Fillable Printable Liquid Medicine Measurements Chart

Liquid Medicine Measurements Chart

California State

Board of Pharmacy

1625 N. Market Blvd.

Suite N-219

Sacramento, CA 95834

www.pharmacy.ca.gov

(916) 574-7900

Measuring

Liquid Medicine

It’s important to measure liquid medicine accurately in order to get the right dose.

Liquid medicine sometimes comes with a measuring device like a cup, spoon, or

dropper. Be sure to use the right device in order to get the right dose.

Check the markings carefully on the measuring device. Most liquid medicine is

measured by teaspoon (tsp) or milliliter (mL) or cc.

1 mL = 1 cc

2.5 mL = 2.5 cc = 1/2 teaspoon (tsp)

5 mL = 5 cc = 1 tsp

15 mL = 15 cc = 3 tsp = 1 tablespoon (tbl or Tbsp)

30mL=30cc=2Tbsp=1uidounce(oz)

Using kitchen silverware instead of a measuring device that comes with a

medicine can result in the wrong dosing -- too much or too little of the medicine.

For example, a large kitchen spoon can hold twice as much liquid as a small

kitchen spoon. Use the measuring device provided with the medicine instead of

kitchen silverware.

If your liquid medicine doesn’t come with a measuring device, ask for one at the

pharmacy. Some of the most common measuring devices include:

dosing cup measuring spoons dosing spoon dosing syringe

Be sure to measure liquid medicine at eye level, and never guess at the dose.

Use the dose shown on the prescription label. This is especially important when

giving liquid medicine to children.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about measuring liquid

medicine.

November 2008

Never guess the

dose -- if you

don’t know, ask

your pharmacist!