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Measurement of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 With Standard Household Measuring Devices
Kristen R Nichols1, Darcie D Streetman1,2,3, Nicolette A Gordon3
1Health Sciences Department (KN), Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Indianapolis, IN.
Insights
Household measuring spoons for polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350) show variability. Leveling doses in dedicated teaspoons or tablespoons can improve measurement consistency for this common laxative.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Drug Dosing Accuracy
Background:
- Household measuring devices like teaspoons and tablespoons are frequently used in clinical settings for pediatric dosing of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350).
- There is a lack of published literature evaluating the accuracy of these common household tools for PEG-3350 measurement.
- Standard adult dosing is 17 grams, equivalent to one manufacturer-provided capful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the actual weight of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350) when measured using standard household teaspoons and tablespoons.
- To assess the variability in PEG-3350 measurements obtained with different household utensils and techniques.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of PEG-3350 were conducted using five distinct household measuring spoons (teaspoons and tablespoons) and the manufacturer's cap from three different PEG-3350 brands.
- An electronic balance was utilized by three investigators to record five measurements for each device and technique, including leveled, unleveled, and "heaping" spoonfuls, as well as half and full capfuls.
Main Results:
- A leveled teaspoon of PEG-3350 weighed approximately 3.3 grams, while an unleveled teaspoon weighed around 3.7 grams.
- Leveled, unleveled, and heaping tablespoon measurements yielded approximately 10, 11, and 15 grams of PEG-3350, respectively.
- The highest variability in PEG-3350 measurements was observed with heaping tablespoons, half-capfuls, and full capfuls.
Conclusions:
- While a kitchen scale offers the most precise PEG-3350 measurement, its availability is not universal.
- Standard household measuring spoons (teaspoons and tablespoons) can be practically employed for PEG-3350 dosing.
- Utilizing a single, dedicated measuring device and ensuring doses are leveled can enhance measurement consistency, which is crucial for patients sensitive to dose variations.
Objective:
Though standard household measuring devices (e.g., teaspoons, tablespoons) are often used in clinical practice to measure pediatric doses of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350), no published -literature documents the accuracy of these measurements. Standard dosing for adults is 17 grams, which is 1 capful according to the manufacturer. The objective of this study was to determine the weight of household teaspoons and tablespoons of PEG-3350.
Methods:
PEG-3350 measurements were performed using 5 different household measuring teaspoons and tablespoons and the cap that accompanies the bottle for 3 different brands of PEG-3350. Using an electronic balance to determine weights, 3 investigators completed 5 measurements for each of the 5 measurement devices and PEG-3350 bottle caps as follows: leveled teaspoons and tablespoons, unleveled teaspoons and tablespoons, "heaping" tablespoons, half-capfuls, and capfuls.
Results:
A leveled teaspoonful of PEG-3350 weighed ∼3.3 grams and an unleveled teaspoonful weighed ∼3.7 grams. A leveled, unleveled, and heaping tablespoon of PEG-3350 weighed about 10, 11, and 15 grams, respectively. Heaping tablespoons, half-capfuls, and capfuls resulted in the most measurement variability.
Conclusions:
Use of a kitchen scale may be the most precise method of measurement, however not all patients have kitchen scales. Standard household measuring devices (teaspoons and tablespoons) may be used to conveniently measure PEG-3350 doses. Using 1 dedicated measurement device and leveling the dose may improve consistency, which could be beneficial for patients who are sensitive to dose variability.
