Measurement Systems

Question 1

What are the three (3) systems of measurement used in pharmacy?

Answer 1

1. Apothecaries’ System
2. Avoirdupois System
3. Metric System

Question 2

What is the definition of the Apothecaries’ System?

Answer 2

A system that is most part outdated and used in ancient Greece

(few older drugs do still have their strengths expressed in units of grains)

• aspirin
• ferrous sulfate
• Armour Thyroid
• nitroglycerin
• phenobarbital

Question 3

What are the weight conversions in the Apothecaries System?

Answer 3

1 pound = 12 ounces 
1 ounce (℥) = 8 drams
1 dram (ʒ) = 3 scruples 
1 scruple (℈) = 20 grains
1 grain (gr) = 64.8 milligrams

Question 4

What are the volume conversions in the Apothecaries System?

Answer 4

1 gallon = 4 quarts 
1 quart = 2 pints 
1 pint = 16 fluid ounces 
1 fluid ounce = 8 fluid drams 
1 fluid dram = 60 minims 
1 minim (♏︎) ~ 0.0617 milliliters

Question 5

What is the definition of the Avoirdupois System?

Answer 5

A customary system of weights and measures in the United States

Question 6

What is the weight conversions in the Avoirdupois System?

Answer 6

1 pound (Ib) = 16 ounces 
1 ounce (oz) = 437.5 grains 
1 grain = 64.8 milligrams

Question 7

What is the volume conversions in the Avoirdupois System?

Answer 7

1 gallon = 4 quarts
1 quart = 2 pints 
1 pint = 2 cups 
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces 
1 fluid ounce = 29.57 milliliters

Question 8

What is the definition of the Metric System?

Answer 8

A standard measurement system for pharmacy and medicine

Question 9

What is the weight conversions in the Metric System?

Answer 9

1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams 
1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams 
1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms

Question 10

What is the volume conversions in the Metric System?

Answer 10

1 milliliter (mL) = 1 cm³ (cc)   
1 deciliter (dL) = 100 milliliters
1 liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters