Dosage: Practical tips to take your meds the right way

Small dose mistakes matter. The wrong unit, a crushed pill that shouldn’t be crushed, or a half-measured liquid can change how a medicine works — sometimes a lot. This page gives clear, usable tips so you can spot common dosing problems and avoid simple errors at home.

Quick checks before you take a dose

Read the label every time. Check the drug name, strength, unit (mg, mcg, IU), and how many times a day. Don’t assume the same-looking tablet equals the same dose. If the prescription uses micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU), confirm which one — confusing mg and mcg is a common error.

Measure liquid meds exactly. Use the syringe or marked cup that came with the medicine. A kitchen teaspoon is about 5 mL, but home spoons vary — avoid guessing. If you only have teaspoon measuring spoons, use them, not a soup spoon.

Know if a pill is extended-release or immediate-release. Never crush or split an extended-release tablet unless your pharmacist or prescriber says it’s safe. Splitting unscored tablets can give uneven doses; use a pill cutter for scorelines.

When to adjust doses and conversion tips

Children and dosing by weight: many pediatric doses use mg per kg. Always use the dose and method your prescriber gave rather than estimating from adult strengths. When switching similar drugs, conversions exist but depend on many factors. For example, changing thyroid medicines or tapering antidepressants needs a careful conversion plan and follow-up labs.

Watch kidneys and liver. If you or your child has kidney or liver issues, doses may need to be lower. That’s because the body clears drugs differently when organs don’t work well. Ask your provider about dose adjustments and which labs to monitor.

Mind drug interactions and food. Some medicines rise if you combine them with enzyme inhibitors, while others fall with enzyme inducers. Grapefruit and certain supplements can change levels too. Tell your pharmacist about all meds and supplements so they can flag interactions that affect dosing.

Missed dose rules: follow the instruction on your prescription or ask your pharmacist. A common rule: if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and don’t double up. But rules vary by drug, so check.

Tapering and stopping: for steroids, benzodiazepines, and many antidepressants, stopping suddenly can cause problems. Your prescriber will give a taper plan. Follow it and report symptoms during the taper.

Keep a dosing plan. Use a written schedule, pillbox, or phone alarm. When traveling, pack meds in original containers and carry a copy of the prescription or dosing notes.

Got questions about a dose or conversion? Contact your prescriber or pharmacist. You can also read related articles on this site for specific drugs and dose-conversion guides. When in doubt, ask — a quick call can prevent a big mistake.