dosage

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English: /ˈdəʊsɪdʒ/

Phonetic: [doh-sij]

Definitions

1. The prescribed quantity of medicine or a substance to be taken at one time or at specified intervals.
2. The amount of a medicine or other substance that is given or taken at one time.
3. The measured amount of any substance (often in medical or therapeutic contexts).

Usage Examples

• "The doctor prescribed a dosage of 10 milligrams of the medication to be taken every morning."
• "She was unsure if the dosage she had taken was too high, so she called her pharmacist."
• "The dosage for children is often much lower than for adults, and must be carefully measured."

Etymology

From French "dosage," which derives from "dose," meaning "a portion or quantity of medicine," based on Latin "dosis," meaning "a giving or dose," from Greek "dosis" (from "didonai," meaning "to give"). The term was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe the prescribed amount of medicine.

Synonyms

• Amount
• Quantity
• Serving
• Portion
• Measurement

Antonyms

• Excess
• Overdose
• Underuse

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: [ˈdəʊsɪdʒ]
• American English: [ˈdoʊsɪdʒ]
• Australian English: [ˈdəʊsɪdʒ]

Historical Usage

The term "dosage" was first used in English in the early 19th century, during the rise of modern pharmacology. As medicine became more scientifically advanced, understanding the correct dosage of drugs became a critical part of medical practice. By the late 19th century, "dosage" had become a standard term used to describe the prescribed amount of a drug or substance in both medical and everyday contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, especially in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of dosage is not merely quantitative but also qualitative. The "right dosage" in these systems may also depend on factors such as the patient's constitution, lifestyle, and even the time of day. In modern Western medicine, however, dosages are largely standardized based on clinical trials and empirical data.

More Information

The concept of dosage is central to pharmacology, the science of drugs and their effects. Correct dosage ensures that a drug has the intended effect without causing harm. Dosage calculations take into account factors such as the patient's age, weight, and underlying health conditions. Overdosage can lead to serious health risks, including toxicity, while underdosage may render a drug ineffective. As a result, proper understanding and adherence to dosage instructions are vital for successful treatment outcomes.