Drug Names & Dosage Notation Flashcards

Which of the following drug names contains a 'look-alike/sound-alike' pairing the transcriptionist must distinguish carefully?

Answer: metformin and metoprolol

Metformin (a diabetes drug) and metoprolol (a beta-blocker) are classic LASA pairs that sound similar and can be confused in dictation.

The dictation states 'cephalexin 500 mg PO QID x10 days.' How many total doses does the patient receive?

Answer: 40

QID (four times daily) × 10 days = 40 total doses, a straightforward calculation relevant to transcription accuracy.

When transcribing a compounded topical cream listed as 'ketamine 10%/gabapentin 6%/clonidine 0.2%,' the percentages indicate:

Answer: Weight-by-weight concentration of each active ingredient

In compounded formulations, percentages represent w/w (weight-by-weight) or w/v (weight-by-volume) concentrations of each active ingredient.

The physician dictates 'Klonopin 0.5 mg.' The transcriptionist should know this is the brand name for which drug?

Answer: clonazepam

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine used for seizure and anxiety disorders.

In medication transcription, a 'trailing zero' such as '5.0 mg' is considered dangerous because:

Answer: The decimal point may be missed, leading to a tenfold overdose (50 mg)

A trailing zero after a decimal (5.0 mg) can be misread as 50 mg if the decimal is overlooked, so it is prohibited per safety standards.

When a dictation references 'MS,' the transcriptionist should clarify whether the physician means:

Answer: Magnesium sulfate or morphine sulfate

MS is an ambiguous abbreviation that can represent either magnesium sulfate or morphine sulfate, two very different drugs requiring clear differentiation.

A prescription is written for 'Synthroid 100 mcg daily.' What is the generic name for Synthroid?

Answer: levothyroxine

Synthroid is the brand name for levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.