Conversion Problems/ Learn
Jean Montgomery, Austin Community College
Jean Montgomery, Austin Community College
Apothecary Measurement System
The apothecary measurement system uses both Roman and Arabic numerals together with fractions. It is still necessary to understand this system because some physicians continue to order medication using it. You must learn and memorize the apothecary measurement equivalencies and their abbreviations in order to translate such orders and convert within the system.
Apothecary Measurement System Equivalencies
Unit |
Abbreviation |
Equivalent |
| Weight |
||
| Pound | lb, # | 16 oz |
| Grain | grain | - |
| Liquid Volume | ||
| Ounce | fl. oz | 8 dr |
| Dram | dr | 60 minims |
| Minum | m | - |
Safety Alert: Grains has traditionally been abbreviated as gr and can be easily confused with the abbreviation with grams (g). Since grains is rarely used as a measurement anymore and to reduce the potential for medication errors, always spell out grains and never abbreviate it.