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COMPOUNDING AT HOME · GUIDE GAL-05

Oral solutions and suspensions

How to measure the dose

Measure the prescribed volume using the appropriate device. For a suspension, follow the shaking instructions before taking each dose.

01Read volume and concentration

Check the recipient, name, concentration and dose. Milligrams (mg) and millilitres (mL) are not the same. If the prescription is in mg and you do not know the corresponding volume, ask the pharmacy to specify it. A new concentration may require a different volume: do not automatically reuse the mL dose from the old bottle.

02Prepare the bottle

In a solution, the active ingredient is dissolved; in a suspension, particles may settle. Shake the suspension according to the label before taking each dose, until the specified uniform distribution is achieved. Do not add water to “dissolve” it or dilute the bottle. If the sediment does not redistribute as the pharmacy explained, ask for a check.

03Choose the right measuring device

Use the oral syringe, measuring cup or dropper specified by the pharmacy, with a scale suitable for the dose. Do not use household teaspoons. Do not convert mL to drops or use a dropper from another preparation. An oral syringe is for administration by mouth: it is not an injection device.

04Draw up and check

Wash your hands and follow the device’s instructions, including any bottle adaptor. Check the dose mark and the plunger reference shown on the device. If air bubbles prevent an accurate volume reading, measure again. For a measuring cup, place it on a level surface and read the scale at eye level.

05Administer and clean

Administer as instructed and close the bottle. Clean and dry the device according to its instructions without erasing the markings. Do not prepare syringes in advance for storage unless instructed. For a child, also consult the GAL-07 guide.

06Uncertain dose or changed preparation

If you do not know how much medicine was taken, do not add an estimated amount: contact the pharmacy or doctor. Report unexpected changes in colour, smell or consistency. Store as stated on the label and respect the use-by date.

Shake first when required, then measure: the dose must be clearly readable and accurate.

This guide explains general use. For amounts, frequency, duration, storage and specific methods, follow the label and the instructions supplied with your preparation.

Need clarification? Contact the pharmacy directly on 0431 91001 and have the label ready. For an urgent problem, do not wait for a reply through the website.

Sources and limits of this guide

Sources consulted on 03/10/2026 for general precautions. Information about an individual medicine does not validate other compounded formulations: doses, concentrations, durations, age limits and intervals remain those of the prescribed preparation.

  1. FDA — Dosage delivery devices for oral liquid medicines

    Matching label units with the device’s scale and capacity to the volume. US guidance for over-the-counter medicines, used for measurement principles.

  2. Great Ormond Street Hospital — How to give your child liquid medicines

    Oral devices, unit checks, hygiene and concentrations. The compounded preparation’s individual instructions take precedence over this source’s general guidance.