PEBC: Theme of the Week: Unique Pharmacy Numbers
Updated: Jan 28
In pharmacy practice, there are certain numbers which are uniquely useful for calculations or oddly specific. Do you know the reason behind these numbers?
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2.2: This is a very useful number when calculating doses for pediatric patients. 2.2 lbs is equivalent to 1 kg, which is helpful for metric conversions to calculate weight-based doses.
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454: Ever wonder why so many topical products (ex. Betaderm, Triaderm) come in a 454 gram tub (or why butter comes in 454 grams as well?) The answer also lies with converting to lbs - 454 grams is equivalent to 1 lb.
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473: Peridex (used as a mouthwash) and Atarax (used as an antihistamine for allergies) both come in a 473 mL standard bottle. Did you know that 473 mL is equivalent to 1 American pint?
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0.9: The value of 0.9% w/v (weight by volume) is an isotonic concentration which is very important to humans as this is the physiological to blood tonicity. It is an important reason for using normal saline (0.9% w/v sodium chloride) to treat dehydration, clean wounds or develop ophthalmic solutions.
