Example 6 - The physician orders Pediazole \( 6 \mathrm{~m} / p .0 .9 .6 \mathrm{~h} \) for a child weighing 44 lb . The pediatric drug reference states that Pediazole is a combination drug containing 200 mg of Erythromycin ethylsuccinate with 600 mg of Sulfisoxazole Acetyl in every 5 ml oral suspension. The usual dosage for Pediazole is \( 50 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{kg} / \) day erythromycin and \( 150 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{kg} / \) day Sulfisoxazole in equally divided doses administered every 6 hours. - Is the dose volume ordered safe?

To determine if the dose volume ordered is safe, we first need to convert the child's weight into kilograms. A child weighing 44 lb is approximately 20 kg (since 1 lb = 0.45 kg). According to the recommended dosage, the child requires 50 mg/kg/day of erythromycin and 150 mg/kg/day of Sulfisoxazole. This translates to a daily requirement of 1000 mg of erythromycin (20 kg × 50 mg) and 3000 mg of Sulfisoxazole (20 kg × 150 mg). Given that there are 200 mg of erythromycin and 600 mg of Sulfisoxazole in every 5 ml of Pediazole, we calculate the volume needed to meet the daily requirements. To achieve the erythromycin requirement, the child needs 25 ml of Pediazole (1000 mg ÷ 200 mg/5 ml = 25 ml), and for Sulfisoxazole, the requirement is 25 ml (3000 mg ÷ 600 mg/5 ml = 25 ml). The total volume per day would therefore be 50 ml, administered in divided doses (e.g., 12.5 ml every 6 hours). As long as the physician's order for 6 ml of the suspension every 0.96 hours converts to 25 ml or less per day, the ordered dosage would be considered safe. To ensure accurate administration and avoid underdosing or overdosing, double-check the calculations and keep a close eye on the child's weight for any adjustments needed in dosing. It's also wise for caregivers to familiarize themselves with the medication's effects and any signs of possible adverse reactions. A little caution can go a long way in keeping our little ones safe and healthy!