a. Nomogram Method: The nomogram method is the best method because it is
formulated on the patient's size. It takes into consideration the person's body surface
2
area in meters square with 1.73 M being the surface area of the average adult (150-
154 lbs.).
(1)
Formula:
Child's surface area in M2 X Adult dose = Child's dose
1.73 M2
NOTE: If the height and weight of the patient are known, the surface area in meters
square may be found by using the nomogram (See next page ). Work the following
problem by the nomogram method:
(2)
Example problems:
(a) The adult dose of erythromycin is 250 mg to be given four times
daily. Calculate the dose for a child who weighs 22 lbs. and is 30 inches tall.
ANS: ______ mg
(3)
Solution to example problem 1:
Nomogram reading for the child is 0.46 M2.
NOTE: The meter square cancelled.
66.5 mg = the child's dose
1.73 / 11500.
MD0802
3-6