People often usedoseanddosageinterchangeably, but these terms have different meanings. Adding the suffix-ageto the base word “dose"implies an overall amount. It can be compared to the difference between the words mile and mileage.
This article describes the difference between the two terms and provides examples of each.
What Is a Dose?
The term “dose” refers to a specified amount of medication taken at one specific time.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), drug doses are expressed in metric mass units—for example, milligrams (mg) or milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Some drugs, such asinsulinorheparin, may be prepared as mixtures. For that reason, they have no specific molecular weight and can’t be described in mass units.
There are a few exceptions, though. Liquid medications for the eyes and ears are sometimes measured in drops. Some medications are measured in grains. And other medications are dispensed using apothecary system measurements like teaspoonfuls, ounces, or drams. However, these are rare.
Examples of Dose
Different types of Tylenol (acetaminophen), for example, come in different doses. The type and dose you choose depend on the condition being treated.
Here are some different Tylenol doses:
The age of the person taking the medication can also make a difference, especially with babies and children. In some cases, dose instructions for children may simply state “ask a doctor.”
Types of Tylenol: How to Choose, Dosage, Safety
What Is a Dosage?
The AMA defines a dosageas how to take or give a medication as prescribed. “Dosage” is a much broader term than “dose.” Itinvolves a specific amount, number, and frequency of doses over a specific period of time.
Examples of Dosage
Here are some different Tylenol dosages:
Forbacterial conjunctivitis(pink eye), dosage instructions for ofloxacin look like this:
Summary
The words “dose” and “dosage” don’t mean the same thing. A doseis the amount of medication you take at one time. Doses are usually measured in metric mass units such as milligrams. The dosageis a set of instructions for how to take the medication. It includes how much to take, when to take it, and how long to take it.
A Word From VerywellWhile often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between drug dose and drug dosage and to not get them confused. If the total daily dosage of a medication was given as a single dose, it could potentially be toxic and cause harm. Always read the directions on both prescription and over-the-counter products carefully, and know that your doctor or pharmacist are available to answer any questions you may have.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
While often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between drug dose and drug dosage and to not get them confused. If the total daily dosage of a medication was given as a single dose, it could potentially be toxic and cause harm. Always read the directions on both prescription and over-the-counter products carefully, and know that your doctor or pharmacist are available to answer any questions you may have.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
While often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between drug dose and drug dosage and to not get them confused. If the total daily dosage of a medication was given as a single dose, it could potentially be toxic and cause harm. Always read the directions on both prescription and over-the-counter products carefully, and know that your doctor or pharmacist are available to answer any questions you may have.
—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tylenol.TYLENOL dosage for adults.
Tylenol.Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Night Liquid.
Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Ofloxacin opthalmic solution.
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