If the dose ordered is 1500 mg and each tablet is 600 mg, how many tablets are required?

• A. 2 tablets
• B. 2.5 tablets
• C. 3 tablets
• D. 3.5 tablets

Answer: (B)

To find how many tablets are needed, divide the total dose by the amount each tablet provides. 1500 mg divided by 600 mg per tablet equals 2.5 tablets, so the exact dose would be two and a half tablets. Two tablets give 1200 mg (short by 300 mg) and three tablets give 1800 mg (exceeding by 300 mg). If half-tablets are allowed and the tablet is safe to split, you would give 2.5 tablets; otherwise you’d follow the facility’s rounding policy, typically rounding to the nearest allowed whole tablet or using a scored tablet if available.