ________ ___ . ___ _____ ________________________ .. ____
.,. .,. .., ,..

c}

The definition of sensitivity =·Mweight causing 1 scale deflection"

Therefore:
50mg
-------------------------- :::: JO mg per deflection :::: 10 mg sensitivity (answer)
5 scale deflections

55
. l'hnrmncemicnl Cnlc11/nrio1t.'l-l?<'vi.do11 Q11estirm:r 5. Weigl,i11g mu/ Ji.fensuring

Ir a dispensing balance has a sensitivity of 11.5mg, what is the minimum weight which will
incur a ± 5% error?

a) 11.5mg
b) 115mg ·:
c) 130mg
G23omg
e) 245mg

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
d)

Minimum Weighab!e Mass (MWM) = 20 x sensitivity (ror 5% error)

= 20 X 11.5 mg
= 230mg (answer)

S.6
 Phar111nceulical Ca/c11/olirms-Uevision Questions 5. Weighing all(/ A1i:a:mring

5.7/'~Nhat is the percentage error in weigt.1ing 500mg of Aspirin on a dispensing bafance with a
/ sensitivity of 12.Smg?

a) 1.25 ·
('1?);2.50
-C} 2.75
d} 3.50
e) 5.00

,.
'

b)

sensitivity
Percentage error= -------------- x100
weight

Therefore:
12.5 mg
---x100 = .2.5 % error (answer)
.,--
500mg

5.1
/'l,mwncc11ticnl G1/c11/ntim1s-Rcl1i:riotr Qucstio11s 5. Weig/ring a11d_Meas11ring

C/ ;~;u, a
5.6 · - ~ dispensing balance has a sensitivity of !_~mg, what is the minimum wsight which wi;f
5% error?. -

a) 200mg·
("b) _300mg. c.-

····cf350mg
d) 375mg
e) 400mg

.......... _______________ ,.. ......- ..... - ............-..-.........----------------------------------------------------.

b)

Minimum Weighable Mass (MWM) = 20 x sensitivity (for 5% error)

= 20x 15mg
= 300 mg (ans~r)

.S.8
fharmaceuticol Calculations-Revision Quc.rtions 5. Weighing mul Measuring

5.9;f:at Is the percentage error in weighing 50mg of Dlgoxin on a balance with a sensitivity of
10mg? -
' .

.-o,
c120% '--~,-/
22%
c) 25%
d) 30%
e) 35%

___________ ,..,.. _____________ .,.,._.., _______ ..,_...,.,._,..,.._.,.,.._...,_________________ ,.._.., ... ,. __..,_ ......,.._......... ___ ·--------............__ ,,.._.,._..,_,.. ..__ ... _____ .. _______ ., ----
a)

se~sitivity 10 mg
Percentage error= ------------:-- x100 = -----· x 100 = 20% {answer)
weight 50 mg

5.9
Phannaceutical Calc11/ollons-Revi.don Question., �. Weighing and Measuring

7
5.10 �at is the percentage error in weighing 250mg Pholcodine (anti-tussive agent) on a
b�lance with a sensitivity of 12.Smg?

a) 2.5
Cb} 5.0 ._:_..
✓- /

c) 7.5
d) 12.5
e} 17.5

b)

sensitivity 12.5 mg
Percentage error= __.:._ ><100= ---x 100= 5% (answer)
weight 250mg

5.10
Pharmaceutical Calculations.Revision Questions S. Weighing and Measuring

5.11 Which of the following instruments would be more accurate in measuring a

~ l volume of a preserving solution ?
~-:~---
ra) 2 ml pipette ,____
'------6)10 ml pipette
c} 25 ml pipette
d} 5 ml measure
e) 10 ml measure

a)

Given the principle of selecting the smallest apparatus for the task, it is therefore appropriate to use
the 2ml measure. -

5.11
'4- Phannm~U,al Cnkula#ans-R,v/sfon Qu,>#an, u[J ~ J'. w,ighlng nnd Mea,ur/ng

71?/
s. What is the percentage error In weighing PQOJ Salicy6c Acid on a dispensing balance with a
;ensitivity of 10mg? -:-,:.:,

a) 0.1%
h\
,,.-><I
1.0%
( c) .0.2% <--
"- ·ti) 2. 0%
e) 5.0%
.,I

c)
sensitivity 10mg
Percentage error = ·-·-·····---· X 100 = - - - -.. X 100 = 0.2%
weight 5,000mg

5.12
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revisio11 Questions 6. Dilution of liquid Fonnulatloru

6.1. /4o~ much Methylene Blue is needed to make 480 ml of a 1 in 50,000 solution?

/ a)4Amg
b)A.8 mg
c) 5.2 mg
d) 7.1 mg
:r'e} 9.6 mg
'--..,.,-'

e)

We require 480 ml of a 1 in 50,000 solution.

i.e: 1g : 50,000 ml
i.e: 1,000 mg in 50 000 ml

To determine the amount of dye in 480 ml:

1,000 mg 50,000 ml
x mg 480 ml

Therefore: 1,000 mg::-< 480 ml

x = -----------------:..... =9.6 mg (Methylene Blue required)
50,000 ml
,__-_

6.1
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 6. Dilution ofLiquid Formulalloru

6.1 L much Methylene Blue is needed to make 480 ml of a 1 in 50,000 solution?

/ a)4,4mg
b)A.8 mg
c) 5.2 mg
d) 7.1 mg
:~9.6mg
-------

e)

We require 480 ml of a 1 in 50,000 solution.

i.e: 1g : 50,000 ml
i.e: 1,000 mg in 50 000 ml

To detennine the amount of dye in 480 ml:

1,000 mg 50,000 ml
x mg 460 ml

Therefore: 1,000 mg x 460 ml

x= ----------------=----- = 9.6 mg (Methylene Blue required)
50,000 ml

----.
6.1
Phonnaceutlcol Calc11/allons-Revlslon Q11utlons 6. Dllfttion ofLiquid Formulations

Giyceryl Trinitrate injection BP contains 50 mg Glyceryl Trinitrate per 10 ml and is diluted to

1000 ml with Dextrose Injection? =---== ---··-:-:
What ls the final concentration in mcg/ml of Glyceryl Trinjlrate?

a} 10
b) 150
c) 20
.J.i) 25
,· e) 50
/

----------··--···------------------- ---------
e)

We have 50 mg or Glyceryl Trinitrate/10 ml the ampoule is diluted to 1000 ml

l.e: we have 50 mg in 1000 ml

Le: 0.05 mg in 1 ml

This is equivalent to 50 mcg in :Y ml (answer}

✓
6.2
Phannaceulical Calclllations•Revision Questions 6. Dilution ofLiquid Formulations
TRICK

6.3 A pharmacist adds 240 ml of Aluminium Acetate solution containing 5% w/v of Aluminium
Acetate to two litres of Water for Irrigation. What is the final percentage w/v concentration of
Aluminium Acetate present?

a)'0.45
b) 0.50
c) 0.54
d} 0.57
e) 0.60

---····--··-··---··········-···--·····-····-·········---····-···-···--······-··----------··--·-·······--·-·-·---------
c)

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

5% w/v --> 5 gin 100 ml

--> x g in 240 ml
x = 12 g Aluminium Acetate

The final diluted volume = 240 ml+ 2000 ml

= 2240 ml

12 g
% Aluminium Acetate= --•-.------ x 100 = 0.54% w/v (answer)
2240 ml

6.3
 G
I
Pham,aceutlcal Calc•latlan,-Revl.'1an Q•"llon, ' / / / 6. Dil11ilon of llq11ld Formulations

A pharmacist is required to produce a litre of a Sodium Chloride solution of such a strength

that when 20 ml Is diluted to 100 ml with water, the resulting concentration will be 0.9%
w/v. The only available Sodium Chloride is in the form of tablets each containing 2.25 g
NaCl. The number of tablets required is:

a} 45
0)20
"--6} 9
d) 4.5
e} 2

b)

Want 0.9g NaCl per 100 ml

This 0.9 g NaCl must be in 20 ml of concentrated solution of NaCl

To make 1000 ml of concentrated solution. Work out how much NaCl needed.
0.9 g : 20 ml (concentrate}
x g : 1000 ml (concentrate) Therefore: x = 45 g NaCl

How many tablets do we need ? Each tablet contains 2.25 g NaCl

2.25 g NaCl 1 \ablet

45 g NaCl y tablets Therefore: y = 20 tablets (answer)

~------
6.4
Pharmaceutical Calculatio11s•Ue1•isio11 Questions 6. Dilution of Liquid Formulations
. 1
I

How many millilitres of a 4 o/o w/v solution of Glucose are required to prepare 100 ml of • j
solution containing 10 mg/ml ?

a) 2.5 ml
b) 4 ml
c) 10 ml
@25ml
e) 30 ml __.,./--

I ,

• I

--·--··-············-·····················-···························--·······--·-······················----------------·---
d)

Firstly, work out how much Glucose is present in 100 ml of 10mg/ml strength:

1O mg Glucose : 1 ml
xmg : 100ml

x = 1000 mg= 1 g Glucose

Secondly, to work out the volume of 4 o/o w/v solution containing 1 g Glucose:

4g 100ml
1g yml y = 25 ml (answer)

6.3
 j '//
Pharmaceulical Calculations-Revis~xn~ I _¥)~ 6. Di/,lrion ofliquid F'-!.mrulations
' r=: ~l cJ.lc
-~J . /

Calculate the amount of Sodium Nitrite required to prepare one litre or a concentrated
solution such that diluting 1 in 20 will yield 0.10 % wlv nitrite ion (NO2).
/IIOt (.dWI.C..
(NaNO2, MW= 69; Na, AW= 23)
o •I
a) 1 g
b) 1.5 g
C) 13.3 g
d) 20 g
,(e)
__,30 g::. ,,.,,,/.,,.,
o-1
x f
. /,/ ---~ --~ ., .

e)

Firstly, work out the amount of NaNO2 per 100 ml:

0.10 g: 100 ml (of NO2·) (NO 2· , AW= 46)

ie: 69
0.10g x ---- = 0.15 g NaNO2 {per 100 ml)
46
So in 20 ml there will be 0.15g divided by 5 ~:0.03 g NaNO2

This 0.03 g was originally present in 1 ml of concentrated product:

Therefore to calculate the amount of NaNO2 in 1000 ml of concentrated product.

0.03 g 1 ml
xg 1000 ml

x = 30 g NaNO2 {answer)

6.6
 . A

~~~,
Pharmaceutical Calcu/a1ions-Revisian Ques1io11s 6. Dilution of Liquid Formulations

1lo+ 1o«> '-"' \.-tP

phannacist adds 120 ml of Potassium Permanganate solution containing 5% w/v of
Potassium Permanganate to one litre of Water for Irrigation.

Whaf is ,the final percentage (w/v) c.oncentration of Potassium Permanganate present?

a) 0.45 %
b) 0.50 %
(c)_D.54%__ /
o) 0.57%
e) 0.60%

,,,,..".f
} ·-1 ~.J -F"~ .• _)(

c)

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

5% w/v --> 5 gin 100 ml

--> x g in 120 ml
x = 6 g Pota,ssium Permanganate

The final diluted volume = 120 ml+ 1000 ml

= 1120 ml
69
% Potassium Permanganate =. - - - x 100= 0.54% w/v
1120 ml ~_,

6.7
 Pharmaceutical Calculalions•Revlsion Q11cs/ions /

ivv'fJ ~,
1

1./IJ/ .,;) 1}Jl \

/ The volume of 70 % w/w Sorbitol solution (density= 1.290 g/ml} that must be used to
prepare 100 ml of 30 % w/v Sorbitol solution is:

{aV33.2 mll---_....~---
~~ 42.9 ml
c} 55.3 ml
d} 70 ml
e) 100 ml

---~
---.,{ ,,,._.' '
,·,
I .

---··--·-·---··················-·····-···········-··-·······-······--····-··········---·····------····--·-----
a}

Firstly, how much Sorbitol in 100 ml of 30% w/v Sorbitol?

Ans: is 30 g Sorbitol.

What weight of the 70% w/w Sorbitol Solution contains 30 g Sorbitol ?

70 g Sorbitol : 100 g Sorbitol Solution

30 g Sorbitol : x g Sorbitol Solution

x = 42.86 g Sorbitol Solution

What volume does 42.86 g Sorbitol Solution occupy ?

d = m/v Therefore v =mid = 42.J36 g/ 1.290 (g/ml} =33.2 ml (answer}

~
6.8
Pharmaceu1ical Calcu/atio11s-Revisio11 Ques1io11s 6. Dilution of Liquid Form~lallons

TRICK

The amount of Chlorhexidine Diacetate that would be required to prepare 100 ml of an

alcoholic solution such that 10 ml diluted to 500 ml (with 70 % alcohol) produces a
1 in 2,000 solution of Chlorhexidine Diacetate, would be:
...
A o.2sg ··
1~'2.5 g l--- _,..-/
c) 0.5 g
d) 5 g
e) 0.75 g

b)

Working bac!,:wards:
How much Chlorhexidine Diacetate (CD) in 500 ml?
1g 2,000 ml
x g : 500 ml x = 0.25 g CD
This 0.25 g is also present in 10 ml of concentrated product. (Because this 10 ml is diluted to 500
ml to give the above concentration)

How much CD in 100 ml of concentrated product?

0.25 g : 10 ml (concentrate)
yg : 100 ml (concentrate)

Therefore: y = 2.5 g CD (answer)

. ~

6.9
 I •
6. Di/11/ion of Liquid Formula/Ions
Pharmaceutical Calculntions.Re\·i.tion Que.~tions

Glyceryl Trinitrate Injection BP contains 50 mg of Glyceryl Trinitrate

per 10 ml and is diluted to 500 ml of Normal Saline.

What is the final concentration in mcg/ml or Glycer.yl Trinitrate 7

(!})100
b) 1500
c) 200
d) 250
e) 500

----··-··············-················-··········--·-···---·--···················--·········-·······----
a)

Simple arithmetic:

We have 50 mg diluted to 500 ml.

(1000 mcg = 1 mg)

ie: 50,000 mcg in 500 ml

x mcg in 1 ml

Therefore: x = 100 mcg in 1 ml (answer)

6.10
Pharmaceulica/ Calculolions•Revision Questions 6. Dilution ofliquid Formulations

1
11 ~ow much Methylene Blue is needed to make 120 mL of a 1 in 25,000 • I
solution?

- /""";a) 4.4 mg ....

1...__bJ,4.8 mg ... /
-c) 5.2 mg
d} 7.1 mg
e) 9.6 mg

,I

•l

. i
.. ,I, u
/

--···-········ ·················----··-······--·--·············-················-····-·---------
b}

Simple cross multiplication and use of units:

1g 25,000 mL

xg 120 ml

1 g x 1io ml
Therefore: x = •···----····----.= 0.0048g =4.8 mg {answer)
25,000ml

6.11 .. ,,;;
..·• .::'r~~::1:
Phannaceutlca/ Calculatlons•Revlslon Q11eslions 6. Dilr1tlon of Liquid Formulations

TRICKY

6.12 Concentrated Chloroform Water APF contains 10_% v/v of Chloroform. A mixture calls for 2.5 1
% v/v Concentrated Chloroform Water. How much Chloroform per day would a patient be ,i
receiving is they were taking 15 ml of the mixture four times daily?

q9 0.15 mlL__-/-
) 1.5 ml Jct-e) ~
c) 3.75 ml
d) 0.375 ml
e} 6.0 ml
.. \fr x.,-tc;~o.J_)

· - - - · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.. ---· ... ·-·----·-··--·--··-···----.......________ .., ... _ ... ___ ..,_4 ...... __ .,. ________ .,. _ _ _ _ _ __

a)

Firstly, work out how much mixture taken per day:

15 mUdose x 4 doses= 60 ml mixture

Secondly, how much Concentrated Chloroform Water (CCW) in 60 ml mixture?

2.5 ml CCW : 100 ml mixture
x ml CCW : 60 ml mixture
Therefore: x = 1.5 ml CCW

Thirdly, how much chloroform in 1.5 ml CCW?

10 ml chloroform_: 100 ml CCW

y ml chloroform : 1.5 ml CCW

Therefore: y = 0.15 ml chloroform (taken by the patient in a day) (answer)

Pharmaceulical Ca/c11/atiuns-Revisio11 Questions 6. Dil11tio11 of Liquicl Formulations

H ~--:. Repeated
How many millilitres of Hydrochloric Acid (36.8o/o w/w, density 1.19g/ml) are needed to
prepare 4 litres of a 10 % w/v diluted Hydrochloric Acid solution?

a) 147 ml
b} 400 ml
--~) 517 ml ,,.
(___g), 913 ml..:./
e) 1294 ml

J r

/')) .~, I
_,., t :

~"'

-·---------··········---··-···--·-······-----····-·······.........- .....-···························--··----------
d)

Working backwards:
Firstly how much Hydrochloric Acid in 4000 ml of 10 o/o w/v HCI?
. 10 g HCI 100 ml
x g HCI 4000 ml
Therefore: x = 400 g HCI

Secondly, what weight of strong HCI acid solution contains 400g HCI ?
36.8 g HCl 100 g strong HCI acid solution
4009 HCI yg "
Therefore: y = 1087 g

Convert this to a volume v = mid = 1087 g / 1! 19 (g/ml) = 913.~ ~

6.13
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Quc.,tion., • of liquid Formulations
6. Dilution

~ p r e s s a 1:80 solullon of Calcium Hydroxide in terms of % w/vi,

a) 0.50
:1 .25 c:::.:.---- ✓--
2.50
d) 3.0
e) 3.5

.1

------·······-········-·--·-·······-·······-·--··-··--·---··················-···-·-------·---
b)

1:80 means 1 g in 80 ml

o/ow/v means: number of grams per 100 ml

Therefore:
1g 80 ml
xg 100 ml

x= 1.25g
ie: 1.25 % w/v Calcium Hydroxide (answer)

6.14
Pharmaceutical Calcu/olions-Re,•ision Questions 6. Dilution of liquid Formulations

A 15/2xp,ess a 1:500 solution of Atropine Sulphate in terms of mg per ml.

7 - ~~ (_,--~ '·--t,f s
c) 50
d}SOO
e) 1000

-----------------------------
a)

1:500 means 1g in 500ml or 1000mg in 500ml

We want: xmg in 1ml

Therefore: x = 2mg (per ml) (answer)

~✓-·

6.15
Pharmaceutical Cafculations-Re\·lsion Questions 6. o;M(on ofUqnld Fom,ulo~

What volume (ml) of distilled water must be added to 500 ml of Ethanol 70% v/v to reduce
the concentration to 45% v/v ? •

. a) 500
b) 450
c) 555.6
A ! 3a.~ ~
l___:1,.-277.8/

1-o
45 --•-t,.,: 2..S-
0 ...

!
l

To
~
Cl\) ( -- l'l. \J L

l/S A, \)2.
-.:\D 1' Soo

v L-- -::tt'.t (+~~)

1 )-r _ Soo ~J
{:) ! ,.) 0 -~-z·
5,.,-::, v-(
<3
3$-:;, --ti, ·,A.. ~·oo v-l. +o O
I.,

uS ~ 1 ~, .::,

3 Sv ~ -~--~ 'l
I -- :) '\ ➔ ( t{ ~~ <. ,, r -~J

e)

Take 45 parts of Ethanol (70%) and dilute to 70 parts with distilled water. (Rule)
le: 45ml (70%) 70ml total volume
500ml (70%) x ml total volume

Therefore: x = 777.8ml total volume

Therefore volume of water to be added = total volume • volume of Ethanol 70%
= 777.8ml • 500ml
= 277.8ml ( a n s w e r ) ~

6.16
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 6. Dilution ofLiquidFormulatiom

6.17 Prepare 100ml of Benzoic Acid 5%w/v using Benzoic Acid 8%w/v {in Propylene Glycol) and
Propylene Glycol.
What volume {ml) of Benzoic Acid 8%w/v is needed ?

a)30.3
~)45.6 /
°'· c) 62.5 .----✓
afs?.9
e} 80.3

c)

Take 5 parts of Benzoic Acid {8%) and dilute to 8 parts with Propylene Glycol.
ie: 5mL (Bo/ow/v) 8ml total volume
xml {8%w/v) 100ml total volume

Therefore: x = 62.5ml Benzoic Acid 8% w/v (answer) /

Check:
62.5ml x 8g/100ml = Sg. This 5g is diluted to 100ml giving 5%w/v

6.17
 ' •
6. Dilution of Liquid Formulations
Pharmoceullcol Colculntlons-Revision Questions

6.18 How much Ethanol 90 % v/v is required to prepare 500 ml of

Ethanol 50 % v/v ? ' J

a) 250 ml
b) 225 mL
c) 450 ml
~/leer!'~.?
~) 308 ml
,, e) 278 ml
so
/ go
------- ;;o /

0
A· '---...:_qo
5-o

e)
(One method of working out)
Firstly, work out how much Ethanol is present in 500 ml of 50% v/v
ie:
50 ml Ethanol : 100 ml product
x ml Ethanol : 500 ml product
Therefore: x = 250 ml Ethanol

Secondly, what volume of Ethanol 90% v/v contains 250 ml Ethanol?

90 ml Ethanol : 100 ml product
250 ml Ethanol : y ml product
Therefore: y = 277.78 ml (round off to 278 ml) [answer]

(Using the Rule)

Take 50 parts of Ethanol 90% and dilute to 90 parts with distilled water:

50 ml(90%) 90 ml total mixture

Xml {90%) 500ml total mixture

Therefore: x = 277.78 ml

.6.18
• Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revi:.io11 Questions 6. Dilution of liquid Formulations

6.19 What is the volume of water that must be added to 400 ml of Ethanol 70 % v/v to
reduce the concentration to 45 % v/v ?

I (density of Ethanol 70 % v/v

(density of Ethanol 45 % v/v

a) 280.0 ml
b) 70.0 ml
c) 45.0 ml
= 0.890 g/ml)
= 0.943 g/ml)

tj) 110.1 ml
e) 222.2 ml
-- __;,..._,..

70

Jfio "i'

------------------·----·--··-·····---·---···-----··············----····----·-----·--·
e)

(One method of working out)

Firstly, determine how much Ethanol is in 400 ml (70% v/v)
70 ml Ethanol : 100 ml product
x ml Ethanol : 400 ml product
ie: x = 280 ml Ethanol

Secondly, work out the volume of product (containing 280 ml Ethanol) that wilt
give us a final concentration of 45 % v/v:
45 ml Ethanol : 100 ml product
280 ml Ethanol : y ml product
ie: y = 622.2 ml

In conclusion, amount of water to be added is:

622.2 ml (volume of dilute product)
- 400.0 ml (volume of concentrated product)

222.2 ml (answer)

6.19
 ;
Phonna<-;t;7,;"::;tt"" Q.,e,t/an,
c-·, ="
(E/_!}J J'..p L
N<;-F'
6 Dl/,tlon
I l ) 1
of Fi17~
Llq,M

1
stil:m much Sodium Fluoride (NaF, MW= 42, F·, AW= 19) is required to prepare 200 ml of a
solution such that 30 ml of this solution diluted to 1 litre of drinking water, will produce a final ]
concentration of F- of 1 part per million.
(Note: The drinking water already contains 0.5 ppm F- ) ~ h e NaF ~vailable is 100 %

9 pure.
fa) 7.37 mg , ~1 c- -=. ------"'~·
~i
- -- , : y. ·
~! --'~f L-- ·, ·, • • 1· · '"",.

~36.8 mg(..~/ / t,.//;e --, 1f p-rn

c) 1.66 mg (/
3

~l~3 ~~~ ~- , -;.';;~J;: ;:;:;;-::~

0•i r;J··. F {a~)-:;,
:50 _,yJ .. ~
'
=-··:_,. ~ ----v;o~-v~D 0
~

-'k;I~ {f --~-F
'-11- -_>.> );)
J.., c.,·~ frY ·

(i) ,..1,iJ
------------------------------------------------------·---------------------------------------- "7.J 1~
a)

Firstly, the amount of F- that has to be added is 1.0 - 0.5 = 0.5 ppm
because in the existing water there is 0.5 ppm.

The additional 0.5 ppm F- (to be added to the 1000 ml drinking water)
is present in the 30 ml of fluoride solution to be added.
What is the weight of 0,5 ppm F- in 1000 ml?
0.5 g F- : 1,000,000 ml
x g F- : 1 ,000 ml
- .,t -
xg F = 5x 10 g F
= = 3
Converting F- to equivalent NaF 5 x 10_,. x 42/19 1.105 x 10· g NaF
This is present in 30 ml of fluoride solution; now work out how much is
present in 200 ml of solution:

1.105 x 10·3 g NaF 30ml

y g NaF 200ml

Therefore y = 7.37 x 10·' g = 7.37 ✓wer)

6.20
 j

, Pharmaceulical Calcu/ation:;-Revisio11 Questions 6. Dilution of Liquid Formulalions

\ ~
A t 6.21
.
A pharmacist wishes to make 250 ml solution of a 15 % w/v of a drug in Absolute Alcohol.
. How many milliltres of Absolute Alcohol would be needed?

. (specific gravity of Absolute Alcohol= 0.798)

(specific gravity of 15 % w/v of the drug in Absolute Alcohol= 0.952)
.
\_f- i_f\ ,. ..

4r~;~:~ ~t ~---•"
c) 200.5 ml
d) 175.3 ml
e) 154.5 ml

wf-1J
1.-.

lrbrbe. ii1c ) 'ii 6 ~: :JJ,f ~ -z:x,.s J

JO

v
a)

Firstly, work out weight of the 250 ml solution:

m= d x V = 0.952 g/ml x 250 ml:: 238 g
Secondly, work out weight of drug in 250 ml solution:
15 g : 100 ml
x g : 250 ml Therefore: x = 37.5 g drug

Thirdly, work out weight of Absolute Alcohol required:

This is: total weight of solution • weight ot drug
=
ie: 238 g • 37.5 g 200.5 g =
Fourthly, convert 200.5 g of Absolute Alcohol to a volume:
m 200.5 g
v = ---- - -----------....- = 251.3 ml (answer)
d 0.798 g/rnl
 ) ' ~ a l Ca/cula//on.,-R.,•l,lon Q•;;• V ,};
6.22 What is the% vlv of Ethanol ln100 ml 85 % w/w?

(specific gravity Ethanol 100% = 0.7937)

A' ~7.5 o/o vlv

~ 9 . 3 % vlv .,_,,.._____-

~
c) 83.4 o/o vlv
d) 79.4 % vlv
e) 70.6 % vlv

@@
g> o/. J~-
J~ ✓.

·-····--···-----------·-----------------------------·-······-·-··-···-- ----
b)

Firstly, what is the weight of pure Elhanot fn.100g ot 855 wlw E"8Aef ?
Answerfs85g.
Secondly, what is the volume occupied by 85 g of pure Ethanol ?
v =mid= 8510.7937 = 107.09 ml

Thirdly, what is the volume occupied by 100 g of 85% w/w Ethanol ?

v = mid 100/0.8337 = 119.95 ml

Finally, 'volume occupied by 85g of pore Ethanol 107.09 ml

% v/v Ethanol = ------------------- = -------------- = 89.3 % v/v Ethanol
· volumeoccupfedby'100gofElharibt85% 119.95 ml

6.22
.,.
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Ques1io11s 6. Dilulion ofliquid Fon1tula1i;,,,s ·

Determine the volume of purifled water required to make 150 ml of

the following solution:
Kl 800 g
Purified water to 800 ml

(specific gravity of Kl = 3.33)

(specific gravity of the above solution= 1.70)

a) 150 ml
.- b} 105 ml
-. ·c} so ml
d) 145 ml
e) 49.5 ml

wl--1 I([ r~-::

:. w 1-1 Jh,p ~

l
...
.,-

~
'

-
---
')'11)

V
l o .£. .,.. . V .:; · lo S ~
.,.j

b}

Firstly, how much Kl is present in 150 ml solution?

800 g Kl : 800 ml solution
x g Kl : 150 ml solution Therefore x = 150 g Kl

Secondly, what is the weight of 150 ml Kl solution?

m = d xv :: 1.70glmlx 150 ml= 255 g

Thirdly, weight of solution - weight of Kl = weight of waler

255 g - 150 g = 105 g water
Since the density of water is. J .00 glml. the VOLUME of water required is 105 ml {answer)
✓/

6.23
 I
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions
. I
7. Dilution of Sdld/Seml Soli¥ulatlons

In preparing capsules or a very potent drug, 5.Q0 ITl9 of the drug was weighed out and diluted /
to 1 0 g with Lactose; 1.000 g of this mix was further diluted to 15 g with Lactose; 1.000 g of
this second mix was diluted to 15 g with Lactose; 1.00 g of this third mix was diluted to 15 g ...
with Lactose, and 500 mg or the final mix was filled into a No.1 empty gelatin capsule.
··What is the amount of drug in each capsule 7

a) 7.4 ng
b) 74 ng
c) 740 ng --
~
~
7.4 mcg
74 mcg

-:/.IL-:
' '

o . 22 2 ~--r-,,,
\ ,-~
l5.
(_, ,•i

() ' oo ? '1 ~ - - - ~ 0 t.5''

r:.-- 7-'

d)

Using the dilution formula: /

500mg lg lg lg
---=--x - x- x- x 500 mg
10000mg l5g l5g l5g

x
25 Hf = ?.4 x 10_3 m
3.375 X 107 - g

= 7.4 mcg (answer)

7.1
 .....
Pharmaceutical Calcu/alions-Revision Queslio11s 7. Dilutio11 o/Soldl&mi Solid Formulations

7 .2 Prepare 150g of Benzoic Acid ~%w/w using Benzoic Acid 10%.'!f./w (in Propylene Glycol) and
Propylene Glycol. ··
What weight of Benzoic Acid 1 0o/ow/w is needed ?

a) 10g
b) 25g
,.._c} 50g .-
d) 75g < ~
· e) 1009

~x )ro
{D

d)

Take 5 parts of Benzoic Acid (10%w/w) and dilute to 10 parts with Propylene Glycol.

ie: 5 g (10%w/w) : 10 g total weight

xg ( 10%w/w) : 150 g total weight

Therefore x = 75g Benzoic Acid 10% w/w (answer) __.,,-·

. 1..,.,/
Check:
75g x 10g/100g = 7.Sg. This 7.5g Benzoic Acid is diluted to 150g giving 5%w/w

7.2
 Phannaceutlca/ Ca/cu/ations-Rel'islon Questlon.t
•
7. Dilution ofSold/Semi Solid Fonnulollons

In preparing capsules of Cyanocobalamine, 500 mg of drug was diluted to 10 g with lactose;

/4Ir
{.
1.00 g of this mix was diluted to 10 g with Lactose; 1.00 g of this second mix was further
diluted to 12 g with Lactose; 300 mg of this mix was filled into a No.3 empty gelatin capsule.
How much Cyanocobalamine is there in eact,. capsule?

r.~·
, a) , 125 mcg .
'-61,.., 12.5 mcg
c) 125 mg
d) 125 g
e) 1.25 mcg

_,.

.f

.,,
{

1 .,..,.._. , - //•::-
.........
\,_.~}

a)

Using _the dilution formula:

500 mg 1g 1g
X - - · - X -····· X 300 mg
10000mg 10 g 12 g
4
15 X 10 mg
= - - 5-
12 X 10

= 1.25 x 10"1 mg = 0.125 mg = 125 mcg (answer)

✓---
7.3
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Re\•ision Questions 7. Dilution ofSold/Semi Solid Formulations

When preparing capsules of a very potent drug, 800 mg of the drug was weighed out and
attenuated to 10 g of Lactose; 1.00 g of this mix was further diluted to 8 g of Lactose; 1.00 g •
of this second mix was diluted to a further 8 g of Lactose; 1.00 g of this third mix was diluted
to 1 O g of Lactose; and 400 mg of this final mix was filled if1~o· an empty gelatin capsule.
How much drug is contained in the capsule?

a} 5 ng
b) 50 ng
c) 0.5 mcg
d} 5 mcg
e") 50 mcg

e)

Set up the dilution formula:

Amount of drug present in the final mix is:

800 mg l 000 mg I 000 mg I 000 mg

- - - x _ _....;;:;.. x ---=- x x 400 mg
I 0000 mg 8000 mg 8000 mg I 0000 mg

I0 13
: .,_ x 1 = o JX
"'? < 10· 1 WJ:
64 x 10 ~ •

= 0.05mg = 50 mcg (answer)

~/
7.4
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions
•
7. Dilution o/Sold/Scmf Solid Formulations
/

rw much of a 1.25 % w/w Sulphur ointment can be made from a 5 g quantity of Sulphur ?

· a} 125 g
b} 175 g
J;).. 200 g
~l,400 g .::- .r
e} 700 g

d}

1.25 % w/w means 1.25 g Sulphur in 100 g

We have 5 g Sulphur.

Therefore:
1.25 g 100 g
59· xg

Finally: x = 400 g {answer)

1.5
Pharmaceulica/ Calculalions-Revisio'n Qu,:s/ions 7. Dilution of Sold/S,:111i Solid Formula/ions

I A child is required-to have individually wrapped powders containing 1 mg of Prednisolone

per powder. These powders will be prepared by crushing tablets. How many tablets of
Solone ® (Prednisolone 5 mg) are required to prepare 125 powders?

a) 5 tablets
b) 10 tablets
c) 25 tablets ./
d}'-50 tablets
e) 75 tablets

./ •··.

c)

Firstly, work out how much Prednisolone do we need to make 125 x 1 mg powders.
Answer is: 125 mg

Secondly, how many tablets contain this amount of Prednisolone?

5 mg Prednisolone 1 tablet
125 mg Prednisolc;>ne x t~blets

Therefore: x = 25 tablets

7.6
Phannac,ufkal Colcu/olians-R,vl,lnn Qmtfon~ ./,,ril / - ~ ~;;:_~s:~•t::_d;;;"7:J'.j- J
1
Tammy, a one year old girl, is prescribed Prednisolone (1 mg powders). Ir the powders,
which consist of the drug diluted with Lactose, must each weigh 300 mg, how much lactose
is required to prepare 100 powders ?

Note: A 5 mg Prednisolone tablet weighs 150 mg. l

a) 3 g
b) 7 g
C}25 g
/Cl;27g
~ 30g

d)

flrstiy, \vork out how much Prednisolone required to make 100 x 1 mg powders:
Answer: 1 oo mg

Secondly, how many tablets {5 mg Prednisolone) are required to deliver 100 mg?

5 mg Prednisolone 1 tablet
100 mg Prednisolone x tablets

Therefore x = 20 tablets.

Thirdly, determine the amount of Lactose required:

I) weight of 100 powders: 100 x 300 mg= 30,000 mg

ii) weight of 20 tablets: 20 x 150 mg= 3,000 mg
iii) weight of Lactose to be adged = 30,000 mg· 3,000 mg
= 27,000 mg = 27 g (answer)

7.7
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 7. Dilution of Sold/Semi Solid Fonnulations

What would be the percentage of active ingredient if 50 g of 12 % w/w ointment paste is

diluted to 75 g with White Soft Paraffin ?

a}4 o/o
(D).8%
"-·-ef10 %
d) 12 %
e)6%

b)

12% w/w = 12 g active ingredient in 100 g ointment paste

Therefore, there would be 6 g active ingredient in 50 g ointment pasta.

Secondly, determine the percentage of active ingredient if diluted to 75 g with WSP:

6g
x 100 = 8 % w/w (answer)
75g ~/

1.8
 Phannaceutica/ Calculations-Revision Qm:.dions
. .
7. Di/111ion ofSold/Semi Solid Formulations

- - ~ making up capsules of Drug XYZ, 300 mg of the drug was weighed out and diluted to 10
:f~ g~second
with Lactose: 1.000 g of this mix was further diluted to 10 g with Lactose; 1.000 g of this
mix was diluted to 12 g with Lactose; 1.000 g of this third mix was diluted to 12 g with
·( Lactose, and 300 mg of the final mix was filled into a No.1 empty gelatin capsule. How much
drug is in each capsule?

~
6.25 mcg , _.//
12.50 mcg •···
c) 25.00 mcg
d) 50.00 mcg
e) 100 mcg

a)

Setting up the attenuation equation:

The amount of drug present in the final mix is:

300
mg x J.L x ..!._.L x ...!_l_ x 300 m
10000 mg 10 g 12 g 12 g g
.
4
9 X 10
2
=--- 6
= 0.625 x 10· mg= 0.00625 mg= 6.25 mcg (answer)
14.4 X 10

1.9
!t ...
Pharmaceutical Calculations-R,:vision Qui:stions 7. Dilutio11 of Sold/Se111i Solid Formulations

7.10 How much diluent must be added to 10 g of a 1:100 trituration to make a mixture that
contains 1 mg of drug in each 10 g of final mixture?

a)10,000 g
b) 1,000g
c) 900 g
cc1f; 990 g ,_
e) 100 g

I
. '

,.-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
d)

Firstly, determine the amount of drug in 10 g of trituration:

A 1:100 trituration means ·1 g of drug in 100 g of mixture·
Therefore in 10 g of mixture there would be 0.1g of drug (ie: 100 mg)

Secondly, determine the amount of mixture ( 1 mg in 10 g) that can be made from 100 mg of drug.

1 mg 10 g
100 mg X 9

Therefore: x = 1000 g

Thirdly, determine the amount of diluent needed:

•
1000 g (total mixture)
- 10 g (trituration)

990 g dHuent (answer) 1//

7.)0
 •
7. Dilution of SoldtSeml Solid Fonnulatlons
Pharmaceutical lculalions-Revl.don Questions

'A 15 kg child is required to have 2.5 mg Roxythromycin/kg/dose, 12 hourly, for a 10 day

period.
You are to prepare individually prepared powders for each dose. Given that your source of
Roxythromycin is 1-59
~. . ,. . many tablets are required to complete the treatment .?
mg tablets, how
.~•

a) 1 tablet
b) 2 tablets
c) 3 tablets
d) 4 tablets
.. •-e) 5 tablets

e)

Firstly, determine how much drug is needed for the whole course:

2.5 mg 2 doses
x 15 kg x - - - x 10 days= 750 mg Roxythromycin
kg x dose day

Secondly, determine how m.my tablets contain 750 mg Roxythromycin:

150 mg Roxythromycin 1 tablet

750 mg Roxythromycin _ y tablets

Therefore: y = 5 tablets (answer}

.
,7.11
.
_;;:: ,..."'-~
 Phormaceulical Calcula1ions-Revi:iio11 Questions 7. Di/11tio11 ofSold/Semi Solid Formula/ions

Twenty individually wrapped powders are required. each weighing 500 mg and containlng 50
mg of active ingredient.
How much diluent (Lactose) would be required to prepare this order?

_.-e) 0.9 g ,.,.

\. bl9.0 g ,./
·---er 10 g /
d) 20 g
e) 50 g

--------------------------------------····-·····-------·------------------------------------------------------
"
. b)
I •

- Firstly, determine the weight of the total powders:

500 mg (per powder) x 20 powders= 10,000 mg= 10 g

Secondly, determine how much drug is present in 20 powders:

50 mg drug (per powder) x 20 powders = 1,000 mg = 1 g

Finally, determine the amount of diluent required:

Weight of diluent required = Total weight of powders - Total weight of drug
- =10g-1g
= 9 g (answer)

7.12
 •
7. Dilution of Sold-'Seml Solid Formulations
P, annaceulical Calculations-Revision Q11e.tlion.t

.13 Hypochlorite Application APF is used in the debridement of ulcers and infected wounds.
1
It has the following fonnula:
Calcium Hypochloride Solution
Cetamacrogol Emulsifying Wax
45
10
1
liquid Paraffin, by weight 45
Calcium Hypochloride Solution contains 0.3% w/v of available Chlorine.
The density of Calcium Hypochlorite SolutioiiJ~ 1.00. n
How m/4ch av · able Chlorine is there per~ of Application? J : :.: / _'. vJt ;;
-.J&~
. a) 0.00135 g .. ____ ,./ ../.,) ~j/0 J t:ts-~ ;- L-ff
'"bT().0135 g
c) 0.135 g
d) 1.35 g
_
,F-dl, a)/w
1 /J I (J_
~
L,
J
e) 13.5 g
O•f a- ~ ,
.:,. / ~ ·

.lj( ,y(\/1
/J

0 •!}:~-,. __,

o. 15 ~:; Ji,==:
0 .ool5S'
~

a)

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

.
We have 0.3 g of available Chlorine in 100 ml of Calcium Hypochloride Solution
xg 45 ml " " " "

Therefore:

x = 0.135 g of available Chlorine in 45 ml of C.H. solution

ie: 0~135 g of available Chlorine in 100 g of Application

le: 0.00135 g of available Chlo~ine per gram of Application (or cream)

Answer. 0.00135g

7.13
 '
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 7. Dilution of Sold/Semi Solid Formulations

Chlorhexidine Cream APF contains.§.JJtL of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution per 100 g of

Cream. What concentration (%w/w) of Chlorhexidine Gluconate is present in the final
preparation?
/
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution BP contains 20% w/v of Chlorhexidine Gluconate.

a) 0.25 %
J.?) 0.50% ,,,,,..
:- c) t.00 % .....,,-,--,-
OJ1.25 %
e) 5.00%
;

---·······-·········-······-·--···········--·-·--····-·-······················--·-·········-···················-·---
c)
•
Firstly, work out how much Ch!orhexidine Gluconate (CG) per 100 g of Cream.

20g CG 100 ml of CG Solution

xgCG 5 ml of CG Solution (present in 100 g of Cream)

x = 1 g of CG

Secondly, work out% w/w or CG in 100 g Cream:

1 gCG
--·····-···· X 100 = 1.00 % w/w CG (answer)

~
100 g Cream

7.14
Pharmaceutical Calculatlons-Revis/on Q11estions 7. Dilution of S;ld/Seml Solid Formulations

7.15~ a t amount of 20% Salicylic Acid (in WSP) and WSP should be combined to produce
✓ ,v0g of 5% Salicylic Acid?

·
a) 20g of WSP and 80 g of Salicylic ointment
b) 40g of WSP and 60 g of Salicylic ointment /
,///
/
/4.~r~
c) 50g of WSP anp 50 g of Salicylic ointment
d) 60g of WSP and 40 g of Salicylic ointment
/e~ 75g of WSP and 25 g of Salicylic ointment . ..~-.,.,,,,.
'-.-7 1/

----------····-················-·······································-·····-·····-··················--··-··----
e)

Using the formula:

% Given
a

b ------- c
----x
'% Desired

-------
Parts Required

% Given % Desired Parts Required

20%----- ---- 5 (ie: 5-0)
5% ----
10% ------- -----. 15 (ie: 20-5)

20

In other words 15 parts of WSP and 5 parts of 20% Salicylic Acid in WSP will result in an ointment
containing 5% salicylic acid. The next step is to use these proportions or parts to detennine the
weights of WSP and 20% Salicylic Acid in WSP.•

Weight of 20% Salicylic Acid in WSP required:

5
- x 100g = 25g
20

Weight of WSP required: •

15
- x 100g = 75g
20

7.15
 Pharmaceullcal Calculations-Revision Q11estions
,/.
7. Dilution ofSold/Semi Solid Formulations

7.16 How much Urea is required to be added to a 64g batch of a 4% ointment In order to make it
/ 10% strength ? · -

v a)2.s69
U):4.279 :.,. __,....--
____.

c) 6.83g
d) 5.12g
e)10.24g
/, • ·~~
.;._-.~ -~~

I
I.

.l
-----------------------------
b)

Using the formula:

% Given % Desired Parts Required

100% --- - - - 6 (10-4)
10%
4% - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90 (100-10)
96

To determine the amount of pure Urea required:

t
6
-- x 68.279 = 4.27g (answer) /
96 ~

~e~ •
(Note: The amount of Urea in 64g of 4% ointment is : 2.56gJ

Total amount of Urea 2.56g + 4.27g

----:.·•--·-···-······ X 100 = - - - · • .. * X 100 = 10.0%
Total weight of ointment (64 g + 4.27 g)
I

'..
-~ :
7.16 ..
. '": i'#. .,.:.;·1~.;.;~1
~~.:.
 •
Pharmaceutical Calc11lations-Revision Que.dion., 7. Di1"tion o/Sold/Seml Solid Formulation$

7.17, In preparing capsules of another potent drug, 600 mg or the.drug was weighed out and
/ diluted to 10 g with Lactose; 1 g of this mix was further diluted to 10 g with Lactose; 1 g of
( ,_/ this second mix was diluted to 12 g with Lactose; 1g of this third mix was diluted to 6 g with
\.9 ·· Lactose. and 600 mg of the final mix was filled into a No.1 empty gelatin capsule. How much
\( drug Is in each capsule?

a) 12.5 mcg
b) 25 mcg .,,,..,.
Gr, 50 mcg (..,.,./'
75mcg
e) 100 mcg

.,

,,-.
-/
./
-

-----------------... ----------•·------------·-----·----------------·----
c)

Using the dilution formula:

600 mg lg 1g 1g
•
x - - x - - x - x 600 mg
10000mg JOg 12g 6g

36xl04 •
r.5= 0.5 x I 0- 1 mg= 0.05 mg = 50 mcg {answer) ~,,--
72 x 1v- ~

7.17
 Pharmaceutical Calculalions-Revision Questions 7. Dilutlo11 o/SolJISemi Solid Formulations

w much lchthammol would be required to be added to a 6% w/w lchthammol in WSP

ment ~repare 500 g of a 20% w/w lchthammol In WSP ?
. .
.
a) 14 g
b) 64.8 g

(~1- ~;:; ~ ~/
e} 87.5 g
f(r

,
!

d}

Using the alligation alternate method, we set up the following table:

Have Need Proportions

100% - - - - - - 14 (20 - 6) parts.of lchthammol

__,,,..- 20% - - - -
6% _..-- 80 (100 - 20} parts of 6% lchthammol

Total parts 94

Therefore, amount of lchthammol required :

•

14
---- x 500 g = 74.5 g (answer) . _____.
94 · ~

. 7.-18 .
. ,.!',ti()., /; .;: ::--:
 ...·•
•
Pharmaceutical Ca/c,tlatlons-Revlslon Questions 7. DIiution of So/cil,\'cmi Solid Formulations

7.19 /4~ospital ctinic requests 1 kg of a 2% w/w Hydrocortisone. Ointment. Determine how

J many grams of 5% w/w Hydrocortisone Ointment {HO) al'}d how many grams of WSP
would be required to fill this order ? ·

~
r a) . 400 g of 5% HO and 600 g of WSP
''rs,/ 600 g of 5% HO and 400 g of WSP
c) 700 g of 5% HO and 300 g of WSP
d) 300 g or 5% HO and 700 g of WSP
e} 500 g of 5% HO and 500 g of WSP

a)

Using the alligation alternate method, we set up the foil owing table:

i.e: Have Need Proportions

5% - - - - - - - - 2 parts of 5% HO =2/5 x 1000 g =400g

0% - - - - - 2% - - - - ~ parts of 0% WSP = 315 x .1000 g = 600g
Total parts 5

We therefore require:

400 g of 5% w/w HO
600 g of WSP

7.19
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 7. Dilution of So/J/Semi Solid Formulations
.
' .
7.20 In what proportion must Ethanol Mixture A (density 0.920 g/ml) be mixed with Ethanol
·/ Mixture B (density 0.810 g/ml) to provide 1000 ml of Ethanol Mixture C with a density of •

J 0.86DWmL? , /)l/f?~ -.
.:_~-5~ 454.5 ml of Mixture A and 545.5 ml of Mixture
545.5 ml of Mixture A and 454.5 ml of Mixture
B
B
c) 500 ml of Mixture A and 500 ml of Mixture 8
d) 833.3 ml of Mixture A and 166.7 ml of Mixture 8
e) 166.7 ml of Mixture A and 833.3 ml of Mixture B

----~---·--·-..·---·....----- ......--..--------------·. ---------·- ... -..... .. _____________, ............. _____________________ ..,.__

a)

Using the alligation alternate method, we set up the following table:

\
.Have Need Proportions

0.920'---._ - - - . 0.05 parts of Ethanol Mixture A (density: 0.9209/ml)

. --- 0.860---
. 0.810. 0.06 parts of Ethanol Mj_xture B (density: 0.8109/ml)
0.1j
-; '
Require: 0.05/0.11 x 1000 ml = 454.5 ml (Mixture A)

· Require: .0.06/0.11 x 1000 ml = 545.5 ml (Mixture B)

7.20 ... <·~

.;: . .-'f~~t;,. .":.. . : ,"M ·· ~ ,.. · ):.:
....
'1iaceutical Calculacions-Revision Ques1io11s 7. Dilution of SoltVSemi Solid Formula/ions

The required HLB (Hydrophilic lyophilic Balance) of an oil in •water emulsion is 13. What
amount of Glyceryl Monostearate (HLB = 3.8) and Polysorbate 80 (HLB = 15.0} should be
used if 150 g of emulsion is required ?

a) Glyceryl Monostearate: 26.8 g; Polysorbate 80: 123.2 g

b) Giyceryl monostearate: 123.2 g; Polysorbate 80: 26.8 g
c) Glyceryl monostearate: 120 g; Polysorbate 80: 30 g
d} Glyceryl monostearate: 30 g; Polysorbate 80: 120 g
e) Glyceryt monostearate: 75 g; Polysorbate 80: 75 g

------------------------------------------------------·---·-···--·-··--·-···--·-·······-------·-·--------
a)

Using the alligation alternate melhod:

Have Need Proportion

3.8 - - - - --- 2.0 parts of Glyceryl Monostearate

13 - - - .
15 - - - - _j,1 parts of Potysorbate 80
Total 11.2

Therefore amount of:

Glyceryl Monostearate is: 2.0/11.2 x 150g = 26.8 g

Polysorbate 80 is : 9.2/11.2 X 150 9 = 123.2 g

7.21
Pharmaceutical Calculatitms-Re\'isicm Questio11s 7. Dilution o/Sold/Sem, Solid Formulations

The required HLB of the oil phase of an emulsion is 10.8. What percentage Propylene
Glycol Monostearate (PGM) (HLB = 3.4) and Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monostearate (PEG •

total weight of the emulsion? . J

400M) (HLB = 11.6) should be used if the total surfactant.concentration is to be 8% of the

~ b~)
a) PEG 400 M 4% and PGM 4%
b) PEG 400 M 7.4% and PGM 0.8%
c) PEG 400 M 0.8% and PGM 7.4%
d) PEG 400 M 0.78% and PGM 7.22%
PEG 400 M 7.22% and PGM 0.78%

e)

Using alligation alternate method:

Have Need Proportion

3.4--- - - - - 0.8 parts of PGM

10.8 - - - -
11.6 ~ 7.4 parts of PEG 400 M
Total 8.2 •
The refore percentages required are:

% PGM = 0.8/8.2 x 8 = 0.78%

% PEG 400 M = 7.4/8.2 x 8 = 7.22 %

7.22
 ' Questions
Phannoceullc:al Calculations-Revision 7. Dilution of Sold/Semi Solid Formulations

,How much of a 0.125% w/w Iodine ointment should be mixed with a 1.00% w/w Iodine
ointment to make 60 g of 0.5% w/w Iodine ? ♦

:/
0.50 g
0.375 g
0.875 g
25.7 g
34.3g ----
~
_J

e)

Using the aHigation alternate method:

Have Need Proportions

1.00%--- - - - 0.375 parts of 1.00 % w/w Iodine ointment

Q5% •
0.125% .,...,.-, ---- 9-:L parts of 0.125% w/w Iodine ointment
Total 0.875

Amount of 0.125% Iodine ointment to be mixed to give 60 g

is: 0.5
x 60 g = 34.3 g (answer)
0.875

7.23
Pharmaceutical Calculalions-Revisio11 Q11estio11s 7. Dilution ofSold/Stmi Solid Formulations

7.24 You are required to make 200 g of 0.75% w/w Iodine ointment.

J ~ow much. of a 0.25°10 w/w Iodine ointment should be '!'ixed with a 1.5% w/w Iodine ointment ·
o make this product 7

a) , 120 g of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment

'·b} 200 g of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment
c) 150 g of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment
d) 133.3 g of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment
e) 266.6.g·of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment

...
-·--···--·-··--········-········------·-·······-··--·--···--·-··-··-··-···············---·-------
a)

Using the alligation alternate method:

Have Need Proportion

•
1.5%-..........._ 0.50 parts of 1.5% w/w Iodine ointment
-............_ 0.75%---
0.25% - - - ---...;. 0.75 parts of 0.25% w/w Iodine ointment
Total 1.25

Thus, the amount of 0.25% Iodine ointment required for a 200 g formulation is:

0.75
•·······- x 200g; 120 g {answer)
1.25 v,,..,,,.
.,,.---

7.24
Phannaceutical Calc~lations-Revision Q11estions
• Cavity Delivery Systems
8. Dody

8.1 What is the amount of a Macrogol Base required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories each
containing Theophylline 500 mg ?

DATA: The mould has been calibrated and has been found to hold 1.2 g the fatty base per
cavity. -==

The Displacement Value of Theophylline is 1.75

Macrogol Base has a density of 1.2 g/ml

a) 7.29 g
b) 7.63 g
c) 9.16 g
d) 10.07 g
10.97 g ; \
~--"
50 ,~. X r _.,

Wt of base = (Mould calibrn- Drug Dose(g)/DV) X Base Density X Y (no supp)

e)

Amount of Macrogot Base required for 10 suppositories:

•
= ( 1.2 • 0.5 /1. 75) X 1.2 X 10
= (1.2 • 0.286) X 1.2 X 10

= 10.97 g { a n s w e r ) /
Note:
1.2 = calibration of mould with fatty base
0.5 = dose of drug·
1. 75 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = density of Macrogol base

8.1
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions ' 8. Body Cavity Delivery Sy.stems
I

8.2 How much ~Fat-Suppository Base would be required to prepare 15 x 1 g suppositories

each containing 500 mg of Theophylline?

DATA: The mould has been calibrated and found to hold 1.20 g Hard Fat per cavity

The Displacement Value of Theophylline Is 1.75

(~~ 13. 71 g ...---- .r

b) 14.71 g
c) 12.43 g
d) 5.46 g
e) 11.36 g

._.;

a)

Amount of Hard Fat required tor 15 suppositories:

= ( 1.2 • 0.5/1.75) X 1 X 15
= (1.2 • 0.2857) X1 X 15
= 13. 71 g (answer)
Note:

0.5 = dose of drug

1.75 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = calibration of mould with Hard Fat
1 = density of Hard Fat

8.2
Pharmaceullcal Calculalions-Revlsfon Que.tllo11s 8. Bo&y Cavity Delivery Systems

8.3 How much Hard Fat Suppository Base would be required to prepare 25 x 1 g suppositories
each containing 300 mg of Theophylline?

DATA: The mould has been calibrated and found to hold 0.94 g Hard Fat per cavity
· The Displacement Value of Theophylline is 1.75 ···

20.7 g
19.22 g /
17.5 g .,;.,.-·
7.69g
16.00 g

7
' _.) I

-----·--
b)

Amount of Hard Fat required for 25 suppositories:

= ( 0.94 - 0.3/1.75) X 1 X 25
= (0.94 - 0.1714) X1 X 25
= 19.22 g (answer)
Note:

0.3 = dose of drug

1. 7 5 = displacement value of drug
0.94 = calibration of mould with Hard Fat
1 = density of Hard Fat

8.3
 I
Phannaceutlcal Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Bocly Cavity Deli\'ery Systems

8.4 The amount of a___kl~. base required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories each containing •
Theophylline 150 mg would be

DATA: The mould has been calibrated and has been found to hold 0.95 g the fatty base per
cavity.

The Displacement Value of Theophylline is 1.75

6.87 g
7.37 g
8.64 g - - - - -
9.14 g
9.50 g

.
--
..,

.x·
?

. ,1: (() I
·' ( '
1

----·-·-·······--········-··-·······-·-··--···--···-----···---·---------
c)

Amount of Hard Fat required for 10 suppositories:

= ( 0.95- 0.15/1.75) X 1 X 10
= (0.95 - 0.0857) X1 X 10
= 8.64 g (answer)

Note:

0.15 = dose of drug

1. 75 = displacement value of drug
0.95 = calibration of mould with Hard Fat
1 = density of.Hard Fat

8.4
Pharmaceutical Calculntions-Revislon Q11e.tlion.t 8. Bocly Cavity Delivery Systems

8.5 The amount of a Macrogol Base required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories each containing
TheophyHine 150 mg would be:

DATA: The mould has been calibrated and has been. found to hold 0.95 g the fatty base per
cavity.
The Displacement Value of Theophylline is 1. 75
Macrogol Base has a density of 1.2 g/ml

a) 6.87 g
b) 7.20 g
c) 8.65 g
__c;!)_ 9.50 g
•
(" e) 10.37 g
~-,_____...- '

..___.

---------------------------·-----------------------·----
e)

Amount of Macrogol Base required for 10 suppositories:

= ( 0.95 • 0.15/1.75) X 1.2 X 10

= (0.95 - 0.0857) X 1.2 X 10

= 10.37 g (answer)

Note:

0.95 = calibration of mould with fatty base

0.15 = dose of drug
1.75 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = density of MacrogoJ base

8.S
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Bo~ Ca,,ity 0 , 1 1 . , , ~

8.6 In calculating the amount of Hard Fat base for percentage suppository formulations,
displacement values are not used. If displacement values were employed In formulating 20 x
•:Th suppositories containing 10% w/w of a drug with a displacement value of 2.5, whal'would
the percentage error be?

1-5%
dbc)
5.1-8.5%
8.6-11%
d) 11.1-16%
e) 16.1-22%

,.
...; ;\

b)

Correct method:
Take 10% of 40g (20 x 2 g suppositories)= 4 g of drug
Therefore amount of Hard Fat needed is: 40g - 4g = 36 g

Using Displacement Value method (for 20 suppositories):

= ( 2 • 0.200/2.5) X 1 X 20 = 38.4 g
Finally, the percentage error is:

38.4g - 36g
--·---------- x 100 = 6.67 % (answer)
36g :C,c,c-,- ~

8.6
Phonnoceuticol Calc11lations-Rel'i.do11 Questions 8. Bo'd_v C(l\lif_Y Delivery Systems

8.7 Calculate the amount of PEGs (Macrogol Base) required to prepare 25 x 1 g suppositories of
Metronidazole (DV = 1.5) 400 mg.

DATA: The density of PEG Base= 1.2 g/mL

PEG Base consists of PEG 300, 1 part and PEG 4000, 4 parts by weight.
The mould was calibrated with Hard Fat and found to hold 0.94 g Hard Fat
per cavity.

a) 4.40 g PEG 300 and 17.60 g PEG 4000

b) 3.67 g PEG 300 and 14.66 g PEG 4000
c) 2.81 g PEG 300 and 11.22 g PEG 4000
d) 3.37 g PEG 300 and 13.46 g PEG 4000
r·~ 4.04 g PEG 300 and 16.16 g PEG 4000
·----- .-

----

----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
e)

Amount of PEG Base required for 25 suppositories:

= (0.94 - 0.400/1.5) X 1.2 X 25

= (0.94 - 0.2667) X 1.2 X 25
= 20.20 g (answer)

Note:
0.94 = calibration of mould with fatty base
0.400 = dose of drug
1.5 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

Finally, detennine amount of each type of PEG needed:

Amount of PEG 300 needed= 20.20 g x 1/5 = 4.04 g

Amount of PEG 4000 needed= 20.20 g x 4/5 = 16.16 g

8.7
Pharmaceutical Calculatio11s-Re,•isio11 Questions 8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems

8.8 How much fatty ba§e is required to make 25 x 1 g suppositories containing 7.5 %
Benzocaine ? -.-:;;.

a) 15.625
~3.13 g
c) 18.75 g
4-----------
d) 15.25 g
e) 15.75 g

,..
-r ,:-
...:. ._ .
.......----.,
, .,,,;

b)

25 x 1 g suppositories weigh 25 g (obvious!)

Now, 7.5 % of 25 g will be the weight of Benzocaine:

7.5
- - x 25 g = 1.875 g (Benzocaine)
100

Finally, to determine the ·amount of fatty base required:

25 g-1.875 g = 23.125 g (answer)

8.8
Phormoceullcal Calculalions-Re,:isio11 Q11esfions 8. Boll_v Cavity Delivery Sys/ems

8.9 How much PEG is required to make 15 suppositories each containing 50 mg

Hydrocortisone? -

DATA:
Calibration or mould= 0.90 g h:ard fat
Displacement value of hydrocortisone = 1.6
Density of PEG base = 1.2 g/ml

a) 11.45 g
b) 17.95 g
,...c) 16.25 g
,~5.64 g, __,.,..-·
e) 9.78 g

.-

--------------·----------------------------------------------------
d) ✓-

Amount or PEG base required for 15 suppositories:

=(0.9 -0.05/1.6)x1.2x15

= (0.9 - 0.03125) X 1.2 X 15

= 15.64 g (answer)

Note:

0. 9 = calibration of mould with ratty base

0.05 = dose of drug
1.6 = displacement value or drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

8.9
Pharmaceulical Calcu/alions-Revisio11 QuesJions 8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems

8.10 Prepare 8 suppositories each containing 50 mg of the anti-nausea drug Dimenhydrinate.

How much Macrogol base do you need ? •

DATA: Displacement value of Dimenhydrinate = 1.3

Density of Macrogol base = 1.2 g/ml ·
Calibration of mould with fatty base·'.= 0.9 g

a) 6.34 g
_t?)13.27 9.'.-
c) 5.46 g
d) 5.97 g
e) 7.65 g

-----------------------·---------------------------------------------·-----------------------------------------
b)

Amount of PEG base required for 8 suppositories:

= ( 0.9 -0.05/1.3) X 1.2 X 8

= (0.9 • 0.0385) X 1.2 X 8

= 8.27 g (answer)

Note:

0. 9 = calibration of mould with fatty base

0.05 = dose of drug
1.3 = displacement v~lue of drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

8.10
 • •
8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems
Pharmaceutical Calculallons-Revlsio11 Questions

8.11 How much base would be required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories for the following
fonnula?

Aspirin 300 mg (displacement value= 1.5)

Massuppol q.s.
(Assume calibration of mould = 1 g)

a) 5.1 g
b) 6.3 g
_tj 7.2 g
. d) 8.0 g .
'•-e) 9.5 g

d)

Amount of Massuppol base required for 10 suppositories:

=(1.0 -0.300/1.S)x1.0x10
•
= (1.0- 0.2) X 1.0 X 10

= 8.0 g (answer)

Note:
1.0 = calibration of mould with fatty base
0.300 = dose of drug
1.5 = displacement value of drug
1.0 = density or Massuppol base

8.11
Phar,,1aceulical Ca/culatio11s-Revision Quesli011s
.
8. Body Cavil)' Delivery Sys/ems

8.12 How much base would be required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories for the folfowing
formula?

Aspirin 500 mg (displacement value= 1.5}

PEG q.s.
(Assume calibration of mould = 1 g)
(Relative density of PEG base to Hard Fat= 1.2 g/ml)

a) 5.1 g
6) 8.0 g~ --,/ . /
c} 7.2 g -
d) 7.9 g
e) 9.5 g

b)

Amount of PEG base required for 10 suppositories:

= ( 1.0 - 0.500 /1.5) X 1.2 X 10

= (1.0- 0.333) X 1.2 X 10

= 8.0 g (answer)

Note:

1.0 = calibration of mould with fatty base

0.500 = dose of drug
1.5 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

8.12
Phannaceutlcal Calculations-Revision Q11estlon.f 8. lJody Cnvity Delivery Systems

8.13 How much base would be required to prepare 10 x 1 g suppositories for the following
formula? 6
/ .----...... ,. ,,_ ,,- ) )
;~' ~, ? ~ _.y
Benzocaine 10 % (displacement value= 2.0) ) /) I _/ \ /- 0, ~-
Massuppol q.s. ---, ; ) .• ! , r ~ . / . ---J~---------
1
(Assume calibration of mould = 1 g) cJ'"',,.,.

-a) 9.o g . {) ~s
'-ti}~ 1.0 g
c) 10.0 g
d) 8.5 g
e) 9.5 g

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a)

This is a percentage calculation: t

Firstly, how much Benzocaine in 10 x 1 g suppositories ?

10 g 100 g formulation (ie: 10 % w/w)

xg 10 g formulation

Therefore: x = 1 g of Benzocaine

Finally, the amount of Massuppol needed = 10 g - 1 g = 9 g ( a n s w e 1 /

8.13
 \
harmaceutical Cnlcula1ion'.>·-Re\'ision Questions 8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems

How much base is required to manufacture 10 x 1 g suppositories for the following formula ?

Mercurochrome 1 % .(DV = 3.0)

Purified Water 0.1 inl (DV = 1.0)
Wool Alcohols 0.1 g (DV = 1.0)
Massuppol q.s.
(Assume caHbration of mould = 1g)

a) 8.0 g
_j2) 7.5 g

~~;~
e}6.43 g
~---

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) ----
This can be a tricky calculation:
Firstly, determine the amount of base required for 10 x 1 g suppositories taking ONLY the Purified
,,,.
Water and WooA Alcohols into account:
{)V /l'Y\, Amount of base needed=
( 1- OJ 1/1 • 0.1/1) X 1 X 10 = 8 9.
Jil o w,,.J4/.c.
Hence weight of base+ Purified Water+ Wool Alcohols in 10 suppositories is:
8 g + 1.0 g + .1.0 g = 10 g j}) '7 4.-; 11
- .,,. .J t-A/ ~ J_)
Secondly, taking into account the Mercurochrome: ""c:r-'-' ~ - ~ ·
1% of this weight (lhti 10 g) Is the weight of Mercurochrome needed for 10 suppositories:
ie: 0.1 g
-
Therefore the final weight of base needed= 8 g- 0.1 g = 7.9 g (answer)

8.14
Phonnoceutlcol Cnlculotions-Revl.don Qut.(tions 8. Bof{v Cavity Delivery Syst~ms

Calculate the amount of base required for following formulation:

Hydrocortisone ?,O mg (DV = 1.6)
Benzocaine 5% (DV = 2.0)
Massuppol q.s.
Please prepare 12 suppositories.
(Assume the calibration of the mould is 1 g)
. ' ...----·
{-----------
a}11.17g ~ -
"or,1.78 g
c) 12.08 g
d) 10.50 g
e) 11.98g

I ••

a)

This exercise involves calculating the amount of base for a dose and a percentage fonnulation.

Firstly, the dose part:

Amount of base for 12 suppositories containing 30 mg Hydrocortisone is:
= ( 1 - 0.030/1.6) X 1 X 12 = 11.775 g

11.775 g (base) ¥t,.~oo ~ 12.075 g o,),,. •

Hence weight of base + Hydrocortisone in 12 suppositories is:
o,i'} x ,i · o-'f ~
Secondly, determine the amount of Benzocaine needed'lor 12 suppositories:
•

This is 5% of 12.075 g = 0.604 g

Finally, the amount of base actually needed is:
= =
11.775 g - 0.604 g 11.171 g or rounq.ed off to 11.17 g (answer)
'
l
\

8.15
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Body Cavity Delivery Sy.stems

8.16 How much PEG base is required to prepare 10 x 1 g of the following formula?

Paracetamol 250 mg (DV= 1.5)

PEG base q.s
(Assume the calibration of the mould is 0.95 g)
The relative density of PEG base to Hard Fat = 1.2g/ml

~)7.8g _.-
~ , 9 . 4 g --~_,,-
c} 6.2 g
d) 9.9 g
e}8.9 g
\
\
/

.r,
'· f

b)

Amount of PEG base required for 10 suppositories:-

= ( 0.95 - 0.250/1.5) X 1.2 X 10

= (0.95 - 0.16667) X 1.2 X 10

= 9.4 g (answer)

Note:

0.95 = calibration of mould with tatty base

0.250 = dose of drug
1.5 = displacement vak.Je of drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

8.16
 ••
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Body Cavity Delivery Systems.

•
8.17 How much PEG base Is required to prepare 10 x 1 g of the following
formula?
Pentobarbitone 100mg (DV= 1.5)
PEG base q.s · :..
is
· (Assume the calibration of the mould 1 g)
The relative density of PEG base to Hard Fat= 1.2g/ml

-- ✓r

---------------·---------------------------------··--------·----
e}

Amount of PEG base required for 10 suppositories:

= ( 1.0 -0.100/1.5) X 1.2 X 10

= (1.0 • 0.06667) X 1.2 X 10

= 11.2 g (answer)

Note:
1.0 = calibration of .mould with fatty base
0. 1oo = dose of drug .
1.5 = displacement value of drug
1.2 = density of PEG base

/ 8.17
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Boily Cavity Delivery Systems

iB.18 Calculate the percentage err_oI)nvolved if displacement values (DV) were used in the
calculation of the following formulation:

Bismuth Subnitrate 10 % (DV = 5)

Formulate 10 x 1 g suppositories in a fatty base.
(Assume the caUbration of the mould is 1 g}

~tS.9%~-
'-----1)} 12 .4 %
L
c) 10.2 %
d) 15.5 % \!_
e) 1.5 %

,,_, ,cIg
. ..
•· , . ,,?
' p/ .. I
✓

,_
.{

a)
·-
Using correct method:
10 % of 10 g (10 x 1 g suppositories)= 1 g of Bismuth Subnitrate
Therefore, amount of fatty base needed= 10 g • 1 g = 9 g

Using displacement method:

= ( 1- 0.100/5) X 1 X 10 (Note: 0.100g = 10% of 1 g)
-
= 9.8 9 I

Therefore, the percentage error is:

9.8g- 9g,
--··---·-- x 100 = 8.9 % (answer)
9g /
.___,,,,/,,.. I

8.18
 '
Pharmaceutical Colc11lotlons-Revlsion Questions 8. /Jody Cnvlty Delivery Systems

~9 Calculate the percentage error involved if displacement values (DV) were used in the
calculation of the foil owing formulation:

~ lodoform 10 % (DV = 4)

J'
I .
~~
Formulate 10 x 1 g suppositories in a fatty base.
(Assume the calibration of the mould is 1 g)

a) 8.9 %
(l .,,--b) 12.~ % _,
._ c) 8.3 Yo <,__.-·
··-d)15.5 o/o
e) 6.5 %
J

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) L---

Using correct method:

10 o/o of 10 g (10 x 1 g suif'positories) = 1 g of lodoform
Therefore, amount of fatty base needed= 10 g • 1 g =9 g
Using displacement method:
= { 1.0· 0.100/4) X 1 X 10 (Note: 0.100g = 10% of 1 g)
= 9.75 g
Therefore, the percentage error is:
9.75g. 9g . .
- - - - x 100 = 8.3 % (answer)
9g

8.19
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 8. Dody Cavity Delivery Systems

8.20 Calculate the percentage error involved if displacement values (DV) wer& used in the
calculation of the following formulation:

Phenol 10 % (DV = 1)
Formulate 10 x 1 g suppositories in a fatty base.
(Assume the calibration of the mould is 1 g)

a) 8.3 %
b) 11.5 %
c) 8.8 %
g) 15.5 o/o
e) none of the above

I
/

e)

Using correct method:

10 % of 10 g (10 x 1 g suppositories)= 1 g of Phenol
Thererore. amount of fatty base needed= 10 g - 1 g = 9 9

Using displacement method:

= (1.0 - 0.100/1) X 1 X 10 (Note: 0.1009 = 10% of 1 g)
=9 g

Therefore, the percentage error is:

9g-9g
------ x 100 = 0 o/o (answer)
9g ' ;,::::... --..
(ie: for those drugs wilh~~\:there is~~ erro! Ln.yp}ved whether you use the dose or the
percentage calculation meffiod)

8.20
Pharmac,ut/cal Ca/cu/allans-Rfflslon Q,.,st;ons 9. Milnmot,~ Mi/11,quh-al,nt, and M/1117 /
9.1 What is the amount of Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2 .6H 20; MW = 203.3) required to prepare
100 ml of a solution such that 10_ ml diluted to 1 litre yields a solution containing 0.30 r-Eq
of Mg2• per ml ? '

610g
,o fJ
l . ly,/V'~ -
• .-,,'?r
-wrf> '--~ . .__ ·,
. . ., C,lv-.
1'1,..,-,.
l '"' - ·.,
y) ·.:. -/,.
(El;
c)
305 g.,-/
7.0 g 1 o o '\•J,. , ---> ·. - .. -. ,~·: " [-} iu:.;
d) 305mg i ~
e) 30.5 mg

b)
2
Firstly, determine how much Mg • is present in 1000ml of dilute solution:
~-
2
0.3mEq Mg "'/ml x 1000ml = 300mEq

This is the amount present in 10ml of concentrate.

2
Therefore, the amount of Mg • present in 100ml of concentrate is:

2
300mEq/10ml x 100ml = 3000mEq Mg •

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

➔ 1 mEq Mg2•

➔ 3000 mEq Mg 2+

3000x 203.2 I
i.e:
2 >< 1000g

= 304.95
= 305 g (answer)

9.1
 Pharmaceutical Ca/c11latious~Revisiot1 Questions 9. Ali/limo/es, Milliequivalents and Millimoles • l
fl 9.2 How many milliequivalents (mEq) of Ca
2
• are present in the following solution?:

Calcium Chloride 0.26 ~i (CaCl 2.2'H 2O; MW = 147)

Calcium Gluconate 0.61 . (C12H220,..ca.H20; MW= 448.4)
0.50', (C 6 H 10O 6Ca.5H 2O; MW= 308.3)
!·
Calcium Lactate
Sodium Chloride 0.30 / (NaCl; MW = 58.5)
Purified Water to 100 ml I-

mEq = mMole X Valence t-

a) 6.8 For any Ca salt
b) 4.5 mEQ = mMole X 2
c) 55 .}
d) 124
,e)" 9.5
·--,_➔

l
e)
l
1-17
-me ➔ 1 mEq Ca 2•
2 - ......
260 rr.g ➔ x mEq Ca 2•

260" 2
= = 3.54 mEq
147

Calcium Gluconate

448.4
--mg ➔ 1 mEqCa2• ,
2
610 mg ➔ x mEq Ca 2+

= = 2.72 mEg

I
Calcium lactate

308.3
--mg ➔ 1 mEq Ca2•
2
500mg ➔ x mEq Ca2+

.500 )( 2
= = 3.24 mEg
308.3
2♦
Total number of mEqs of Ca = 9.5

9.2
 •
9. J..-lillimoles. Mi/llequlvalent., and Mi/limo/es
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions
mOsm = no of ions
How many milliosmoles (~~sm) are contained In the following solution?

Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate

Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Purified Water to

a) 3.67
b) 9.25
c) 16.7 A: J-_.,
/ :: ...\. ;_.,
~
23.7
. -~ ~

·~ ✓/·

f"l, ,,,, '; -· -1

-
- !
._
•
_, \

e)

358.l
--mg ➔ 1 mOsm
3

2000 mg ➔ xmOsm

16.76 mOsm

v<,»2 fo<J ~
i.e.
136.1
--mg 1 mosm 1 ,yY} M __.t, z /Vt) O.s .Jrt
2
➔
\
1000 mg ➔ xmosm

14.69 mosm

Total = 31.45 mosm

9.3
\"A Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 9. Mi/limo/es, Milliequivolents and Mi/limo/es

How many milliosmoles (mOsm) are present in the following mixture?

•-....
Sodium· Citrate 0.5 g {C 6H 5 Na30 7 .2H 20, MW= 294.1)
Sodfum Bicarbonate 1.5 g (NaHCO3 ; MW= 84.1)
Orange Syrup 1 ml .
Concentrated Chloroform water 0.25 ml
Purified water to 10 ml

a) 4.05
b) 12.3
c) 14.7
d) 19.1
·er
~--~· -
42.4 .. ",,...,

.I_.

··~~....._;,:. ~ .
........

e) Scdiwm Ciirate -►
Citrate:,.+ 3Na•

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

294.I
i.e: --mg ➔ 1 mOsm
➔

500mg ➔ xmOsm

5QQ X ➔
= 294.1
= 6.8 mOsm

NaHCO 3 ➔ Na•+ HCO.3

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

84.1
i.e: -mg ➔ 1 mOsm
2 .

1500 mg ➔ .x mOsm

LSOO x
= 84.1
2 = 35.6mOsm

Total = 42.4 mOsm

9.4
 . . ,l •
Pharmaceutical Cnlc11/ntlons-Re,•lsion Que.tlio~ 9. Mi/limo/es, .Millit!q11ivnlents nnd Mllllmole1

The number of milliosmoles contained in the following solution is:

l
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl 2 .6H 2O; MW= 203.3)
Potassium Chloride (KCI; MW = 74.6).
Water for Injections to
12 mEq
20mEq
100 ml
~·t
: .
i-J,..,-,
(
-J- . . -~ c/2_ t.

-----------..·--·-·----------·------·-·-------·-------------·. --------·---------------·- ...------·---------·-·-·•--"'-----------

b) MgCl 2 .6H 2O ➔
_.,,-
203.3
'l '1 mg (101.65 mg)_ ➔ 1 mEq

2033
and - - mg (67.76 mg) ➔ 1 mOsm
3

10154
- - x l 2 mEq ➔ 18m0sm
61.16

KCI ➔ K. + er

74.6 mg ➔ 1 mEq

· (37.3 mg) ➔
74 6
and 1 mOsm
2 .
74.6
- x 20 mJq
E ➔ 40mOsm
313

Total =

9.5
· Pharmaceutical Calculalions-Revisiu11 Questions 9. Mi/limo/es, Milliequivalenls and Mi/limo/es I
. l
How much Calcium Chloride (CaCl 2.2H 2O; MW = 147) is required to prepare 100 ml of a.
concentrated solution such that 10 ml diluted to 1000 ml wiH 1
2
yield a solution containing 0.1 mEq/mL of Ca •1

a) 36.8g 1oa,,,.._ -r:r

r I
b) 9.2 g
c) 5.01 g
,,,
. fb.
18.4 g
73.5 g
~--
I .._
l

·I
f
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
e)
2
Firs:ly, cetermine how much ca • is present in 1000ml of dilute solution:

2
0.1mEq Ca ../ml x 1000ml = 100mEq

This is the amount present in 10ml of concentrate.

2
Therefore, the amount of ca • present in 100ml of concentrate is:

100mEq/10mL x 100ml = 1000mEq Ca

2
•
I
➔
I
Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

1 mEq Ca 2•

➔ 1000 mEq Ca2 •

1000 lH
i.e: x=--x-
l 2

= 73.5 g (answer)

9.6
Phannaceutlcal Calculations-Revision Questions 9. Mi/limo/es, Mi1liequivalents and Millimoles

9.7 Hew many milliequivalents (mEqs) of Na• are present in the following mixture?
----
/ Sodium Citrate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Orange Syrup
0.5 g (C8H5Na 3O 7.2H 2O; MW= 294.1)
1.5 g (NaHCO3 ; MW= 84.1)
1 ml
Concentrated Chloroform water 0.25 ml
Purified water to 10ml
_..,
a) 4.05 ..
·'> •. •· ..
''-· '"--'.:i " r
b} 12.3
c) 14.7
d) 19.1
---er
._____:.,,, 22.9 /
j
~-------·
'1 ! ,"~'

,./ .
.,.;;

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------·----·-·---------
e) Sodium Citrate

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

- - mg S od'1um c·•hrate
294,l ➔
3
500 mg Sodium Citrate ➔

500
i.e: x= =
x 3 5.1 mEqs Na•
294.1

Sodium Bicarbonate

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

84.1 mg Sodium Bicarbonate ➔ 1 mEq Na•

1500 mg Sodium Bicarbonate ➔ xmEq Na•

1500
i.e: x=--= 17.8 mEqs Na•
84.l

Total = 22.9 mEqs Na•

9.7
Phannaceutical Calculalions-Revisio11 Queslio11s 9. Mi/limo/es, Milliequivalenls and Millimoles

9.8 How much Potassium Chloride (KCI; MW= 74.6) would be required to prepare 1 litre of an•
intravenous solution to be infused into a patient continuously over a 6 hour period at the rate
of 0.1 0 mmol K+ per minute?
-~-:::-

1.34 g
·2.68g~·
13.4 g
44.7 mg
224mg

• I

-------- ~--------------------------------···--·---·····---------------------········--------
b)
74.6mgKCI ➔ 1 mmol K•
xmg KCI ➔ 0.1 mmol K•

X = 0.1 x 74.6
= 7.46 mg (per minute)
= 7.46 x 60 mg (per hour)
7.46 x60 x 6 mg (per 6 hours}
= . 2685.6 mg
= 2.68 g

9.8
 I
1
l

/Va.,_ SO., . Jo Jh,t:) "

. . ~ 22. / 2-7 . .-~ c1111M)-..1;11p 2. ,,.,, E-1 so..,
t., l(Boss ~J-
.. . ~ /fs ·,m ·f1 ,S'~
' ,..., ""\
1L
-·:·5 x_~zz.2~. l>

2, o 5s__~ 0 \/~~
__________________________________________ _______ ________________ _____
.,. .,. .,. ,. _____
a)

Firstly, determine the weight of Na2SO4.1OH2O in 25 ml solution of 2 mEq/ml of sot

322.2
--mg ➔ lmEq /
2
.1,w1/V1 .... 2-m1~
~~
(in 25ml)
322.2 '25 ,w) M --~P S"O
Le: - - x 2 x 25 = 8.055 g 125 ml
2

Secondly. express the final concentration in g/ml:

1 M Na 2SO.i.1 OH2O contains 322.2 g in 1000 ml

1x10-3 M Na 2SO4.1 OH2O contains 322.2 mg in 1000 ml
5 x 10-3 M Na 2SO4.1OH2O contains 322.2 x 5 = 1.611 g/1000ml

Finally:
1.611g 1000ml
8.055g xml

x =5,000ml =5 l (answer)

9.9
[

r
rt
,;

~-z ~~- <L ~1 : ..

CJ i 2.3

c) 16.7 JJ.,.., r· · - .·------

.J t- <4--··-·-- ~ s .s.st ~ c
,, r2\
~~v ~ ~-- C _1.1 o &
i:j

it '
.::..:::_ n:£ ➔ l mol·m
2 ~

x mO$i01 ., ·. ;J'~ :: '~ ,,, Ga:~~?<

84
2--,:iJ'51 iiib.{11r

~ 2~k_;ii__f . f\A, r, i
147
-11:g ➔ I mosm
i
t:;;\ r~1
\:.h.it,
300 rr.g ➔ '" ~ x \"
mOsm
4 - - - .. , 1,,., I:""' is
300)( 3
= - - - = 6.12 mu:.111
147

I'~ ➔ Na•+ Cr
Mi ..S~ . ,
\"~R.g ➔ I mosm
___ . ,_"_ ·-- 2
~ ~j·;·]~- -
::::::::-·
203.3
--mg ➔ tmosm
3
60mg

Totat = 16.73 mOsm (answer)

9.10
 •
Phannaceutlcal Calculatlons-Rn·lslon Qut!stions 9. Mi/limo/es, Millieq11iva/ents and Mill/moles

'
9.11 You are required to prepare 5..29.J!lL of a solution containing 0.02 molar Sulphuric Acid. How
much Dilute Sulp_huric Acid tt5trute Sulphuric acid contains 10% w/w Sulphuric acid; wt/ml=
1.045) would you use? _ 1 . ,,; _ •. (
(H:SO ... ; MW= 98.07)? () .: IYV' .~.. -(' '.. · '> ·, • ..:,
.---- . . _...
~ J" • -l ....

/J~,✓ ~
I •

\I\ ~l ✓ f-:~'. -:, .

.,~··

-- -·---------·-·--··--------·-----·--·-----··-·-·---------------·------------.............____.....______ ___ ___...._______

... ,.. ,..

a) Require 500 ml of 0.02 molar {M) H2SO,

Definition: 98.07 g H2S0" in 1000 ml = 1M

1
49.035 g H2SO... in 500 ml = 1M
4.9035 g H2S0, in 500 mL = 0.1 M
0. 9807 g H2S0, in 500 ml = 0.02M

To determine the weight of 10% w/w H2SO, solution required:

10 g H2SO,. 100 g (10%w/w H2SO,. solution)
0.9807 g H2SO" x g (10%w/w H2SO,. solution)
X = 9.807 g •j
To determine the volume 9.807g of 10% w/w H2 S0" solution required:

v= mid
.~
1
i

. 9.807
=- - = 9.4 ml (answer) l
1.045 -
...
l

:·!

ti
9.11
~
Pharri1aceu1ical Calculations-Revision Questions 9. Mi/limo/es, Milliequiva/ents and Mi/limo/es

Calculate the amount of Histamine Acid Phosphate required to prepare 10 ml of a solution ·

containing 0.03% Histamine base. ·-~-

Martindale quotes: 2.76 mg of Histamine Acid Phosphate is equivalent to 1 mg of Histamine

base.

a) 1.1 mg
':
R) 3mg
8.28 mg. ..#.,...
(~ 30 mg
e) 82.8 mg

0.03g/100ml
30 mg/100 ml
= 3 mg/10 ml of Histamine base
= 3 x 2.76 mg Histamine Acid Phosphate
8.28 mg of Histamine Acid Phosphate (answer)

9.12
 I
Pharmaceutical Calc11/ations-Revislon Quc.flions 9. Millimoles, Min/equivalents and Mi/limo/es

9.1~w much Potassium Chloride (KCI; MW= 74.6) would be required to prepare 1. .li.!r~ of an
intravenous solution to be infused into a patient continuously over a 12 hour period at the
rate of 0.05 mmol K• per minute? .

_a) 1.34 g
, b) 2.68 g .
. c) -- 13.4 g·- .
d) 44.7 mg
e) 224 mg

b} 74.6 mg KCI ➔ 1 mmole K•

xmg ➔ 0.05mmole

X = 0.05 x 74.6 mg KCI

= 3.73 mg (per minute)
= 3. 73 x 60 mg (per hour)
= 3.73 x60 x 12 mg (per 12 hours}
= 2685.6 mg
= 2.68 g (answer)

9.13
 9. .'./il/1mv:••s. Alillie,1uivolenls and Millimoles

c...-1,/,J L:>fo .d, NV\ fCf .C

\J l'~..r.,
9.14 How many millimoles {W.ol) of ~ a r e present in the follov,ing mixture?

Sodium Citrate 1g (C6Hst la 3 O;.2H 2O); MW= 294.1)

Sodium Carbonate '\0()75<Tlng (Na 2 CO 3 ; M'N = 106)
.A-:,, J Red Syrup 1 ml
~ Concentrated Chloroform Water 0.25 ml
Purified Water to 10 ml

a·iI 31.4
--,

D) 4.05
,-\
'-'i 12.3
r,
'-'; 1~.7
€; J 25.3

Se:::-; c;:; a s:rnple proportion relationship:

2S~.1 .7.g Sccivm Citrate 3 mmcl Na•

,c:::: r;-,; S~dium Citrate x mmcl Na•

1000
i.e: x = - - x 3 = 10.2 mmo!e;; Na•
29-l.l

Scd:L!m Carbonate

106 mg NaiCOl 2 mmot Na•

600 mg Na 2CO3 xmmot Na•

i.e: x =(SC0 x 2) / 106 =15.1 mmo/es Na•

Total mmcles 10.2 + 15.1 = 25.3 (answer)

9.14
 ' 9. Millimolcs. Millieq11ivalents and Milllmoles
'.I
Pharmaceutical Calculatlons-Revi.Tion Questions

1
How much Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO,..7H2O; MW= 278.0) would be required to prepare 100
ml of a concentrated solution such that when 5 ml ls diluted to 250 ml, yields a 0.1
millimolar solution? ·
1
,f<l' 6.95 g \
.,l
'
1.11 g
~ 556mg
139 ma -----
6. 95 mg---

; '.

.. .
JCtJJ
"

d)

Definition: 1.00 molar solution of Fe$O.,..7H 2O contains 278.0 gin 1000 ml

0.1 molar solution of FeSO.,..7H2O contains 27.8 gin 1000 ml
. 0.1 millimolar solution of FeSO,..7H2O contains 27.8 mg in 1000 ml
Therefore, In 250ml there would be: 27.Smg/4 = 6.95mg FeSO4.7H 2O

This is present in the 5ml concentrate.

Hence, to make 100ml of concentrate we need:
· 6.95mg x 20 = 139mg (answer)

------------ 9.IS
 Pharmaceutical Calculalio11s-Revision Questions 9. Alil/i1110/es, Alilliequivalenls and Millimoles
...
9.16 Calculate the volume of sterile Potassium Acetate Injection 2.45 g/5 .ml to be added to one

-
~
litre of Vamin N® to give a total al25ml:q k'llitre.

'
(CH3COOK,
.

MW= 98.14) -
Vamin N® contains 2&mmotK1/litre Potassium Acetate

I" a) 0.1 ml
A 0.5ml
1 ml
(~
5ml
e) 10ml

£j.}f {l,11'K ------trl" ./ ?Ill ~

z.o.,.,!"1 _ _,. , (1~ * 6 2]

. : W'-l--~J exh..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------·---------------
c) Vamin N® contains 20 mmol (mEq) K•/litre
The refore we require an additional 5 mEq K•
i.e: 98.14 mg CH3COOK ➔ 1 mEq K•
· 98.14 x 5 mg CH 3COOK ➔ 5 mEq K•
i.e: 490.6 mg CH3COOK

We have an injection containing 2.45 gJS ml

i.e: 2450 mg 5 ml
490.7 mg xml

X = 1.00142 ml_
i.e: 1.00 ml of injection needed (answer)

9.16
Pharmaceutical Calcu/ations-Revi.c;ion Questions
•
9. Ali/limofes. Millieq11ivalents and Mil/lmolt:r

What ts the daily sodium (Na•) Intake In mEqs or a 69 kg patient from the Intravenous
administration of the antibiotic Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate (C1sH1sC,2NaOa: ~ =
445.2) at a dose of 12 mg/kg every six hours?

a) 1.2 mEq
b) 93 mEq
,--c>~
~
7.4 mEq
d) 0.11 mEq
e) 14.9 mEq
/ I : .,,
~ ---
.-,
-·-· l C.: w

c) (i) Total daily dose = 12 mg x 69 kg x 4 doses/day

= 3312 mg Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate
(ii) Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate
445.2 mg ➔ 1 mEq Na•
3312 mg ➔ x mEq Na•

3312
x=--
445.2

= 7.4 mEq Sodium (answer)

 '
Phan11aceulical Calcu/ations•Revision Questions 9. Mi/limo/es, A/il/iequivalents and Millimoles

How many milliequivalents (mEqs) o!.~• are present in the following mixture?

Sodium Citrate 1g (C6HsNa~O1.2H2O; MW= 294.1)

Sodium Bicarbonate 750mg (NaHCO3; MW= 84.1)
Orange Syrup 1 ml
Concentrated Chloroform water 0.25 ml
Purified Water to 10 ml

: ! .' r , I
a) 4.05
b} 12.3
c} 14.7
(~> 19.1
e} 31.4
J
I

d}

Setting up a simple proportion relation~hip:

294.1
- - mg Sod"1um 1trate c· ➔ 1 mEq Na•
3
1000 mg Sodium Citrate ➔ x mEq Na•

i.e: :r = IOOO x 3 = 10.2 mEqs Na"

294.1

Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

84.1 mg Sodium Bicarbonate ➔ 1 mEq Na•

750 mg Sodium Bicarbonate ➔ xmEq Na•

.
1.e: 750 8.9 mEqs JYa
x=-= u "
84.1

Total = 10.2 + 8.9 = 19.1 mEq Na• (answer}

~ /

9.)8
 l
Phannaceulical Calculatlons-Revlslon Quesllon.t
.
9. Mi/limo/es, },,fl/lleqrdvolents and Mllllmoles
'
9.19 How much Calcium Chloride (CaC'2.2H2O; MW= 147). ts required to prepare 50 ml of a
concentrated solution such thafs ml diluted to 250 ,nl will yield a solution containing 0.1
mEq/ml-of Ca2•? ·
··: -- D-1 I¼ Ea ·--?' -f , - ~

a) 36.8 g i
2 So." r_
,
f b) 9.2 g _y .r_} N, c-
[/ I
\ c) 5.01 g ,

CW 4
~~ ~ 2 ;; ""~ E(l ---- '7 :, ,-,-. \,
-·· r·J ,.,,,:.."1"""•~~
' ~~) r:' \
" ·•"'liy· ( ~...
..._,,,;. .,. t...,J ('r.,(··.
I • .....
~ .
.-r

__ .,.._.
..-..
- • .,,..,: ""' .'> ...
,t...... •. "--
( ·- __. ,..,,,, ......

·-· -~------···-·

<" ... r··""'1

...::, ----·

2
d) Firstly, determine how much Ca • is present in 250ml of dilute solution:
2
0.1 mEq Ca • /ml x 250ml = 25mEq

This is the amount present in 5ml of concentrate.

-Therefore, the amount of ca 2• present in 50ml of concentrate is:

25mEq/5ml x 50ml = 250mEq Ca2•

➔ Ca2• + 2Cf

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

147
-mg ➔ lmEq
2

➔ 250mEq

250 147
i.e: x=-><-
1 2

= 18.4 g CaCl2.2H2O (answer)

9.19
 Iiequivalents and Mi/limo/es

/~ -·,
==- 3 ;,._~) .::,\;•.--,
- '. ,.....__2.V..,.;u,<.
-·_'-...,.)
··,
,,.~--··

--!>

7 L,J. 6 _ ___,, / IVVl [;( --------

,,__ =;-~--~-» 8

74.6mg -➔ 1 mEq
and 74.6 (37.3mg) ➔
2 1 mOsm

2mosm KCI = 1mEq KCI

:. The number of mOsm provided by 10mEqJC.: is:

- _ 10x2~0sm

Total=~~-+ 20 ,=56 mOsm (answer}

9.20
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Q11estions 9. J.lillimoles. Milliequ/valents and Mi/limo/es
\

The number of milliosmol~s contained in the following solution is:

-·-·~·
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl 2 .6H20; MW = 203.3) 24 mEq Mg2+
Potassium Chloride (KCr: MW= 74.6) 10 mEq K+
Water for Injections to 100ml
0 ('- -
C- y

~
~
d}
e)

b} ➔

203.3 2•
--mg (Wl.65mg) ➔ 1 mEqMg
2

203.3 )
- - mg(67.7 6mg ➔ I mosm
3

2•
The nurrber of mOsm provided by 24mEq of Mg is: ·

1.5 x 24 = 36mOsm

KCI ➔

74.6 mg .➔ 1 mEq
· (37.3 mg) ➔
74 6
and 1 mOsm
2

2mosm KCI ::;; 1mEq KCI

:. The number of mOsm provided by 10mEqJ< is:

. 1ox2&asm
.
Total = 36 + 20 =56 mOsm (answer)

9.20
Pharmacetllical Calculations-Revision Q11estio11; 9. Millimolu. J./Uneqr,ivalents and Milllmoles

9.21 How many milliosmctes (mOsm).. are present in the following mixture?
~

1
\
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Orange Syrup
Concentrated Chloroform water
Purified water to
1g

1 ml
0.25 ml
10 ml
(CsHsNa301.2H20: MW= 294.1)
750mg (NaHC03;'MW = 84.1)

a) 4.05
b) 12.3
-----...;;.-
c) 14.7

/✓-~
19.1
t . _........ ,;;,,:...,..
31.4

e) Sodium Citrate ➔ Citrate3- + 3Na •

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

294.1
i.e. --mg ➔ 1 mOsm
4

1000mg xmOsm

1000
= - - x 4 = 13. 6 mosm
294.1

NaHC03 ➔

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

84.1
i.e: -mg ➔ 1 mOsm
2

750mg ➔ xmOsm

150
= -x2= 11.8mosm
84.1

Total = 13.6 + 17.8 =- 31.4 mOsm (answer)

9.21
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions 9. Millimo/es, Alilliequivalenls and Mill/moles

9.22 How many milliosmoles (mOsm) are contained in the following solution?
~:-'.:"-- '-
I ,\°>·1
Disodium Hydrogen Pho~phate -1-r9&g (N,a2HPO.c.12~; MW=:: 358.1)
Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate 0.454 g {t5H2PO4; MW= 136,-1)
Purified Water to 100 ml

a) 3.67
b) 9.25
~ 16.7 ._.----
d) 23.7
e) 31

__,;-.........)

/~ .
•. '-~:, L.-1

;/ ;✓-
F t-......_,,,

c)
~
Na2HP64.12H2O ➔ HPO4. + 2Na•

358.1
--mg ➔ 1 mOsm
3

1195 mg ➔ xmOsm

1195
X = - - X J = 10 IIIOSIII
358

136.1
i.e. --mg ➔ 1 mOsm
2

454mg ➔ xmOsm

454
x = - - x 2 = 6.67 mosm
136.1

Total ::; 10 + 6.67 = 16.7 mOsm (answer)

9.22 ,t;
~ ";
 Pharmaet!utlcal Calculatlons-Rci·l.don Questions 9. Aflllimoles, Mlllieq11ivolent., and Mllllmoles

Q)i
9.23
2
How many milliequivalents (mEgs) of Ca ♦ are present in the following solution?:

\ \ ~. Calcium Chloride 0.1 ;· g- (CaCl2.2H2O; MW = 147)

Calcium Gluconate 1.12 g (C12H22O14Ca.H 2O: MW= 448.4)
Calcium Lactate 0.41 g (CsH10OsCa.5H 20; MW= 308.3)
Sodium Chloride 0.34 g (NaCl; MW = 58. 5)
Purified Water to 100 ml

a) 6.8
b) 4.5
c) 55
dJ
c~ 124 /

9.4

c1r
·..._,,
.0.....
: ·~ '

------------·----·--------------·------····················.. ····················--···········'-~~""~'"~_;-······-----
e)
Calcium Chloride: CaCl 2.2H2O

147
-mg ➔ 1 mEq ca 2•
2
130 mg ➔ x mEq Ca2..

l30x 2
= 147 =I. 77 m£qs

~_/;
448.4
--mg
2 .
➔ 1 mEq ca2• .__.;;;::,,-=:,-©~~°\
,,;,\(;j l u.<? j ~..Y
1120 mg ➔ x mEq Ca2•

= 1120 x 2 =5.0 mEqs

448.4

308.3 1 mEq Ca2..

--mg ➔
2
410 mg ➔ x mEq ca2•
= 4 lOxl =2.66mE s
308.3 q
2
Total mEq of Ca • = 1.77 + 5.0 + 2.66 = 9.4 (answer)

9.23
Pharmaceutic()/ Calculations-Revision Questions 9. Mi/limo/es. Alilliequivalems and Mi/limo/es

___________ ..,.., ______________ .. __________ ,.._..., ____ ____ .. .., ____ ····.........---------------·---
,.. I , ..... -.... _______________ ., __________
2
a) Firstly, determine how much Mg • is present in 1000ml of dilute ~olution:

0. 1SmEq Mg2.. /ml x ·1000ml = 1SOmEq

This is the amount present in 5ml of concentrate.

2
Therefore, the amount of Mg .. present in 100ml of concentrate is:

2•
150mEq/SmL x 100ml = 3000mEq Mg

Setting up a simple proportion relationship:

➔ 1 mEq Mg2•

➔ 3000 mEq Mg2•

x = 304,800 mg= 304.8 g = 305 g (answer)

9.24
 t I

Phannaceutical Calculations-Revi.don Question.-r 9. Mi/limo/es, MU/ieq11ivalents and Mi/limo/es

o-o(, r-1' tl /, l _
0•~ ss,
0.908g
- - x 50 ml= 0.454g = 454mg
100ml 1s6 ~ - - - ~ '- ~ Q $-w\
'ISS•' ____,, L~· 9- ~o~

2.39g ii:. tJ°" i. l1- po,

- - x 50 ml= 1.195g = 1,195mg
100ml e,.ot,=,- 1' '3 s 8 • ,c:,-o,e

Equations: lJ •I ,,1 ,j) ----• s;o -I)

1 mmol KH2 PO.c = 2 mOsm ions = 136mg KH2PO.c

To determine the number of mOsm in 454mg, cross multiply: - - - • · 3"""0 """
2) Na2HPO.c ➔
=6.68mOsm
2 Na•+ HPO4 •
2 ---r~ l 10• oi}
1 mmol Na2HPO,. = 3 mOsm of ions = 358mg of Na2HPO.c
To determine the number of mOsm in 1, 195mg, cross multiply
= 10.01mOsm

Total mOsm = 6.68 + 10.01 = 16.69 mOsm (answer)

9.25
 ~ t~"N\J /l
0 ,9 I\Jttc.Y

Pharmaceutical Calc,~lations-Revision Ques1io11s ~~1 , • I 0. Jsosmolic and lsoionic Solutions

~ @ µ "J~lt-1o..d ~~ .. ~
How much BorLc Acid is required to render ,2~ m_SPf the f oltowing eye drops isotonic?
. ---------- ~

SCE
Gentamycin Sulphate 5% 0;05g
Boric Acid qs 0.5 g
Chlorbutol 0.5% 0.24 g
Water for Injections to 25ml

a) 990mg
b) 495mg
c) 202 mg
qp 265mg
810mg

'-..,,
··--'

./ r
(

·-
\

Using the SCE method. o(. determining isotonicity:

,. o/o adjusting substan~e.~.

0.9 • (% Drug Ax SCE Drug A+% Drug-8 x SCE Drug B etc)

SCE adjusting substance

% Boric Acid . = [0.9 - (5 X 0.05 + 0.5 X 0.24)1

0.5
= 1.06%w/v
Therefore in 25 ml,.: ,

1.06g x 251100 =0.265 g =265 mg Boric Acid (answer)

JO.l
 . 0 5j waJ. . '> /o-0
Phormoceullco/ Colc11/otfons-Revbion Q11estion.f
-- ') /-==
:;:;;·"'•":;;;r;;,·/
J ~ I r.!P __,
10.2 If the contents of a 20 ml ampoule containing 5.00 g of Potassium Chloride is diluted to 1
litre with Water for Injections, how much Glucose would be required to render the final
soJution isotonic? -

t '\
--• .

DATA: SCE KCI = 0.76

f, SCE Glucose = 0.16

a) O.68g
b) 6.8 g
c) 4.25 g

~
14.2 g
32.5 g
,>"·'

. ~,....,,,,. . ·

'\.

e)
Using the SCE method or determining isotonicity:
~---
% adjusting substance =

0.9 - (% Drug A x SCE Drug A + % Drug 0 x SCE Drug B etc)

SCE adjusting substance

We have 5.00 g KCI per 1000 ml is equivalent to: 0.5% w/v

Therefore % w/v of Glucose = 0.9 - (0.5 x 0.76)

0.16

= 3.25%w/v

Therefore for a 1000 ml formulation:

3.25 g
= ----. x 1000 ml= 32.5 g Glucose (answer}
100 ml

--------· 10.2
Pharmaceutical Calcula1io11s-Revision Queslio11s J0.. /sosmolic and Isotonic Solutions

j
If the full contents or a 10 ml ampoul& containing 2.98 g of Polasskm Chloride is diluted to 1 •
litre with Water for Injections, how much GkJcose would be required to render the final
so~ution isotonic?

DATA: SCE KCt = 0. 76

SCE Glucose = 0.16

a) 0.68g
~c)
42.1 g e-----·
4.25 9
d) 19.2 g
e) 6.8 g

-- C.J.

- ·---

----------------------------------------
,·

b) ,.,-
~ ~trsing the SCE method of det.ermining isotonicity:

% adjusting substance =
~.9- {% Drug Ax SCE Drug A+% Drug 8 x SCE Drug 8 etc}

We have 2.98 g KCV1000 ml; i.e. 0.298% w/w

[0.9 • (0.298 X 0. 76))

Thefefore % w/v of Glucose=---------·------= 4.21 % w/v
0.16
Therefore for a 1000 ml formulalion:

4.21 g
= ------~ x 10.00 ml= 42.1 g Glucose (answer)
100ml

-------· 10.)
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revl:cion Questions
• and Isotonic Solutions
I 0. /sosmolic

~0.4 How much Boric Acid Is required to render 25 ml of the following eye drops isotonic?

SCE.
Streptomycin Sulphate 6.25% 0.06 if
Boric Acid qs 0.5 g
Chlorbutol 0.5% 0.24 g
Water for Injections to 25ml

a) 990.3 mg
~) 495.8 mg
, c) 202.5 mg ___-··
"'c1,---· 405.0 mg
e) 810.1 mg

L.

c)
Using the SCE method of determining isotonicity:

% adjusting substance =
0.9 • (% Drug A x SCE Drug A+ % Drug BX SCE Drug B etc)

SCE adjusting substance

i.e: [0.9 • (6.25 X 0.06 + 0.5 X 0.24))

% Boric Acid= --·----------·----· = 0.81 % w/v
0.5
Therefore for a 25 ml formulation:

0.81 g .
= ------ x 25 ml= 0.2025 g = 202.5 mg Boric Acid (answer}
100ml
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revisio11'· Questions J0. /sosmotic and Isotonic Solutions

,.. Ci;d ~ /-\ .

10.5 Calculate the amount of Sodium Chloride (C1so NaCl = 0.9%) required to
following eye drops isotonic: e
makfrQ~\ the
C1s0
Carbachol 0.75 g 2.82%
Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01 g 4.52%
Disodium Edetate 0.05 g 3.94%
Water for Injections to 100 ml

a) 0.038 g
b) 0.65 g
.,9-. 0.10 g
·" d) 97 mg
e) 2.8 g --·--·· ·
(
I
/: c::,..,~ /
\ ...-. ,._,,.:...

d) Using the C;50 method for determining isotonicity:

% Adjusting substance --
,- % Drug A % Drug B
---------------·········------- -·· 1\. [ --------------- + --·------------ + ...... }
C;s0 Adjusting substance Ciso Drug A Ciso Drug B

%NaCl
--------- - 1 - [ 0.75/2.82 + 0.01/4.52 + 0.05/3.94}
0.9

%NaCl
---------- = 1 - 0.2809
0.9

% NaCl = 0.647% w/v

Therefore for a 15 ml formulation:

0.647 g
----- x 15 ml= 0.097 g = 97 mg Sodium ChlCIJide (answer)
100 ml

10.5
 Pham,aceutical Cnlculntions-Revlsion Questions I 0. Jso;,notic and Isotonic Solutions

isotonic?

f.
t'I Zinc Sulphate 0.25 g
Boric Acid 0.75 g 0.288°
Chlorbutol 0.5 g 0.14°
Water for Injections to 100 ml

0.64 g
64 mg
45mg
315 mg
1.1 g

<'~··.~
.'
..._,.,. -

i:.t.
.:rf;,z_,,~~
1oc.J. -J!!II,, to't~r · · .
1 1
,..___
~o,7..DS
,, 0,212.s
70 \!:!SILfJ] .,. . ----- ~ [!_,o'ftf;j
>
------------ .··-------------------·-----·----......- -·----·--------·--·-·--·--·-----------...----------
....

d) Using the FD1% method for determining isotonicity: , , •

/
% Adjusting substance =

0.52 • ( % Drug A ,x FDnfi + % Drug Bx FD1% + etc)

------·-----------
FD1% adjusting substance

0.52 • (0.25 X 0.086 + 0.75 X 0.288 + 0.5 X 0.14)

% Glycerol= ---- ----------····-··
0.203
% Glycerol= 1.05 % w/v

Therefore for a 30 ml fonnufation:

1.05 g
___;__ x 30 ml= 0.315 g = 315 mg glycerol (answer)
100 ml.

10.6
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questious JO. Jsosmotic 011d Isotonic Solutions

How much Boric Acid (FD1% = 0.288°) would be required to make 25 ml of the foHowing eye •
drops isotonic?

FD1'!!.
Amethocaine Hydrochloride 1.0g. 0.109°
Sodium Metabisulphite 0.1 g 0.386°
Phenylmercuric Nitrate 0.002g 0.059°
Water for Injections to 100ml

a) nomg
,. b) · 0.77 g
c) 1.29 g
(d}- 322.5 mg
e} 2.5 g
_,

d) Using the FD 1% method tor determining isotonicity:

% Adjusting substance =

0.52- (%Drug Ax FD1% +%Drug Bx FD1% + etc)

FD1% adjusting substance

0.52 • (1 X 0.109 + 0.1X 0.386 + 0.002 X 0.059)

% Boric Acid = ----------------·-·----------·-··--·------- = 1.29 % w/v
0.288

Therefore for a 25 mL formulation:

1.29g
------- x 25 ml =0.3225 g = 322.5 mg Boric Acid (answer)
100ml /

10.7
 j

Pharma«utlcnl Colculntlons-Revision Q11eslio,rs I 0. Jsom,otic and Isotonic Solutions

How much Sodium Chloride (C150 NaCl = 0.9%) would be required to prepare 20 mL of an
isotonic eye drop preparation of the following formula ?

C,so
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 1g 3.00%
Sodium Metabisulphite 0.1 g 1.38%
Chlorbutol 0.5g 3.70%
Water for Injections to 100 ml

a) 108 mg
Cf! 82.6mg
0.41 g
d) 0.46g
e) 540.3 mg
..I

1 -l-
,
.I
( _J
-·
r.
' '
'...,-

, , . . .,·~~- ~: ...-
'·.;

-----------------------------------------
b) Using the C,50 method for determining isotonicity:

% Adjusting substance % Drug A • % Drug B

!/
- - - - - • - - - - = 1 - [ - - - - + - - - - + etc) ./

Ctso Adjusting substance C;s0 Drug A C1so Drug B

%NaCl
- - - 1 - [ 113.00+ 0.1/1.38 + 0.5/3.70]:: 0.459
0.9

% NaCl= 0.413 % w/v

Therefore for a 20 mL formulation:

0.413 g
- - - x 20 mL = 0.0826 g = 82.6 mg Na€( (answer)
100ml

10.8
 ;
Pharmaceulical Calculatio11s-Revisio11 Questions J0. Jsosmolic and Isotonic Solutions

to~
7
How much Sodium Chloride would be required to render 2S ml of the eye drop •
formulation isotonic?

SCE
Atropine Sulphate 2.0g 0.13 g
Benzalkonium Chloride 0.04 g 0.16g
Disodium Edetate 0.05g 0.23g
Water for Injections to 100ml

a) 83 mg
b} 333.9 mg
c) 107.4mg
d) 570 mg
e} 155.5 mg

e) Using the SCE method of determining isolOflicily:

% adjusting substance =

0.9 - (% Drug A x SCE Drug A+ % Drug 8 X SCE Drug a etc)

-----·-·. --·------- -----------------·--------------------
...
SCE adjusting subslance

i.e: [0.9 - (2.0 X 0.13 + 0.04 X 0.16 + 0.05 X 0.23)}

% NaCl= ---------------------------------------------,. = 0.622 % w/v
1.0

Therefore for a 25 ml formulation:

0.622 g
x 25 ml= Q.1555 g = 155.5 mg NaC• (answer)
100ml

10.9
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions I 0. Jsosmotlc and Isotonic Solutions

10.10 The amount of Sodium Chloride required to render 25 ml of the following nasal drop
" formulation isotonic is: ~-=

)5' Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Sodium Metabisulphite
Chlorbutol
S.C.E.
0.5 g 0.35
0.1 g 0.67
0.5 g 0.24
Purified Water to 100 ml

a) 90.1 mg
:"o) 134.5 mg. / - - -
---er· 0.90 g L---
d) 225.2mg
e) 600 mg

-----------··-··-·····--··-·-··-·······-····-···---·······-········-··············..······---
b)

Using the SCE method of determining isotonicity:

% adjusting substance =

0.9 • (% Drug Ax SCE Drug A+% Drug Bx SCe Drug B etc)

SCe adjusting substance

i.e: [0.9- (0.5 X 0.35 + 0.1 X 0.67 + 0,5 X 0.24)1

% NaCl = ----·---··------------ =0.538% w/v
1.0

Therefore for a 25 ml formulation:

0.538 g
- - - - x 25 ml= 0.1345 g = 134.5 mg NaCl (answer)
100ml

------- 10.10
ULP Pharmaceutical Ca/culmions-Revision Questions I0. Jso:.molic and Jso/onic Solulions

ij10.11 The amount of Glucose (C6Ht206; MW= 198.2; Ciso= 5.55%) required to make Isotonic 25
ml of a 1 % solution of Thiopentone Sodium (MW= 264.3; Ciso = 3.5%) is:

·1 a)
~1-~ ..J
0.161g

~ er·
0.99 g
3.96 g
d) 0.55 g
e) 1.98g

.,/
\'
/
/

b)
Usir.g the C so method for determining isotonicity:

% Acjus,ing substance % Drug A % Drug 8

------···········-·-··------·· - 1 - [ ----····--··· + --·-··---- + etc)
Ciso Adjusting substance Ciso Drug A Ciso Drug B

%Glucose
--------- - 1 • [ 113.5 l = o_.7t4
5.55

o/o Glucose= 3.96 o/o w/v

Therefore for a 25 ml formulation:

3.96g
x 25 mL = 0.990 g NaCl (answer)
100ml

10.11
 Phannaceutfcal Calculatlons-Re,•lsion Questions •
JO. Jsosmotic and Isotonic Solutions

fO 1), (\,JJl~~ yr c½J ,,;J)

¥ 10.12 To make the following solution isosmotic with blood serum how much Anhydrous Dextrose is
required ?

®, NaCl 2.5g
Water for Injections 1 litre
FD1%(NaCI) = 0.576°C
FD 1%(Anhydrous Dextrose)= 0.101°C
. "\?'(!, ~
,, a) 101.1 mg o. 2.S /.
b) 74.4 mg
c) 74.4 g
.. . •
j.} 37.2 mg
. · e) 37.2 g
. ' 11. ,J« J - - - • o .. sr6 c
-/<;......,,;._,::----,~ [o, :'Iq o';J )
JC> he_. ,s O k,,yu'c. -...
~: ~~
....,
. . Id
17 odo c..
o,j 16'·c
~
::"' J~1-2'2. ~ _ __.,ap 10-0

. JE(], , iat>.o

e)

The percent or NaCl in the above solution is 0.25%

Using the FD1 % method for determining isotonicity:

% Adjusting substance.=

0.52 - ( % Drug A x FD1% + % Drug Bx FDn, + etc)

FD1% adjusting substance

0.52 • (0.25 X 0.576)

o/o Dextrose = ---------------- = 3. 72%
0.101

- ie: 3.72 g per 100 ml or 37.2g per 1000 ml

10.12
 fsosmutic ,me/ Isotonic Solutions

Please make the foil owing solution isosmotic:

FDn~
2% 0.122°c
qs 0.576°C
W.ateP for lnjeci.lons to.250,ml
. ... ...

. ~ pn:,~~
t'/.. ,._....., ·o, J2 2... o C

_,. ___,, {--o-,-2,_,-4-•c.-)

....' ~ ~, -, : :
"·
_ o. 21/'1-;. Gi ·2-9-6 ~ c.]

--- ..... ·-··· ...................................................................···--·--. -- .·----- ----------····-···---

a)

Using the FD 1% method for determining isot::n;:::ity:

% Adjusting substance =

0.52 - (%Drug Ax FD 1 c,.. + % Drug 8 x FD1% + etc)

FD 1 % adjusting substance

% NaCl= 0.52 - (%Procaine HCI x FD 1'\,,l

FDl'l~ NaCl

= 0.52-(2.0 x 0.122)
0.576

0.4 79% wlv Sodium Chloride

ie: 0.4 79g of NaCl is required per 100ml or 1.198g per 250ml (answer)

IO.IJ
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Q11e.t(ions 10. Jso.tmJtic and Isotonic Solutions

~/
) 10.14 How much NaCl Is required to adjust 100 ml of a 2.5 per cent solution of Methoxamine
\ Hydrochloride ? -
SCE (NaCl) =1.00
SCE (Methoxamine HCI) = 0.26

a) 150 mg
200mg
50 mg ~---- ·
) 300 mg
e) 350 mg

c)

• % adjusting substance =

0.9 • (% Drug A x SCE Drug A + o/o Drug 8 X SCE Drug B etc)

SCE adjusting substltnce

% NaCl required = 0.9- (% Methoxamine HCI x SCE Methoxamine HCI)

: 0.9•- (2.5 X 0.26)
= 0.9.-0.65
= 0.25 per.cent
ie: 0.25g (250mg) of NaCl is required for 100ml of solution.

10.14
Pharmaceutical Calculalio11s-Revisio11 Qmmious I 0. lsosmolic and Isotonic Solwtlons

I
Ephedrine HCI
·-
10.15 How many gram~ of NaCl are required to make the following solution isosmotic ?

1.0%
C1$0
3.2%
Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate 1.0% 6.83%
NaCl q.s. 0.9%
Water for Injections to 50 ml

0.160
1
_9_.244 V'.
0.284
d) 0.488
e) 0.966
1 '
-- _-,.#It---~__:_;,..·.

b)

Using the formula:

% adjusting substance % drug A % drug B

= 1 - (-··-------· + --------- + .... )
Ciso adjusting substance c.... drug A Cit.o drug 8

o/o NaCl 1.0 1.0

--------- - 1 • (------ + ------)
0.9 3.2 6.83

% NaCl
··-r---- = 1 • (0.313 + 0.146) = 0.541
0.9
% NaCt =- 0.541 x 0.9 = 0.487

ie: 0.487g of NaCt per 100ml or 0.244g per 50ml (answer)

IC.IS
•
Phannl(l);~ons-Revis/on Q w l i ~ J
I

a ~\. _, r _j
_,v /1. Buffer Solutions

~ What Is lhe final 1!1:1 of a buffer solution made by mixing 14.2 ml of a 1% solution of Citric
Acid {MW= 192.2; pKa = 6.4) and 35.8 ml of a 1.5% solution of Sodium Citrate (MW=
294.1)?
[salt]
pH = pka + log--
[acid}
r , ► __
- .., J:trO -
~-,:, •14•2..--.
~~ 1
1,,:,...-----•
:~ ~; . 2-
/•

o" 0 00 ?'f ,,.. O• I'; 2...

I•
i ~~· ·c;'A,/4-
, , s ____.-.-........~.,.~~ , I c.rO
~--o-.r=~~?_j_] .-.-.----• ~~g
.)

~ 1 ,tq , "'2:11./- I

0.0018 2.J--..-,. 0•5~1j

-----------·····--··--··--------·····-·-····-·--·--··-·-------------------·-·-------------··--·-----
d)

Firstly, determine the concentration of each ingredient {moles per 50ml):

n= m/M
14.2 I
Citric acid = - x - - = 0.00074 mole {per 50ml)
100 192.1

35 8
Sodium Citrate = · x ~ = 0.00183 mole (per 50ml)
100 294.1

Henderson equation pH = pka + log [salt]

[acid]

pH= pKa + log {0.00183/0.00074)

pH = 6.4 + log 2.47

pH = 6.4 + 0.393
pH-= 6.793 = 6.8 {answer)

I I.I
Pharmaceulica/ Ca/c11/a1io11s-Revisio11 Queslions JJ. Buffer Solulions

11.2 Aspirin has a pKa of 3.5. If a patients' urine is 5.5, what wouki the ratio of dissociated to
undissociated drug be? . , ·

.· [dissocialed]
k
pfl =pa+og
' lundissociated}

a}.~ 100:1
--J 2...
b} 1:100
c) 1:10· ·
d) 10:1
e) 1:5

- - - - - ...- - - · - - - - - - - - · - - - - - - - - - - - · - - - - -. . ♦--------------------------------

,. ldissociatc-dl
a) Henderson Equation p.fl = plf.a+ 1og
(11ndissocia1ed}

S.S.-= 35 + log fdissoclatll!'d}

[ ,mdiss~c/Olll!'d J

[dissociated)
2 = Iog
(undissoclotll!'d J

antilog 2 = [dissociated]/[uncfassociated]
100 = [dissociatedYfundissociated)
1OO{undissociatedl = [dissociated)
-
Therefore the ratio of dissociated to undissociated is 100: 1

11.l
 /aceullcal Ca/c.,/anans-Rev!,ion Q'J)~ ~} '- L:, r.J /V_J,} 11. Buffer Solutions

/\. 11.3 What will the final el!. be of a buffer solution made by mixing 10 ml:->of 0.6% Acetic Acid
\ ,J (CH3COOH; MW = 60.05; pKa = 4.8) with 50 ml of a . 1;36% Sodium Acetate
J \ (CH3C00Na.3H20; MW= 136.1) solution? A _ L,
\\' . ~ 1-t'(;ePt::...
{salt)
pH = pko + log--
[ocid}
o.6 ------• l 0-0

a} 4.1
G: o63J • •!~ ~-'-t . .: 3
b} 4.5 I ~: ' ; ~~

~
5.15
5.5 ,,,,
9.8 1/~

I, 3b ---•--· [CFO
<1.--6 s _,I_·--• So
~---.

d)

Firstly, determine the concentration (moles per 60ml)

n=m/M
Acetic acid = ~ x ~ = 0.000999
100 60.05

so x l.3
6 = 0.0049963
Sodium· Acetate =
100 136.1

[salt}
Henderson equation pH = pko + log--
[ocld}

H = 4.S + lo (0.0049963]
P g [0.000999]

pH = 4.8 + 0.699

pH = 5.499 = 5.5 (answer) _____,

11.3
Pharmaceutical Ca/cu/alions-Revisio11 Questions JI. Buffer Solulions

11.4 The pH of a solution containing 0.20% Citric Acid Monohydrate (C 6H,O,.H20); MW= 210.1; •
pKa = 4.60) and 1.25% Sodiutn,Citrate (C6HsNa30,.2H2O; MW= 294.1) is:

··.'. · · [sail/
pH = pka +log--.·-
. ·. [acid}

a) 4.25
b) 4.75 ,.,.... .• '

cg=i-- ;j; ~=>1 ' -f

~-·-:~·1 .~ -<- .
e) 6.25

c}
-··
Firstly determine the concentration (moles per unit volume)

n=m/M
02
Citric Acid = · = 0.00095
210.l

25
Sodium Acetate = 1. = 0.00425
29.U

{sail]
Henderson equation pH = pka + / o g -
{acid]

H = 4 6 + lo {0.00-115}
p . g (0.00095]

pH= 4.6 + 0.651

pH= 5.251 = 5.25 (answer)

11.4
Pharmac~ullcal Calculations-Revision Questions I I. Duffer Solutions

What will the final pH be of a buffer solution made by mixing 15 ml of 0.6% Acetic Acid
(CH3COOH; MW =
60.05; pKa =
4.8) with 60. ml of a 1.36% Sodium Acetate
(CH3C00Na.3H2O; MW= 136.1) solution? ·

{salt]
pH = pka + log--
[acid]

a) 4.1
b) 4.5
c) 5.15
'-.]L) 5.4
e) 9.8

.,__,,,

d)
Firstly, determine the concentration (moles per 75ml)
Acetic acid = Jl. x ~ = 0.00 J4 98 7
JOO 60.05

60 136
Sodium Acetate = x = 0.0059995
JOO 136.l

{salt]
Henderson equation pH = pka + l o g -
{acid]

H = 4 _8 + lo [0.0059995J
p g (0.0014987)
. Qr,,t-
pH= 4.8 + 1'.0025
, pH = 4.8 + 0.602
pH ; 5.402 = 5.4 (answer)

11..S
 Pharmaceutical Ca/cu/ati011s-Revisio11 Questions I I. Buffer So/ul/ons

Glibenclamide has a pKa of 5.3. If a patients' urine is 6.0, what would the ratio of •
dissociated to undissociated drug be?

[dissocit1ted]
k log
p H =pa+
[undissociated]

a) 100:1
b) 1:100
CID 5:1
d) 10:1
e) 1:5

lclissocimecl I
c) Henderson Equation p II = pko + Iog-'--~-..;,._
(1111dissociate,I J

• .. I [dissociated J
6.0 = ) ..>+ og
[11ndlssoclated J

O.J = log [dissociated J

(undissociated]

[dissociated}/[undissociated} = antilog 0.7:; 5.0

[dissociated] = 5 [undissociated}

·, Ratio of aissociated to undissociated = 5 : 1

 Pharmaceutical Calculatio11s-Revis}on Questions JI. Buffer Solution.,

j 11.8 The pKa value for Acetic Acid is 4.8.

A buffer solution containing 0.1 moVtitre Acetic Acid and 0.2 moVlitre Sodium Acetate would
have a pH of:
{salt]
pl/= pka + log--
. [acid]

a}4.8
b} 4.9
c) 5.8
d)~.1
'·-ef'6.1

· I.

___________ ..,.,.,....,. ______ .., ___ ..,_,....,..,_.,._ ...............,.. ____________________________ _________________

,. ..,

d)
[salt/
pH = pka + l o g - -
{acid}

pH= 4.8 + log [0.2]/[0.1]

pH= 4.6+ 0.3

·,
pH = 5.1 (answer}
Pharmaceutical Calculatlons-Revislorr Q11esf/011s JJ. Buffer Solutions

What Is the pH of a buffer solution prepared with 0.0~M..Sodium Borate and

0.005 M Boric Acid ? -- . -~-
The pKa or Boric Acid is 9.24
[salt)
pH = pka + log--
[acid)

i:l) 9.24
bf_:10.24
··- -•cj 12.24 .___..- ·
d) 8.24
e) 13.24

b)

[salt)
pH = pka + /og--
[acid)

pH = 9.24 + log [0.05]/[0.005]

pH= 9.24 + 1

pH = 10.24 (answer)

11.9
Pharmaceutical Ca/culations-Rel'ision Questions I I. Buffer Solutlon.s

11.1 0 W~at molar ratio of salt to acid is required to prepare a Sodium Acetate/Acetic Acid buffer
~lution having a pH of 5. 76 ?
✓ 1 he pKa of Acetic Acid is 4.76.

[dissociated]
p II =pa+
k Io g - - - - -
[11ndissociated]

(~,10 :1
~ 5:1
c) 10: 3
d) 2: 1
e) 1 : 1

--------------------------------------------------------·------------------------------------------------------------------------
a)

[Jis.wcwti:cl)
pH = pka + Io g - - - - -
. [undissociated J

5.76 = 4.76 + log (dissociated]/[undissociated]

1 = log [dissociated]/[undissociated]

10 = [dissociated]/(undissociated}

[dissociated]= 10[undissociated]

Therefore the ratio of dissociated to undissociated is 10 : 1 (answer)

11.10
Phannaceutico/ Colc11/ations-Revision Que.ffiom I I. Buffer Solutions

Whatis the pH of a buffer solution prepared by using 0.01 M Sodium Benzoate and 0.001 M
Benzoic Acid ? ~~==-
Th~ pKa of Benzoic Acid is 4.20.
[salt}
pH = pka + log--
[acid}

c)
------·---
[salt)
pH= pka + log--
[acid}

pH= 4.20 + log [0.01]/[0.001)

pH= 4.20 + 1

pH = 5.20 (answer)

I I.I I
 Pharmaceutical Calc11/atio11s-Revisio11 Questions I/. Buffer Solutions

11.12 Calculate the change ir:iiiti

upon adding 0.Q~ M NaOH to a litre of a buffer solution
containing 0.2 M concentration of Sodium Acetate and Acetic acid.
The pKa of Acetic Acid js 4. 76.

{salt]
pH = pka + log--
facid}
a) no change
b) 0.018 pH units
/ 'cf0.18 pH units
'ci, 1.8 pH units
e) 0.36 pH units

I.

c)

Firstly, the pH of the buffer solution is calculated by:

{salt}
pH= pko+log--
{acid}

pH= 4.76 + log [0.2}/[0.2} = 4.76 + 0 = 4.76

~ · Secondly, the addition of 0.04 M NaOH converts 0.04 M of Acetic Acid to 0.04 M
of Sodium Acetate. Consequently, the concentration of Acetic Acid is DECREASED and the
concentration of Sodium Acetate is INCREASED by equal amounts (0.04 M)

{salt}
pH = pko + log--
faciJ}
pH = 4. 76 + log (0.2 + 0.04}/[0.2-0.04}

pH= 4.76 + 0.176 = 4.94

ie: change in pK fs 4.94 - 4'.76 el O ; ' t ~ l

11.12
 Pharmaceutical Calculatfons-Re,•lsion Questions fr I 2. Drug Stability

J .,
12 1 · A solution of an antibiotic compound was found to lose 50% of its potency within 5.5 days
when stored In the refrigerator. .-
Assuming first-order degradation, what is the shelf-life (i.e. period· to lose 10% potency)
under these conditions?

too"= o.1os/k t112 = 0.693/k

a) 156 hours
b) 13.7 hours
//cj/ 20 hours
\./d) 12 hours
e) 7.9 hours

c)
Firstly, determine the k value:

0.693
55 days=--
k

= 0.126 days·1

t90",4 ::: 0.105/k

= 0.105/0.126 = 0.833 days

= 20.0 hours (answer)

12.I
Pharmaceutical Chlculalions-Revision Questions . 11. Drug Stability

A solution of an anti-hypertensive compound was found to lose 50% of its potency within
44.8 hours when stored at 25°C. Whal is the shelf•life (i.e. lime to lose 10% potency) under •
these conditions?

too•,. =0.105/k t1,2 = 0.693/k

6.8~ JI"
13.7 minutes
c) 90 minutes
d) 269 minutes
e) 7.9 hours

--------------------------...·---·--·---------------------------------------------------- -·---------·...--
....

a) Firstly, determine the k value:

t,n = 0.693/k

44.8 hr= 0.693/k

k = 0.01547 hours·1

To determine shelf-lite:

l90-A, = 0. 105/k

= 0.105/0.01547 = 6.79 hours (answer) /

~/'~·
I /
;,,-·
12.2
Pharmaceutical Calculatlons-Rel•ision Q11eslions 12. Drug Stability

so:t
13 Fifty percent of the potency of an anti-fungal solution was lost within 22.4 hours when stored
at 35°C. What is the shelf-life under these conditions?

,-y loo-it, = 0.105/k t112 = 0.693/k

~ c)
3.4 hours
13.7 minutes
90 minutes
d) 269 minutes
e) 7.9 hours

------ ·--------------------
a)

Firstly, determine the k value:

l112 = 0.693/k
22.4 hr= 0.693/k
1
k = 0.0309 hours·

To determine shelf-life:

t90')f, = 0.105/k

= 0.105/0.0309 =3.40 hours (answer)

12.3
 Pharmaceutical Ca/culations-Revisio11 Questio11s 11. Drug Stability

(1.)/( , 1
12.4 The half-life of Amphotericin B in water Is 3.33 days at room temperature. What Is the
.:,:-:maximum tfm~(l10•.4) over which Amphoteric B may be infused in a patient? (Assume first •
f"l V" !> -· "<-order kinetics)
too•.4 = 0.105/k t112 = 0.693/k

a) 30 minutes
b) 5.4 hours
CID 12.1 hours
d) 16.2 hours
e) 46.1 hours

c}

Firstly, determine the k value:

t112 = 0.693/k

3.33 days = 0.693/k

k = 0.208day"1

To determine shelf-life:

too•.4 = O.1 05/k

= 0.105/0.208 = 0.505 days= 12.1 hours (answer)

Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions I 1. Drug Stability ·

I
12.5 /If the half-life for the chemical degradation of Kanamycin sulphate injection Is 7.2 days, the
, / time from preparation of the injection till 10% degradation occurs is: (Assume first order
~ kinetics)

( ( too•.4 = 0.105/k l112 = 0.693/k

a) 0.5 days
b) 1.5 days
c) 1 hour·
d) 3.6 days
1.1 days ...
C!)
~

--------------------·····-···-···-·······---···--····---··--·-·---····--------------------··-----
e)

Firstly, detennine the k value:

t112 = 0.693/k

7.2 days = 0.693/k

1
k = 0.09625day"

To detennine shelf-life:

too% = 0.105/k

= 0.105/0.09625 = 9}_~6)1 d~t5 = 1.1 days(answer)

12.5
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions J2. Dn.ig Stability

12.6 The initial concentration of active principle in an aqueous preparation was 5 x 10-3 g/mL.
After 20 months the concentration was shown by analysis to be 4.2 x10-3 g/mL. The product •
is known to be ineffective after it has decomposed to 70% of its original concentration.
Assuming the decomposition follows first order kinetics, calculate how long it will take to
reach 70% of the original concentration.

k1
log C = log Co - ----- . t
0
2.303 I/\•. )(
,_)
f'{'./i

,, ...a.)..21.4 months
(' b};A0.9 months~ ··
- v:t
'---c} 50.6 months '--
t2.
d) 70.0 months
e) 85.6 months

b) __ ,,,//

Firstly, work out k:

k1
log C = log Co - - - . t
2.303

log (4.2) = log (5) - k. (20)/2.303

-0.0757 = -k x 8.6843
1
k = 0.00872month"

Secondly, determine the time taken for 30% degradation of the initial concentration.
ie: 70% left.
3 3
ie: 0.70 x 5 x 10· = 3.5 x 10· g/ml

log (3.5) = log (5) - 0.00872 x U2.303

-0.1549 = -0.003786 X t

t = 40.9 months (answer)

 Pharmaceutical Calc11latlons-Revl.don Q11cstion., I 1. Drug Stability

CJ 12.f The active ingredient in an aqueous preparation has an initial concentration of 8 x 10·3 g/ml.
~ v
)\
3
After 25 months the concentration was determined by analysis to be 6.2 x10· glmL. The
product is known to be ineffective after it has decomposed to 50% of its original
V concen_tration. Assuming the deCQmpositlon follows first order kinetics, calculate how tong it
~. \'j will take to reach 50% of the original concentration. .
__
d C 0 =-- ~ ~j),,'rY~
_;

k, 1 ~ ·:·:~ c- ../ ......~ ./'}-j 1,

, ,. ) log C = log Co- --- . t t112 = 0.693/k
0y 2.303

x.,'' 1., C
',J a) 8.5 months
'iJ/. b) 17 months
c) 34 months....--,_...
,..a) 67 months
Lef136 months

d)

Firstly, work out k:

k1
log C = log Co - - .t
2:303

k1
log (6.2) = log (8) - - - . (25)
2.303

-0.11069 = - 10.745 k1
1
k1 = 10.302 x 10-3 month·

Secondly, to determine the period to reach half its original concentration:

(this Is the half-life)

t,12 = 0.693/k

t112 = 0.693/10.302x10"3
= 67.27 months (answer)

12.7
Pharmace11tica/ Ca/culatio11s-Revisio11 Questions J2. Drug Stability '

A drug in aqueous solution has an initial concentration of 25 x 10-3 g/mL.. After 80 months

J 3
the concentration was shown by analysis to be 16.2 x10· g/mL. The product is known to be •
ineffective after it has decomposed to 85% of its original concentration. Assuming the
decomposition follows first order kinetics, calculate how long it will take to reach 85% of the
original concentration.:..'.

k1
log C = log C 0 - ------ • t t1,2 = 0.693/k
2.303

a) 10 months
(
b) 15 months
c) 20 months
A25months rf.(, /
._. '-
..-
/ ·e)-30 months

e)

Firstly, work out k:

k1
log C = log Co - ------ . t
2.303

k1
log (16.2) = log {25) - ------ . (80)
2.303

-0.1884 = - 34.737 k1

Secondly, to detennine the time taken to reach 85% or its original concentration:

ie: 0.85% of 25 x 10·3 = 21.25 x 10·3 g/ml

/'
I
3
/ 5.424 x 10-
199 (21.25) = log (25) - --- . (t)
l. 2.303

-0.0706 = - 2.355 x10·3 x't ,,

t =29.98 months =about 30 ~onths (answer) /

12.S
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Q11estlons / 1. Dnig Stabllity

A solution of an anti-epileptic medication was found to lose 50 o/o of its potency within 6
weeks of preparation even when stored In the refrigerator (8°C).
What fs the shelf-life of this medication under these conditions 7
{Assume degradation follows first-order kinetics)

too,r, = 0.105/k t112 = 0.693/k

4 hours _,,,,.,
4 days .,.,,--
4 weeks ·
d) 3.2 months
e) 6.4 months

---------- ·---------------------------------
b)

Firstly, calculate k:

t112 = 0.693/k
Therefore: k = 0.693/ t112 =0.693/6 = 0.1155 weeks·1
Secondly calculate t~:

l9(),r, = 0.105/k
leo,r, = 0.105/0.11.55 = 0.909 weeks = 6.4 days

12.9
 .
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Queslions 12. Dnl8 Stability

12.10 A new narcotic analgesic was found to lose 50 % of its potency within 90 days of preparation
when fonnulated as a solution and stored at room temperature.
6)
\
What is the shelf-life of this medication under these conditions ?
(Assume degradation follows first order kinetics)
\
·'
.

tso% = 0.105/k t112 = 0.693/k

a) 13.7 minutes
13.7 hours
3.6 days _,--·
) 13.7 weeks
e) 27.4 weeks

c)

Firstly, calculate k:
-------·
1112 = 0.693/k
Therefore:k = 0.693/ t 112 = 0.693/90 = 0.0077 day°'

Secondly calculate t~%:

19()% = 0.105/k
t90.,. = 0.105/0.0077 = 13.64 days (answer)

12.10
•
 Pharmaceutical Colculallons•Re,•islon Questions 12. Drug Stability

12.11 A new anti•microbial agent was found to lose half its potency within 125 days of
/econstitution when formulated as a solution and stored at room temperature.

C
\
What ts the shelf-life of this medication under these conditions ?
(As_sume degradation follows first order kinetics)

~ :/
t90-A. = 0.105/k t,12 = 0.693/k

a) 19 minutes
b) 19 hours
/CDI 9 days_,.,..-
'-a) 19 weeks
e) 29.4 weeks

c)

Firstty, calculate k:

l112 = 0.693/k
Therefore: k = 0.693/ t, 12 = 0.693/125 = 0.00554 day"1

Secondly calculate t90,,4:

too" = 0.105/k
too-A.= 0.105/0.00554 = 18.95 days= 19 days (answer)

12.11
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions I 1. Drug Stability

A solution of a local anaesthetic was found to lose 25 o/o of its potency within 12.5 years or
preparation when formulated as a solution and stored at 4°C. What is the shelf-life of this
medication under these conditions ? .
(Assume degradation follows first order kinetics)

k1
log C = log Co - ----- . t t112 = 0.693/k too%= 0.105/k
2.303

/4'4.57 years - - - -
~ 5 . 7 months
c) 4.57 months
d) 9.37 years
e) none of the above

a)

Firstly, calculate k:

k1
log C = log Co - ------ . t
2.303

k,
log (75) = log (100) - -------. (12.5)
2.303

-0.1249 = • 5.4277 k1

k1 = 0.0230 yeaf 1

Secondly calculate t90% :

loo% = 0.105/k

= 0.105/0.0230·= 4.57 years (answer1/

12.12
 Phannaceutlcal Calc11latlons-Revis/on Q11est/011.f 12. Drug Stability

tf_12.13 A solution of a new cardiotonic was found to lose 15 o/o of its potency within 106 weeks of
~ preparation when formulated as a solution and stored at 4°C.
W,, What is the shelf-life of this medication under these conditions ?
' ~ (Assume degradation follows first order kinetics) -

ot-1· k1
log C = log Co· --- . t t,12 = 0.693/k l9014 = 0.105/k
2.303

a) 34.3 weeks
~ . 5 weeks ,_,..----
c) 68.5 days
d) 34.35 days
e) none of the above

--------------------------------------------·-----·------------·-·-·---------------...----·----
b)

Firstly, calculate k:

k,
log C = log Co- - .t
2.303

k,
log (85) = log (100) - - - . (106)
2.303

-0.07058 = - 46.027 k1

k1 = 0.001533 weeks·'

Secondly calculate ~:

~= 0.105/k
= 0.105/0.001533 =.68.5 weeks (answer)

12.13
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questio11s I 2. Drug Slabi/ity

12.14 A solution of an antibacterial compound (250mg/5ml) has a shelf•life of 7 days when stored
at 25°C. How much is left after 2 months storage under these conditions? (Assume first
order degradation)

'~ --··1-- . .1,· ~

~-i @2mg/SmL
b) 0.66mg/5ml
c) 35. 7mg/5ml
,,----i
·...._ - __,,'-~·.,:.> '•.-._.~

__,,1,·· -
.. ,
d) 25.0mg/5ml :::>
,31 e) 50.0mg/SmL ,,,.. .. -,,

'~ . ,.._.--
/I ..
_;;
-
..;;;:.::,
.,;_.
r, (_) ·-:)

----·--·---···----·-··------·----------------·-------·-----
a)

tao.,.,= 0.105/k
1
7days = 0.105/k k = 0.015day·

Using:
Initial concentration= 250 (per 5ml)
t = 2 months= 60 days

k1
log C = log Co - ----- . t
2.303

0.015
log C = log (250) - -------- . (60)
2-;303

log C = 2.4 - 0.39 = 2.01

C = 102mg (per 5ml) (answer)

12.14
 .
Pharmaceutical Colculatlons-Revlslon Q11es/io,rs 11. Drug Stability

A solution of a new antimalarial drug (2.5mg/ml) was found to contain 1.80mg/ml of the
drug when stored at 25°C for 6 months.
What is the shelf-life of this formulation when stored under these conditions?

,/a)'.,5_7.4 days
\,_____b}'1. month /
c) 18 days /,,,-
d) 3 months 10 days
e) 4 months 24 days

a)

Initial c,:,ncentration = 2.5mg (per ml)

t = 6 months
C = 1.80mg (per ml)

Using:

k,
log C = log Co - _ _; . t
2.303

k,
log (1.80) = log (2.5) - - - • 6
2.303

log {1.80) - log (2.5) = - k, x 2.605

-0.143 = - k, x 2.605

k, = 0.05489 month·1

~ = 0.105/k

too"'= 0.105/0.05489 = 1.91 months= 57.4 day_y-

,.__ ____.--
12.15
 \ Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questions I 3. Molecular Manipulations

hk3.1 How much Chlorhexidine (base) is contained in 20 g of Chlorhexidine Gluconate?

(Chlorhexidine Gluconate; C12H30C12N10.2CsH,20,; MW= 897.8;

Gluconic acid; CsH1201; MW= 196.19)

11.26g ~--
(~ 15.63 g .c./
c) 20.00 g
d) 25.59 g
e) 35.4 g --:;> 1

a}

Chlorhexidine Gluconate consists of: one Chlorhexidine molecule + two Gluconic Acid molecules

Therefore the molecular weight of Chlorhexidine itself= 897.8- 2(196.19) = 505.42

1.0.
To determine the amount of Chlorhexidine in )59 of Chlorhexidine Gluconate:

505.42, ~-
20g X ---------- = 11 ~26 g
897.8

13.I
: \ ;annac,60Ca/c11lnf/ons-R,.,1,1an Qm,;ons • ' I J. Ma/,cu/ar Manlp,llallan,

1
( 113tow much Dilute Hydrochloric Add (10% w/w, HCI, specific gravity = 1,045) would be
~ r'w required to prepare 2000 ml of a solution containing 0.05 molar Hydrochloric Acid?
1
I
(HCI; MW= 36.5) - -----;>

17.45 ml
o . oYXjt. s _ __,> 1oo-o .J.
18.25 ml
34.9 ml
. f ~- /
CJ-6's9 J "' ··~" ~
36.5 ml
69.9 ml
~~~~c
,. --~~-fo j
l ..>i. '65
l,

f
------------------------------------------·-- ...-·...... ·-----·---·--···--··-·------.•··...-.....---··-----...--..-------------- ......----·--·----·-·-
l c}

Definition of molarity: 36.5 g HCI in 1000 ml is: 1 molar

Also: 73.0g HCI in 2000 ml is : 1 molar

l To detennine the amount of HCI required to make 0.05M in 2000 ml:

73 g HCI 1 molar

r x g HCI

The refore: x = 3.65 g HCI

0.05 molar

I Dilute HCI contains 10% w/w HCI

What is the mass of Dilute HCI containing 3.65 g HCI ?

I 100
3.65 g X - - = 36.5g
l 10

What is the volume of 36.5 g of Dilute HCI?

I {specific gravity= density}

V = mid = 36.5/1.045 = 34.9 ml- {answer).

I
I 13.2
 ' A

Pharmaceutical Calc11Jatio11s-Re\ isiu11 Questi,ms) \

1
,, LI \ r 11 ~ I 3. Molecular Manipulations
#I(; l )A-> .,? ./V_.\..V'P
,__,,,.vv . .

(ti~/ Calculate the weight or Lithium~ a tablet containing250 mg Lithium Cart>onate.

V (Li2C~; MW= 74, AW Lt = 7}

. •ta,.7.3,/m~~ -·· l:·1 0 ·" "

'--1:5) 94.6 mg
·c)74.6mg
. d} 56.6 mg
e}250 mg

L J

74 g of LhC~ contains 2 x 7 g of Lithium

(14 g)

Secondly, work out how much is contained in 250 mg (0.250 g) of UiC~

74 g Lithium Carbonate 14 g Lithium

0.250 g Lithium Carbonate x g Lithium

Therefore: x = 0.0473 g = 47.3-mg l...i&Friom (answer)

13.l
 •
I Pharmaceutical Calci1lntlons-Re,•lslon Qrttstlon., I J. Molecular Mnnlpulatlons

~rcl ,
/ ; ~ 3 /How. mu~ Sodiu: Fluoride (NaF) wiK provide 500 mcg of Fluoride Ion ?

/ (AW. Na- 23, F -19! /VO F _ > I.Jo + f-

a) 0.23 mg
(Dj)1.11 m~, - - -
- ...') ..::·

-m.20 mg;:..--
d) 4.20 mg
e) 1,596 mg

b)

NaF dissociates le> provide Na• + F •

42 mg NaF gives 23 mg Na• + 19 mg F.

Work out how much NaF is required to give500mcg.(0.5 mg) F.

42mgNaF : 19 mg F.
xmgNaF 0.5mg F.

Therefore: x = 1.11 mg NaF (answer)

i
13.4
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Questio11s JJ. J.loleculor MonipMlations

How much p-amino Benzoic Acid should be used to prepare 100 g of sodium
p-aminobenzoate if it were to be reacted with Sodium Bicarbonate ?

(p-amino Benzoic Acid NH2C&H..OOH; MW = 137)

(Sodium Carbonate NaHCQ3; MW - 84)
(Sodium p-aminobenzoate NH2C&H..OONa; MW = 159)

2.8 g
e.2 g ------
6s.2 g
d) 71.3 g
e) 116.0 g

,( .- ~·g·.
. -.-~--"' -~

!__:_ 0
.._j! ~,

b)

Set up the mole~-equation first:

NH2CeH..OOH + NaHC0J => NH2CsH.OONa + H20 + C(h

137 g 159g

We want to know how much p-amino benzoie acid is required to produce 100 g or the sodium salt
137 g : 159 9
X g : _100g
-
Therefore: x = 86.16 = 86.2 g (answer)

13.S
 •
Phannaceutical Colculotlons-Revi.don Que.flfom 13. Molec11lar Manipulations

\ I)
rJy.
~ 13.6/ How much sodium bicarbonate would be required to prepare 100 g of sodium p-
✓ aminobenzoate if it were to be reacted with p-aminobenzoic acid ?

(p-aminobenzoic acid NH 2C6 H.cOOH; MW= 137)

(Sodium Carbonate NaHC03; MW= 84)
(Sodium p-aminobenzoate NH2CsH.cOONa: MW= 159)
,,.,,,...... ~
~..:,.52.Bg.
n) 82.6 g ,_.
c) 165.2 g
d) 71.3 g
e) 116.0 g

---------------------------------------------------------------------
a)

Set up the molecular equation first:

NH2CsH400H + NaHC03 => NH 2C5H400Na + H20 + CO2

137 g 84 g 159 g

We want to know how much Sodium Bicarbonate is required to produce 100 g of p-aminobenzoic
acid:

84 g 159 g
X g 100 g

Therefore: x = 52.83 g = 52.Bg (answer)

13.6
 -\I
~ Pharmamtkal Calculatiau,-R,.-i,imt Q•=~ J ~ ,...._,.:, ~ ;L -1· ,\Jaf,cu/ar MoniJ"'lalians

13.7 How much Acetic Acid 36 % w/w would be required to react with Potassium Bicarbonate to
(..f? f prepare 200 g of Potassium Acetate ?

;;p (CH 3COOH is Acetic acid 36% w/w has a density of 1.045 g/ml; MW= 60)
(KHCO3 is Potassium Bicarbonate; MW= 100)
(CH 3COOK is Potassium Acetate; MW = 98)

a) 117.6ml
b) 123.3 ml
--~l 204.5 ml
1/ ,,_ d):325.5 mL_-....-
·-8)340.2 m[

C
. --·
\

.
-----------------------------------··········-····--····--············--·-·-···-·-------·-··-----
d)

Firstly, set up the equation:

100g 60 g 98 g

We want to know how much Acetic Acid will produce 200g Potassium Acetate:
60 g Acetic acid 98 g Potassium Acetate
x g Acetic acid : 200 g Polassium Acetate

Therefore x = 122.459 pure Acetic Acid.

Se<;ondly, work out the weight of 36% w/w Acetic Acid containing 122.45 g
Acetic Acid: ·

36 g 100g
122.45 g yg

Therefore: y = 340.1 g of (Acetic Acid 36% w/w)

Now convert this 340.1 g into a·vo~ume (using density= 1.045 glml)
V =mid= 340.19/1.0459/ml = 325.45 ml (325.5 ml round~d off)

13.7
~hVCi\'::;ulaUons-R,v~:~; Q;'J:J l ~ ----'I ' v,t •
Mo/,cu/ar Manlpu/a//ons

~w ~-~, ~Y .
13~8 /How Potassium Bicarbonate would be required to react with Acetic Acid to prepare 200 g of
V Potassium Acetate ?

(CH 3 COOH is Acetic acid 36% w/w has a density of 1.045 g/ml;.MW = 60)
(KHCoj·1s Potassium Bicarbonate; MW=100)
(CH 3COOK is Potassium Acetate; MW=98)

a) 49 g
b) 98 g
c) 122.4 g
d) 196 g
~_,204.1 g -·
'"-.-.----·

e)

Firstly, set up the equation:

100 g 60 g 98 g

We want to know how much Potassium Bicarbonate will produce 200g Potassium Acetate:
100 g Potassium Bicarbonate : 98 g Potassium Acetate
x g Potassium Bicarbonate : 200 g Potassium Acetate

Therefore: x = 204.08 g (rounded off to 204.1 g)

)3.8
 1

Pharmaceutical Calcula1i'ons-Revisi011 Questio11s I J. Molecular Manipulations

/

. A formula for Magnesium Citrate oral solution calls for 27.4 g of Anhydrous Citric Acid in 350 -
( ml of the product. How much Citric Acid Monohydrate may be used in place of the
anhydrous salt ? .

{Citric acid C6 H1101; MW = 192)

{Citric acid monohydrate C6 H801.H20; MW= 210)

a) 25.05 g
.J>) 27.4 g
(_g}.0.0 g . _,
d) 50.1 g ...-
e) 54.8 g

c)

By definition:

210 g of Citric Acid Monohydrate {CAM) gives 192 g of Citric Acid (CA)
How much Citric Acid Monohydrate is required to give 27.4 g of Citric Acid?

210 g CAM : 192 g CA

x g CAM : 27.4 g CA

Therefore: x = 29.97 g {rounded off to 30 g CAM)

·~

13.9
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Question.~ JJ.' Molecular Afonlpulatlons

rv
<3.: A commercially available tablet conlalns 0.2 g of FeS0,.2H20.
' How much elemental iron is represented in a daily dose of three tablets ?

(FeSO4.2H2O; MW= 193) ; ·~

(Fe 2+; AW= 56) <,,_·-.__;

8mg
7 4 mg.....-----
16 mg
! !
d) 689 mg
e) 2,070 mg

b)

By definition:
2
193 g of FeSO,..2H 2O gives 56 g of Fe •
2
How much Fe • does 0.6 g (3 tablets) of FeSO4.2H 2O produce ?

2
193 g salt : 56 g Fe •
0.6 g salt : x g Fe2•

Therefore: x = 0.17 4 g salt = 174 mg {answer)

13.10
Pharmaceutical Calculatio,u-Revisiun (!,1estio11s J3. Alulecular Manipulations

A 10ml ampoule of Potassium Chloride lnjection contains 2.98geof· KCI.

What is the concentration of K+ (mmoVml) in this solution ?

(KCI; MW= 74.6 K•: AW= 39.1)

a) 1
,.
&}!
d) 8
e) 16

/
\

·------·------------------------. --.....................-....-.................. _...._. _______ ..... ,.._..,.,.,. .......____________

, ___
c)

Concentration of solution is 0.298g {298mg) per ml

KCI
\
74.6 mg 39.1mg

298mo xmg

Therefore: x = 156.2mg K• (per ml)

Expressed as mmol:

n = mlM = 156.2/39.1 = 3. 99 = 4 mmol (per ml)

ll.11
Phannw)~a,/~-;x•n ; ~ / ' t l Mo/,cu/ar Man/pulatlom

1 i How much Amlnophylline would be required to prepare a mixture to adminlsler to a 20kg

child, the equivalent of Smg/kg Theophylline, four times daily for 7 days ?

Data: Aminophylline = theophylline;ethylene diamine

(C1HeN,.02)2.C2H.-(NH 2)2.2H20 MW= 456.6
Theophylline: C1HeN,.02. MW = 180.2

a) 1105mg
b) 2800mg
210mg
547mg ~ -
093mg

';
<· / i .
/

J
-·-

d)

Firstly, determine amount of Theophylline needed over 7 days:

Smg/kg x 20kg x 4 dose/day x 7 days = 2800mg Theophylline

Secondly, determine the amount of Aminophyltine needed to provide 2800mg Theophylline:

There are 2 Theophylline molecules per one Amlnophylllne molecule.

(Taking into accqunt the molecular weight)

le: 456.6mg Aminophylline = 2 x 180.2 mg of Theophylline

456.6
2800mg x -----:--- = 3547mg (answer)
180.2 X 2

13.12
' \~ Phonnoc,uUcal Calculati=i~SI}:;y . ,.,.r ,I.- ;s ~ I J. Mo/,cular AlanJP"loJ,._,

- ~.
How much Carindacillin Sodium (C26H25N2O65Na, MW= 516.6) is required to infuse an
I 81.5kg man al the rate of 0.S0mg/k9 body weight/min of Carindacinin (MW= 493.6) over a
(rJ 12 hour period ?
r1
a) 2.56g
b) 0.512g
c) 29.34g
.('."a})3o. 70g
-er2e.oag
//
Cuv:«/,,v///4 Na
S 1£, t
___ __.

d}

Firstly, determine how much Carindacillin is needed over the 12 hour period:

0.50mg/kg/min x 81.5kg x 60minlhr x 12hr = 29,340mg = 29.34g

Secondly, determine the equivalent of Carindacilling Sodium:
(Using Molecular weights to calculate proportions)

516.6'
29.34g x •·---·---- = 30:70g (answer)
493.6 __ _
.___--
 P, ormaceutical Calculntlons-Revl.don Q11e.sflons · U. Posology

In changing an overseas diabetic patient rrom U-80 to U-100 Insulin. a pharmacist needs to
determine the equivalent quantity. How many ml of U-100 Is required if the previous dosage
was 0.5 ml of U-80 Insulin per day? .

~
0.36 ml
0.4ml
0.8ml
d)
e)
1.00ml
1.2ml /
/ 40
\

b)

:;- Simpfe cross muftipHca~

Firstly, work out how many units she is getting with the U-80 strength:

aou 1 ml

x U 0.5 ml

Therefore: x = 40 U

Secondly, work out how many ml we need of the new strengtw.- -..-- ·· ~ ..

100 U : 1 ml

40 U : yml

Therefore: y = 40/100 = 0:4 ml (answer)

U I
 PharmaceuticaiCnlculntio11s-Ri:visiu11 Questions J.I. Posology

... The adult dose of a· drug is 450 mg. What is

the appropriate dose for a child whose body 1
2
surlace area (BSA) is calculated to be 0.650 m ? · 1.
/ ·_ The average adult BSA is calculated to be 1.8 m
2
i
I.

125mg
(~-~ 162.5 mg
~ 250mg
d) 292.2 mg
e) 325mg ,:..._

I
I
-I

~I
I

-i

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b)
Using the f&rmula below:

-------------- -----BSA·-tehiid)--· ---- ~- -·' ..

~- Chifd's dose= -------------------- x Adult dose (mg)
BSA (adult}

2
= 0.65m
·-·-•• X 450 mg
2
1·.aom

. = 162.5 mg (answer)

14.l ·"";._ ·
fi7il
 ' J4. Posology
Phannaceulical Calculations-Revisio11 Q11estion.r

---·----- ··-·-,
An administration set delivers 60 drops per ml. How many l:Jrops_per l"{linut~are needed to
obtain 20 units of Heparin per minute if the IV admixture contains 15000 units/250 ml of
Heparin in Normal Saline?
! •

·.'.10 drops
db c)
20 drops
30 drops
_)
t'

d) 40 drops
e) 50 drops

Firstly, how many units/ml?

15000 U : 250 ml
x U : 1 ml
Therefore: x = 60 U

Secondly, how many ml to deliver 20 Units.

60 U 1 ml
20 U : y ml
Therefore: y = 0.33 ml

Thirdly, work out how many drops in 0.33 ml.

60 drops : 1 ml
z drops : 0.33 ml _
Therefore: z = 20 drops (answer)

---· 14.3
Pharmaceutical CCJ/cufotiu11s-Revisiu11 Ques1iu11s J.J. Posology

14.4 Calculate the number of lndocid® (lndomethacin) capsules 25 mg required to make a

// paediatric suspension to conform with the following directions:

✓ Sig 12.5 mg twice daily_ for three days

18.75 mg twice dpily for two days
25 mg twice daily for two days f ;). S '/ 2, Y.: 3
a) 1 capsule
b) 5 capsules
er, 10 capsules
"ar
L .. 50 capsules
e) 100 capsules

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c)

Firstly, work out total weight (mg) of lndomethacin required over this period:

12.5 mg bd for 3 days = 12.5 X 2 X 3 = 75mg

then 18.75 mg bd for 2 days : 18.75 X 2 X 2 = 75mg
then 25 mg bd for 2 days = 25.0 x 2 x 2 = 100mg
Total 250mg

Secondly, work out number of capsules required to supply this amount:

25 mg 1 capsule
250 mg x capsules

Therefore: x = 10 capsules (answer)

14.4
 I

Pharmaceutical Calculotlons•Revl.don Questions / 4. Posology

14.5 .!2'{~angtng an overseas patient from U-60 to U-100 Insulin, a pharmacist would instruct her
J_,'o use how many ml of U-100 if the previous· dosage was 0.6 ml of LJ-60 Insulin per day?

"G ~
Ir r ~:~~~(
(~baj)

e)
0.36ml

1.2 ml
4
_ .. ·

~ P.,.,
-
\,
·
7
;;' ;;:
·-_.,,
·

u
( ,

,( J

a)

Simple cross multiplication:

Firstly, work out how many units she is getting with the U-60 strength:

60 U 1 ml
X U : 0.6 ml

Therefore: x = 36 U

Secondly, work out how many ml we need of the new strength:

100 U 1 ml
36 U : y ml

Therefore: y = 36/100 = 0.36 ml (answer)

)4.5
Pharmaceutical Calculatio11s-Revi.$ioll Questions J-I. Posology

14.6 have 500 ml or a sterile solution containing 200 mg of Dopamine HCI. You need to
infuse this solution at an appropriate rate (mUminute) to deliver a dose of 5 mcg/kg/minute •
for a 70.5 kg patient. What is the flow rate?

0.10 mUminute /
® c)
0.88 mUminute ~
0.98 mUminute
5 x,
d) 8.8 mUminute
e) 9.8mUminute

/ 1)vt1.:. ·

Firs Uy, work out what amount of drug the patient requires per minute:

The patient requires 5 mcg/kg/minute

i.e. 5 X 70.5
= 352.5 mcg/min
= 0. 3525 mg/min
Secondly, work out what volume or the solution the patient needs (per minute):

200 mg Dopamine HCI 500 ml solution

0.3525 mg Dopamine HCI x ml solution

-----
Therefore x = 0.88 ml (answer)

14.6
 Phormaceullcal Calc"latlons-Revision Questions U. Posology

The adult dose of a drug Is 100 mg. What. is th.e appropriate dose for a child whose body

1
2
surface area {BSA) is calculated to be 0.75 m ?
. .
2
DATA: The average adult BSA is calcutated to be 1.8 m

i) @ 42 mg / :':I ...
I b)
c)
56 mg ✓
75 mg
O , ·,. >
_______ ... ·
d) 78 mg ·f t
e) 135 mg

a)
Using the formula below:

BSA {child)
Child's dose = --------- x Adult dose (mg)
BSA (adult)
2
0.75 m
X 100mg
2
1.80 m

= 41. 7 mg (answer rounded off to 42 mg)

~ 14.7
Pharmaceutical Ca/culatio11s-Revisio11 Questions /.I. Posology

14.8 Calculate the number of appropriate tablets of Prednisolone required to prepare a

suspension for a child weighing 15 kg to fulfil the following directions: ·-

Sig · 1 mg/kg bd 1st day; 0.5 mg/kg bd 2nd day

0.25 mg~ bd 3rd day ;0.125 mg~g bd 4th day
0.125 m ciaily 5th day; 0.125 m daily 6th day
'a i
You have available the following strengthsbf Prednisolone tablets: 5 mg and 25 mg

GP c)
2
4
3
x 25 mg tablets + 2
x 25 mg tablets + 1
x 25 mg tablets + 1
x 5 mg tablets
x 5 mg tablets
x 5 mg tablets
d) 2 x 25 mg tablets + 3 x 5 mg tablets
e) 2 x 25 mg tablets + 4 x 5 mg tablets

\ I
./ '>,

a)

Firstly, work out how much prednisolone is required over this period:

Day 1 15 kg x 1 mg x 2 = 30mg
o~ay2 15 x0.5 mg x 2 = 15 mg
Day3 15 X 0.25 mg X 2 = 7.5mg
Day4 15 X 0.125 X 2 = 3.75 mg
Days 15 X 0.125 X 1 = 1.875mg
Day6 15 X 0.125 X 1 = 1.875mg
Total = 60.00mg

Therefore require the following number of WHOLE tablets:

2 x 25 mg tablets = 50mg
2 x 5 mg tablets = 10mg
'60mg

14.8
 ,
Phannaceutical Calc,1/allons-Revlslon Q11e.tlion.s , I 4. Posology
:'\
. . ~J
u are supplied with Dopamine hydrochloride (40mg/ml(.V,l ampoules). Calculate the
centration of Dopamine HCI that results wheri 5 ml of this injection is made up to 500 ml,
h normal saline. C;_.,

0.04 mg/ml
0.08mg/ml/ \
0.2 mg/ml
0.4 mg/ml
1.6 mg/ml
lfj ___:
,"'\ '\"'\ ... \

d)

Firstly, work out how much drug in 5 ml of injection:

40 mg Dopamine HCI 1 ml
x mg Dopamine HCI 5 ml

Therefore: x = 200 mg

Secondly, this 200 mg Is now diluted into 500 ml volume. Work out its
strength:

Therefore strength (mg/ml) = 200 mg/500 ml

or (divide by.500) 0.4 mg/ml (answer)

14.9
 Pharmaceutical Calculatio11s•Revision Qucslio11s U. Poso/ogy

.10 physician wishes to infuse 500 ml of Gtyceryl Trinitrate injection (containing 100 mcg

.
J:"
f1 7: glyceryl trinitrate injection per ml) at the rate of 1 mcg/kg body weight per minute In a 154.5 •
pound (lb) patient. At what rate should the solution be infused?

1 kg = 2.2046 pounds ..

"~}.,, 0.07 ml/min

(b) .· 0.70 ml/min /
~ 1.54 ml/min
d) 7.0mUmin
e) 15.4 ml/min

I .
'
I

...,
-

b)

Firstly, work out the amount of drug required in units of mcg/kg/minute:

154.5 lb= 154.5/2.2046 (kg)= 70.08 kg

ie: amount of drug required is: 1 mcg/kg x 70.08kg. per minute = 70.08mcg /minute

Secondly, work out the volume of solution (100 mcg/ml strength) that contains 70.08 mcg.

100 mcg 1 ml
70.08 mcg x ml

Therefore x = 0. 7008 ml (rounded off to 0. 70 ml)

Answer is: 0. 70 ml/min
~

14.10
Phannaceutlcdl Calculation.s-Rei·l.slon Q11e.stiomr I 4. Po.sology

An 80 kg patient admitted to a coronary care unit is to receive Dopamine Hydrochforide (200

mg/5 ml) at a rate of 20 mcg/kg/minute. How much Dopamine hydrochloride sotution will the
patient receive in 4 hours?

a) 2.4ml ,

~~r
9.6ml ~ /
12.0 ml . ,·-
•. '
d) 14.4 ml '[,' ... :~
e) 19.2 ml

b)

Firstly, work out the amount of drug required over 4 hours: ~-

The patient requires 20 mcg/kg/minute

i.e: 20mcg/kg/min x 80 kg = 1600 mcg/min

per hour.
i.e: 1600 mcg/min x 60 min/hr= 96,000 mcg/hr
per 4 hours:
ie. 96 mg/hr x 4 hr= 384 mg

Secondly, work out volume of solution (200mg/5ml) required:

i.e: 200 mg : 5 ml .
384 mg : x ml

Therefore x = 384 mg x 5 ml
aL --------- = 9.6 ml (answer)
200mg

14.11
Pharmaceulical CaJculatio11s-R1tvisio11 Questions J.I. Posology

Lanoxin® paediatric elixir contains 0.05 mg or Digoxin/ml..

How much Oigoxin is present in 3 ml of the elixir?

a) 0.15 mcg
b) 0.015 mcg
c) · 1.5 mcg
d) 0.0015 mcg
ej'" 150 mcg

-
/ .- ,-.
_.-.~
...__.,

e) .

Simple arithmetic, BUT USE<o:~ON UNITS.

0.05 mg = 50 mcg

SOmcg 1 ml
xmcg 3 ml

Therefore: x = 150 mcg (answer)

14.12
Pharmacerlllcal Calc11lat1ons-Revlsfon Questions I 4. Posology

Wh,,is the daily dose of Pilocarpine Nitrate { ~ in the following prescription:

/ / Pilocarpine Nitrate 4g
I,; Water for Injection to 100 ml
\ Send 30 ml
Directions: Instil one drop in both eyes three times a day.
.~
~ The dropper has been calibrated to deliver 20 drops/ml.

0.6
6
10
12 ~
120 _ )

'·
1-wJ ___.,_, l.O olf>
fu.1~l--•1 .-6~~ -
. •.

d)

Firstly, work out the volume of pilocarpine solution used in a day:

//

One drop in both (2) eyes three times a day

= 1x2 x 3 =6 drops/day
The dropper delivers 20 drops 1 ml
6 drops x ml

Therefore: x = 0.30 ml

Secondly, work out the amount of pilocarpine.nitrate equivalent to this volume:

4000 mg 100 ml
y mg : 0.30 ml

Therefore: y = 12 mg (answer)

14.13
 '
Pharmaceutical Calculaticms-Re,·isit>n Questions J./. Posology

G 14.1j A nurse wishes to infuse 500 ml of Glyceryl Trinitrate injection (containing 200 mcg Glyceryt
/1 •/ Trinitrate injection per ml) at the rate of 0.75 mcg/kg body weight per minute in a 176.4 -
pound (tb) patient At what rate should the solution be infused?

1 kg= 2.2046 pounds

0.03 mUmin
0.7 mUmin
0.3 mUmin
3.0 mUmiri ~ · .
15.4 mUmin
;,
.-
............ -
..,. ___ .... -\

•'

! •

I' .

c) ..

Firstty, work out the ~ d r u g required in units or mcg/kg/minute:

176.4 lb= 176.4/2.2046 {kg)= 80.01 kg

ie: amount of drug required is: 0.75 mcg/kg x 60.01 kg per minute
= 60.01 mcg /minute

Secondly, work out the volume of srnution (200 mcg/ml strength) that
contains 60.01 mcg.

200 mcg : 1 ml
60.01 mcg :xml

Therefore: x = 0.30 ml ( Answer is: 0.30 mUmin)

14.14
Pha~11tlcal Calculatlons-Rt!1•1.flon Q11t!:rtlon~ ·(.:V I ;,-SJ (a
;;?. fr-.JI .,yJJ
(Z1/ ~ /<I. Posolo
j
'-1\ I ✓ (V . \Y
14.15 Concentrated Chlorofonn Water APF contains 10%_,_ of chloroform. A mixture calls for
2.5% v/v Concentrated Chloroform Water. How much chloroform per day would a patient be
receiving if he/she were taking 10 ml_of the mixture at four hourly intervals/per 24 hour day?

·.. ../
( a) ,, 0.15 m l ~
b)·___,. 10.5 ml 6
c) 0.0375 ml
d) 0.375 ml
e) _6 ml

'- -;

,f

--------·-----------------...---------------·------------·-----------··----------------·---
a)

Firstly, work out how much mixture~ per day:

The patient is taking 10 ml of mixture six limes daily

i.e: total daily dose= 10 x 6 = 60 ml of mixture

Secondly, work out how much concentrated chlorofonn water (CCW)

is contained In 60 ml of mixture :
2.5 ml CCW 100 ml mixture
x ml CCW : 60 ml mixture
.WiJJ}r::Jl:JJ 5,£ J
Therefore: x = 1.5 ml CCW

Thirdly. work out how much chlorofonn is in 1.5 ml CCW:

✓
10 ml chlorofonn 100 ml CCW
y ml chloroform :. 1.5 ml CCW

Therefore: y = 0.15· ml chlorofonn~---

14.15
 r,;;.,1
FiPharma«ulkal Cole, /aoo,,,.R,vl,1on Q•<>Oon~ U. l'os<,/ogy • l
..,)<14.16 A patient is required to have an infusion of Terbutalino sulphate administered at the rate of
25 mcg/minute. A pharmacist dilutes a 2 ml ampoule of Terbutaline Sulphate (1 mg/ml) to •
250 ml of 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection. How many drops per minute will be needed
deliver the Terbutaline Sulphate if the administration set delivers 15 drops to the ml?

a} 0.2 drops/minute !) ). l C?
b) 3.1 drops/minute \._·

c) 4. 7drops/minute
31.3 drops/minute
@, 46.9 drops/minute
.,
\ .. - );,

1 ~ _ _____,,.1-wl \.. _..,.

• I

~ ~ - _ _ ,.. , 2 J
_ _,.., 2. s.o J
• • a.~
0•00 2> ~-..-y· ,~--
t S~j)
.: ol,.if::J cf.u H fa!J ,[.?, I~~---·
, ~
11 ~ IS' ~ . ( - . . , . :;
....,' (.••

__,.,..--,,t 11,;-, ~?-;;;~·

3.1zs
-, t''.,.,,,......._

e)

Firstly, work out strength of diluted- solution (in mcg/ml):

2mg drug in 250 ml
or 2000 mcg drug in 250 ml
(divide by 250) 8 mcg drug/ml

Secondly, work out how many ml contains 25 mcg of drug:

8mcg 1 ml
25mcg : x ml

Therefore: x = 3.125 ml

Thirdly, work out how many drops are contained in 3.125 ml:
15 drops 1 ml
y drops : 3.125 ml

Therefore: y = 46.875 (rounded off to 46.9) drops per minute

14.16
 Phonnoceutlcol Colculatlon.,-Revision Quesfion.'f I 4. Posology

✓
1417 ,A patient has to have an intravenous infusion of_1C>OO_.n:!L containing 2.5 g of Carindacilfin
Sodium over 12 hours. ·

What is the rate of flow of the infusion in mUminute?

1.39 mUmin / - ·
(~ 2.35 mUmin
c) 16.6mUmin
d) 28.25mUmin
e) 83.3 mUmin

a)
/
,.,.
Simple arithmetic: !__---,,,,
The rate of infus;on ;s currently expressed as:
1000 ml per 12 hours

(divide this by 12 to give value per hour)

= 83.333 ml per hour

(divide this ey 60 to give value per minute)

= 1.3888 ml per minute (rounded off to 1.39 mUmin)

14.17
 7eutical Calculatio11s-Revision Questions
. /-1. Posology

"V 14.16 A solution contains 120 mg Calclferol (Vitamin D2) per 100 mL,' ~ dose is quo1edas 1(} .
drops. If the dispensing dropper calibrates 24 drops/ml. how muci.Catcifert>lis contained in· •
each dose?
.,.') /
·~ v'· .·,
a) 0.05mg .1-
b) 0.25mg
('c)\ o.so m ~ ·
¥ 0.1 mg .
r e} 1.Q&mg

.!
I

c}

flrstty, work out how mucti drug per ml:

120 mg : 100 mL
xmg 1 mL

Therefore: x = 1.20 mg

Secondly, work out how much drug pert dose (10 drop$)!

24 drops : 1.20 mg (present in 1 ml)

10 drops : y mg

Therefore: y = 0.50 mg (answer)

14.18
 I
Pho eutlcal Calculalions-Revlsion Que:rtions J 4. Posofogy

i. rrr\~
. A doctor orders a 2 g11ial of Amoxycillin Sodium to be added to 500 ml of intravenous fluid.
The Intravenous administration rate is 125 mllhr. Assuming a uniform rate of flow, how
much Amoxycillin Sodium will the patient receive per minute?

a)
b)
833 mg
500mg {Z .. ··~
c) 300 mg
d) 83.3 mg ·,
;'-'eJ,'; 8.33 mg
'-._...,:I

.......,.,.. ... .-·

/··,
'·.•I

--·-·····-·-········------·-················...··---·---··········-······························--··-······-
e)

Firstly, work out the volume delivered per minute:

125
125 ml/hr=•-- mUmin = 2.083 mUmin
60

Secondly, work out the amount delivered per minute:

2000 mg : · 500 ml (strength or IV fluid)

y mg 2.083 nil

Therefore: y = 8.33 mg Amoxycillin Sodium delivered per minute (answer)

14.19
 I
Phan,1aceulical Calculatio11s-Revisiot1 Questio11s l ./. Po.sok,gy

lndospray® consists of lndomethacin 1% w/w solution in eU)anol 95% vlv (density of ethanol
95% v/v = 0.800 gcm"3). .

If a paiient was taking 1 x 25 mg lndocid® capsules (lndomethacin 25 mg) three times a day
and applying a daily vo•ume of 20 ml- of
lndospray®, the total daily amount of lndomethacin
taken/applied would be: · ·

a) 75mg
b) 160mg
200 mg .,,
cfil:,, 235mg~
e) 275mg

d)

Firstly, work out how much lndomethacin supplied by capsule form:

lndocid capsules 25 mg x 3 = 75 mg lndomethacin/dav

Secondly, work out how much lndomethacin applied by solution:

lndospray® contains 1 g lndomethacin/100 g lndospray

i.e: 1000 mg in 100 g of lndospray

1000 mg in 1OOg/0.S(g per ml) of lndospray
i.e: 1000 mg in 125 ml (lndospray)

Now work out how much lndomethacin is in 20 mL lndospray:

1000 mg : 125 ml
x mg : 20ml

Therefore: x = 160 mg

Finalty, the daily lndomethacin !JSed = 75 mg + 160 mg_

= 235 mg (answer)

14.20
 Phannaceutlcal Cnlcufalions-Revi.don Questions I 4. Posology

~✓
4.. How. much Carindacillin Sodium (C 2sH 2sH20aSNa; MW= 516.6) would be required to infuse a
I 75.0 kg patient at the rate or 0.50 mg/kg body weight/minute or Carindacillin (MW = 493.6)
over 12 hours?
, ...
~,.I
~-, .,..-
-f . " '· ·. ·,. (·
...,,.,,,,, ..., , /
0.42 g
2.36 g
25.78 g
27.0 g
28.26 g . /
~
I
(~ . ..1'
... ~

I
I •-
.' ,Y
✓

e)

Firstly, how much drug (base) delivered per minute?

0.50 mg/kg x 75 kg= 37.5 mg

Secondly, how much drug (base) delivered per hour ?

37.5 mg/minx 60 min/hour= 2250 mg (2.25g)

Thirdly, how much drug (base) delivered per 12 hours?

2.25 g/hour x 12 hours = 27.00 g (base)

Finally, to convert the amount of base to salt: l

i
516.6 L.-,---•"
27.00g x ----- = 28.26 g {Carindacillin Sodium) (answer]
493.6

14.21
 '
Pharmaceutical Ca/cu/alions-Revisio11 Queslio11s J.I. Posology
•
Chlorpheninamine Mateate Syrup (2mg/5ml)

J Give 7.5 ml b.d.

Dispense 4 days supply

How much Chlorpheniramine Maleate will be required ?

a}6 mg
b>., 12 mg _,.,-/
~c)J4 m~····
'----cf) 36 mg
e) 48 mg

,,;::,-· - --- ___ ________ ______

..,. ... .,..,

~,-
c)
--
Firstly, work out how much mixture is used over 4 days:

7.5ml x 2 = 15ml per day

Over 4 days: 15 ml x 4 = 60ml syrup

Secondly, work out how much Chlorpheniramine Maleate is required to prepare

a volume of 60 ml :

2mg : 5ml
x mg : 60ml

Therefore: x = 24 mg of Chlorpheniramine Maleate needed (answer)

14.ll
Pharma~ullcal Calculntlons-Revl.tlon Qt1e.ttlon., I -I. Posology

Dispense:
Ampicillln Suspension (125mg/5ml).
Sig: 250 qid for 10 days.

What volume of mixture will the patient require to complete the course of
treatment?

a) 100ml
b) 200ml
c) 300ml
d) 350ml ,{I --·. ~,_ -· ,.
·. e)\400ml '-_···

'-. . ..... -✓ ,

---------------------------··-····-·•-·----------·-·----
e)

Firstly, work out the amount of Ampicillin taken over 10 days:

250mg 4 doses
X ---x 10 days = 10, 000mg
dose day

Secondly, work out the volume of mixture taken over 10 days:

125mg 5ml
10,000 mg x ml

Therefore: x = 400 ml (answer)

14.23
Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revisio11 Q11estio11s
,
I .J. Posology

✓
.24 ~ formulation has 0.5 ml of Peppermint Oil as one of the ingredients. A dropper was
. calibrated to deliver 2.5 ml of Peppermint Oil in 60 drops. How many drops of Peppermint
Oil should be used ?

a) 3
b)6 _,,,.,-
fC)\~ ~
'--ciy18
e) 15

c)

Simple cross multiplication exercise:

2.5ml 60 drops (calibration of dropper)

0.5ml x drops (volume of Peppermint Oit required)

. -----·
Therefore: x = 12 drops (answer)_

)4.24
 Pharmaceutical Calculations-Revision Q11e.~11o,u • 14. Posology

Jones Is lo receive 1500 ml of a solution by 1.V. Infusion over a 24 hour period. Whal rate
nfusion in drops/minute should be used if 1ml == 25 drops.
;("'"'\_ \
a) 14 ~ (, 0 ·
(;
b) 18 ... 1J
....
-~> 22
,-,• ci) •26
0

·-·--e> 37

d)

Firstly, work out volume of solution delivered per minute:

1500ml 1 hour
X ---- == 1.041667 ml/min
24 hours 60 mins

Secondly, work out number of drops delivered per minute:

1ml 25 drops
1.041667ml x drops

Therefore: x= 26.04 drops

This may be rounded off to 26 drops (per minute) [answer)

14.2S
Pharn,oceulical Calculations-Revision Questions 1-1. Posology

150 mcg of a drug, dissolved in 250 ml of Water for Injection, is to be infused into a patient
at a rate of 20 mcg per hour. If 1ml = 20 drops, what should the rate of infusion be? (drops
per minute).

<)
.;,
I..
-.-/

l {

c)

Firstly, work out volume of solution given per hOur:

150 mcg 250ml

20mcg xml

x = 33.333 ml (per hour)

Secondly, work out volume of solution given per minute:

=33.333 mUhr x 1 hr/60min =0.5555 ml

Thirdly, work out number of drops in 0.5555 ml:

1ml 20drops
0.5555ml y drops

Therefore: y = 11.11 Rounded to first decimal point 11.1 drops

( answer = 11.1 drops per minute).

14.26
Pl,annaautlcal C;lculatlrms-R~vlslnn Q11tt.,tlon., U. Posology

14.27 The dose of a drug is 0.30mg/kg. What dose should be given to a man weighing 1871b
(1kg=2.201b).
,,,,,.,.~
5.Smg~ .
} 30.0mg ,..
c) 45.5mg
d) 51.0mg
e} 56.1mg

'l

a)
·--·-·----------·-·------------·----------------·-----·--------------
•
Simple cross multiplication:

1 kg 0.30 mg
1871b x - - x - - ::d 25.~ mg dose of drug (answer}
2.20 lb kg

14.27
Pharmace~lica/ Ca/cu/atious-Revisio11 Questions J.I. Posology

2
4.28 The dose of a cytotoxic medication is 18 mg per m surface area, given three times a day for
five days. .
How many milligrams of medication will the patient take during this course ?
:.. 2
(Patient weighs 70 kg; surface area is 1. 72 m )

a) 145.5 mg
b) 150.0 mg
c) 232.2 mg
_q)_ 400.4 mg \
. e)464.4 mg
\.._;.· ~

----·----
e)

Simple cross multiplication:

18mg 3 doses
2
- - - x 1.72 m x -----------· x 5 days = 464.4 mg (answer)
2
m day

14.28
Pharmaceutical Calculalion.,-Revi.don Q11csl/011s U. Posology

14.29 The.dose of drug "X" is 0.8 mg per square meter of body surface area.
How many micrograms should be given to a child whose body surface
2
area is 0.80 m ?

a) 64 mcg
b) 80 mcg
c) 160 mcg
JI) 320 mcg
/ ef-640 mcg
~'-:.J";,Ji

e)

Simple cross multiplication:

0.8 mg
2
- - x 0.80 m = 0.64 ~g = 6.40 mcg (answer)
m2

14.29
~.~
,t· ,\if '
Pharmaceutical Calculations•Revision Questions J.I. Posology

~ 14.30 Erythromycin Syrup 125mg/5ml (100 ml)

"Give 6 ml four times a day before food until finished"

-
a) 6 doses
~---
How many complete doses of antibiotic win this child receive 7

b) 8 doses
12 doses

1}JS doses
f20doses
6

------·-·--··------·---------.---- ------·---------·------------·----------·--------···
......
d)

Vok.tme of mixture per day:

6ml
---- x 4 doses = 24 ml
dose

How many doses in 100 ml product ?

4 doses 24ml

x doses 100ml

Therefore: x = 16.67 doses

ie: round off to 16 complete doses (answer)

[N.B. Which is 4 days treatment}

14.30
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C f.)(~ I- D ~ X' ,~ f--_;!' ~