# tabs that can be made Re: math problem

[Guest guest]

Math Tutorial From a Post -

Calculate the # of tablets that can be Prepared

Calculate the number of tablets that can be prepared with a limited

amount of ingredients.

Submitted by Message #15841 spokane94 " <spokane94@...> spokane94

Jeanetta,

I need help with this one:

A cough and cold tablet contains the following amounts of active

ingredients:

acetaminophen 325 mg

chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg

pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg

dextromethorphan 15 mg

guaifenesin 100 mg

The pharmacy has 2 kg of acetaminophen, 5 g of chlorpheniramine

maleate, and an unlimited supply of the other ingredients. How many

tablets can be prepared?

I have no idea on this one. Please help.

Jeanetta's solution to this problem:

Strategy: First find out how many tabs can be made with each of the

two limiting factors. Then compare the quantity of tablets that can

be made. Which ever is less that is the quantity of tablets can be

made with these two limiting factors. Recall no limits on the other

ingredients.

Recall APAP = n acetyl p aminophenol the chemical name for

acetaminophen generic for for TylenolÒ

APAP 2 Kg = 2000 gm = 2,000,000 mg

5 gm of Chlorpheniramie = 5000 mg

Set up a ratio/proportions:

IF one tablet equals 325 mg APAP, then how many tablets will 2kg APAP

(2,000,000 mg) make?

325 mg APAP....2 Kg APAP

----------- = --------------

1 tablet.......X tabs

325 mg APAP......2,000,000 mg APAP

----------- = --------------------

1 tablet...........X tabs

Cross Multiply:

1 tab x 2,000, 000 mg

---------------------- = X Tab

325

mg

X Tab = 6153.85 tablets or 6153 tablets (if there is no other

limitation)

IF one tablet equals 2 mg chlorpheniramine, then how many tablets

will 5 gm (5000 mg) make?

2 mg chlorpheniramine......5 gm chlorpheniramine

---------------------- = ---------------------

1 tablet.......................X tabs

2 mg chlorpheniramine.....5000 mg chlorpheniramine

--------------------- = -------------------------

1 tablet.......................X tabs

Cross Multiply:

1 tab x 5000 mg

----------------= X Tab

2 mg

X Tab = 2500 tablets (if there is no other limitation)

Now compare the results:

Using 2 Kg APAP @ 325 mg mg per tablet, 6153 tablets can be made

Using 5 gm chlorpheniraminem @ 2 mg per tablet, only 2500 tablets can

be made

Answer: Therefore with all the possible ingredients available, ONLY

2500 tablets may be made.

Copyrighted by Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chemistry September 20, 2008

Hope this helps,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

>

> I need help with this one:

>

> A cough and cold tablet contains the following amounts of active

> ingredients:

> acetaminophen 325 mg

> chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg

> pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg

> dextromethorphan 15 mg

> guaifenesin 100 mg

>

> The pharmacy has 2 kg of acetaminophen, 5 g of chlorpheniramine

> maleate, and an unlimited supply of the other ingredients. How many

> tablets can be prepared?

>

> I have no idea on this one. Please help.

>