Question 71

The pharmacy would require 16 capsules of 250 mg for a 24-hour period.

To determine the number of 250 mg capsules needed for a 24-hour period, we first calculate the total daily dosage of mesalamine. The prescribed dosage is 1000 mg four times a day (q.i.d.), which totals 4000 mg per day. Dividing this total by the strength of each capsule (250 mg) gives us the number of capsules required.

A) 4

Option A is incorrect because it suggests that only 4 capsules of 250 mg are needed. This would only account for 1000 mg in total, which is insufficient compared to the required 4000 mg per day.

B) 12

Option B is also incorrect as it indicates that 12 capsules of 250 mg would be needed. This would only provide a total of 3000 mg, which is still below the necessary 4000 mg dosage for a 24-hour period.

C) 16

Option C is correct since it accurately calculates the total number of capsules needed. By dividing the total daily requirement of 4000 mg by the strength of each capsule (250 mg), we find that 16 capsules are required to meet the prescribed dosage.

D) 25

Option D is incorrect as it suggests that 25 capsules of 250 mg would be needed. This would result in a total of 6250 mg, exceeding the required daily dosage of 4000 mg.

Conclusion

The correct answer, 16 capsules, is derived from the necessary total daily dosage of 4000 mg divided by the strength of each capsule. All other options fall short of or exceed the required dosage, making them incorrect in the context of the prescription.