Fifth Edition
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Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Published simultaneously in Canada.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Names: Teixeira, Maria Glaucia, author. | Zatz, Joel L., 1935- author.
Title: Pharmaceutical calculations / Maria Glaucia Teixeira, Joel L. Zatz.
Description: Fifth edition. | Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., [2017] | Joel L. Zatz's name appears first on the previous four editions. | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016036796 (print) | LCCN 2016037823 (ebook) | ISBN 9781118978511 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781118978528 (pdf) | ISBN 9781118978535 (epub)
Subjects: | MESH: Drug Dosage Calculations | Drug Compounding–methods | Pharmaceutical Preparations–administration & dosage | Mathematics | Dosage Forms | Programmed Instruction
Classification: LCC RS57 (print) | LCC RS57 (ebook) | NLM QV 18.2 | DDC 615.1/401513–dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016036796
A goal of this new edition of Pharmaceutical Calculations is to update the material to current changes in pharmacy practice, continuing with an active learning approach. It draws upon previous experiences in the classroom, especially those over the 11 years since the previous edition, working with pharmacy students with diverse backgrounds ranging from pre-pharmacy college to master degrees in scientific fields. The active learning approach means that the student is required to solve problems themselves and think about what they are doing, rather than just demonstrating solution techniques. To glance ahead at the solutions and answers to the problems defeats the process. Too often, students come in to say that they understand and follow the solutions when the instructor does problems in class, but don't know where to start when presented problems with the book closed. We think, as a student, you will understand and follow the solutions provided as they involve simple logic and mathematical processes that you've learned since high school or earlier. The key to active learning is putting in the time, doing the work, and thinking about what you are doing. Treat the practice questions at the end of each chapter as your quality control check or just to test your learned skills. And always do all the problems before glancing at the answers.
Almost every topic contains some problems to test your understanding. Read the information in the topic and work on the question(s) in the space provided. We have found it helpful to use an index card or a folded sheet of paper to cover everything below the line where the solutions and answers are provided. When you're done, check your answer. If you are correct, move on to the next topic. If not, try the problem again before consulting the solution. You may uncover your error and be able to do it right the second time. If you still can't get it, you may need to go back to a few topics to see if there is something you missed. If all else fails, look at the solution. You may also want to consult the solution if you struggled to get the right answer and wondered if a more direct approach is available.
We assume that you can perform the usual arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and that you can solve simple algebraic and exponential equations. A quick review of certain techniques and practice questions are provided in Chapter 1 of this edition in case you have gotten rusty and need to brush up. You will find out that there are multiple ways to solve pharmaceutical calculations – there is no one “correct” way. With practice, you will find the approach that makes the most sense to you.
Some topics will be easy for you and you'll zoom through the text. Difficult spots will take more time; in any case, stick with it and take as much time as you need to work through the material until you understand it and can handle the problems. Happy problem solving!
New practice problems (NAPLEX-patterned) have been added, reflecting real-practice situations a pharmacist and/or other health care professionals will encounter when working at various settings. These new problems also prepare the pharmacist for NAPLEX exams by stimulating critical thinking and encouraging logical reasoning and attention to detailed information, sometimes available in a real-world situation (or provided in a question) but not needed for the mathematical solution of a problem.
New features of this edition also include the following:
Since its first edition, it has been the main goal of this textbook to provide a level consistent with the requirements of students being presented to the applications of basic mathematical techniques to the pharmaceutical/health fields, often part of the early professional curriculum. We have thus retained some and added other important introductory topics and descriptions that are frequently needed while students are introduced to pharmaceutical dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and learning basic compounding skills. These topics are not strictly needed to solve pharmaceutical calculation problems, but are included nonetheless because experience has shown that students often need this background.
Some features retained and enhanced from the fourth edition are as follows:
Maria Glaucia Teixeira
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
To Alfred (Al), my life's partner and soulmate,
for his infinite friendship and
genuine contributions to this work.
To my mother, Julia, the strongest woman
I have ever known, for her example of tenacity
and wise choices in life.
Maria Glaucia Teixeira