Medication Dosing: Converting ML, MG, and Teaspoons Safely
It's 2 AM. Your child has a fever. The children's ibuprofen bottle says "give 5ml per dose," but you can only find a regular teaspoon. Is that the same? Let's talk about medication measurements—because when it comes to medicine, "close enough" isn't good enough.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and cannot replace consultation with a healthcare professional.
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions exactly. If you have any questions about medication dosing, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist before administering any medication.
In case of overdose or adverse reaction: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or 911 immediately.
Why Medication Measurement Precision Matters
Cooking allows approximation. "About a cup" of flour usually works fine. But medications? The difference between 5ml and 7ml could mean the difference between therapeutic and toxic.
This is especially critical for:
- Children and infants: Smaller bodies mean smaller margins for error
- Narrow therapeutic index drugs: Like warfarin, digoxin, or lithium
- Antibiotics: Under-dosing contributes to resistance
- Pain medications: Over-dosing can be dangerous
Understanding ML vs. MG: They're Not the Same Thing
ML = Volume (Milliliters)
Measures how much space the liquid takes up. Like measuring cups for liquids.
MG = Weight (Milligrams)
Measures how much active ingredient is in the medication. Like measuring flour with a scale.
The Key Point: Concentration Matters
You cannot directly convert mg to ml without knowing the concentration. Two bottles of children's ibuprofen might both contain 100mg per dose, but one could be 5ml and another 2.5ml—different concentrations.
Always check the label: It will say something like "160mg per 5ml" or "100mg/5ml." This tells you the concentration.
Standard Liquid Medication Measurements
The Golden Rule
This is the most common medication measurement you'll encounter
Common for children's medications
Less common, usually for adults (3 teaspoons)
Varies by dropper—always check markings
The Right Tools: Medication Measuring Devices
✓ Use These (Accurate)
Oral Syringe (Best)
Marked in ml, usually comes with children's medications. Most accurate method. Place in child's mouth toward cheek, not down throat.
Medicine Dosing Spoon
Cylindrical spoon with ml markings. More accurate than regular spoons but less than syringes.
Medicine Cup (with Markings)
Small plastic cups marked with ml and teaspoon lines. Good for larger doses. Read at eye level for accuracy.
Medicine Dropper (Included)
If it came with the medication, use it—it's calibrated for that specific medicine. Check markings carefully.
✗ Don't Use These (Inaccurate)
Kitchen Teaspoons
Studies show kitchen spoons vary from 3ml to 7ml. That's a huge range for medication. Never use them.
Kitchen Tablespoons
Same issue—not standardized. A "tablespoon" from your drawer could be 10-20ml.
Droppers from Other Medications
Don't mix and match droppers between medications. Each is calibrated for its specific product.
Common Medication Dosing Scenarios (With Cautions)
😰 "I lost the syringe that came with the medicine"
Solution: Ask your pharmacist for a new oral syringe (they're usually free). Or buy a set of oral syringes at the pharmacy—they cost a few dollars.
Don't: Use kitchen spoons or guess. It's worth the trip to the pharmacy.
📋 "The prescription says 200mg but the bottle is in ml"
Solution: Check the bottle label for concentration. If it says "100mg per 5ml" and you need 200mg, give 10ml.
Don't: Guess the conversion. If unclear, call your pharmacist.
👶 "Baby formula says 5ml per scoop"
Solution: Use the scoop provided with that specific formula. If you've lost it, contact the manufacturer or buy a new container.
Note: Incorrect formula concentration can cause serious issues. Be precise.
⏰ "I forgot if I gave the last dose"
Solution: When in doubt, call your pharmacist or doctor's office. For non-urgent situations, it's often safer to wait and give the next scheduled dose.
Prevention: Keep a medication log or use phone reminders/apps.
Essential Medication Safety Tips
📖Read the Label Every Time
Even for medications you've given a hundred times. Different brands have different concentrations. Check the dose, the ml amount, and the timing.
💡Double-Check in Good Light
Don't measure medication in dim light or when you're groggy. Turn on a bright light, read the syringe at eye level, and verify the measurement line.
⚖️Weight-Based Dosing for Children
Many children's medications are dosed by weight (mg per kg). Don't guess your child's weight—use a recent doctor's visit weight or weigh them. Wrong weight = wrong dose.
🚫Never Share Prescription Medications
What works for one person might be dangerous for another. This includes "giving your leftover antibiotics" to someone else—don't do it.
📱Save Your Pharmacy Number
Pharmacists are medication experts and love to help. If you're unsure about ANY aspect of dosing, call them. It's free advice from a professional.
🏥Know the Signs of Overdose
Accidental medication overdoses happen. Symptoms vary by drug, but watch for:
- Unusual drowsiness or alertness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Confusion or behavior changes
- Breathing problems
If you suspect overdose: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 immediately.
Special Considerations for Different Ages
Infants (0-12 months)
- • Always use oral syringe—most accurate for small volumes
- • Doses often 0.5-2.5ml—tiny amounts where precision is critical
- • Never give aspirin to children under 12 (Reye's syndrome risk)
- • Check with pediatrician before giving ANY medication to infants under 6 months
Children (1-12 years)
- • Weight-based dosing is standard—keep weight updated
- • Use oral syringe or dosing spoon—still more accurate than cups
- • Watch for different concentrations (infant vs. children's formulations)
- • Teach older children to recognize their own medications for safety
Adults and Elderly
- • Still use proper measuring devices—accuracy matters at any age
- • Elderly may need adjusted doses due to kidney/liver function
- • Vision issues: Use bright light, magnifying glass if needed
- • Pill organizers can help track doses, but don't work for liquids
When It Comes to Medication, Measure Twice
Medication dosing isn't an area to cut corners. A $3 oral syringe and 30 seconds of careful measurement can prevent serious problems. Remember: 1 teaspoon = 5ml, always use the right measuring device, and when in doubt, ask a healthcare professional.
Your pharmacist is a free resource—use them. They've answered thousands of dosing questions and would rather you ask than guess. Stay safe out there.