Double-Check Microgram and Milligram Calculations

November 2019

Mix-ups with micrograms (mcg) and milligrams (mg) can cause dangerous dosing errors...but you can help prevent them.

Recently two prescribers mistakenly ordered 0.5 mg (500 mcg) instead of 0.05 mg (50 mcg) of levothyroxine...a ten-fold dosing error.

In another case, an Rx for digoxin (Lanoxin, etc) was transcribed as 625 mcg rather than the correct 0.0625 mg (62.5 mcg).

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Table of Contents

Med Histories Avoid Common Pitfalls With Med Lists
Med Safety Listen for Questions About the Safety of Ranitidine and Other Meds
Medication Errors Double-Check Microgram and Milligram Calculations
Hyperkalemia Think of Lokelma and Veltassa as Similar to Kayexalate for High Potassium
Alcohol Stay Alert for Patients Talking About Drinking Alcohol While on Meds
HIV & AIDS Be Prepared to Dispense Dovato, a New Combo Med for HIV
Dermatology Steer Patients Looking for Scar Treatments to the Pharmacist
Breast Cancer Reduce Errors With Breast Cancer Prevention Meds
Pain Management Watch for Med Changes to Treat Acute Pain for Patients on Buprenorphine/Naloxone
HIV & AIDS Don't Be Surprised to See Descovy Used to Prevent HIV
Diabetes & Endocrinology Get the Facts About Pancreas Inflammation Risk With Methimazole