People often usedoseanddosageinterchangeably, but these terms have different meanings.
Adding the suffix-ageto the base word “dose"implies an overall amount.
It can be compared to the difference between the words mile and mileage.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
This article describes the difference between the two terms and provides examples of each.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is a Dose?
The term “dose” refers to a specified amount of medication taken at one specific time.
Some drugs, such asinsulinorheparin, may be prepared as mixtures.
For that reason, they have no specific molecular weight and can’t be described in mass units.
There are a few exceptions, though.
Liquid medications for the eyes and ears are sometimes measured in drops.
Some medications are measured in grains.
And other medications are dispensed using apothecary system measurements like teaspoonfuls, ounces, or drams.
However, these are rare.
The jot down and dose you choose depend on the condition being treated.
In some cases, dose instructions for children may simply state “ask a doctor.”
What Is a Dosage?
The AMA defines a dosageas how to take or give a medication as prescribed.
“Dosage” is a much broader term than “dose.”
Itinvolves a specific amount, number, and frequency of doses over a specific period of time.
One course of ofloxacin is seven to nine days, depending on the indication prescribed by your healthcare provider.
A doseis the amount of medication you take at one time.
Doses are usually measured in metric mass units such as milligrams.
The dosageis a set of instructions for how to take the medication.
It includes how much to take, when to take it, and how long to take it.
Tylenol.TYLENOL dosage for adults.
Tylenol.Tylenol Extra Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Night Liquid.
Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Ofloxacin opthalmic solution.
