DIVIDED DOSES Meaning and
Definition
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Divided doses refers to the administration of medication or other treatment in separate portions over a specified period of time, rather than giving the entire dose at once. This method is typically employed to optimize the therapeutic effects of the medication and minimize potential side effects.
When a medication is prescribed to be taken in divided doses, it means that the total dosage prescribed is divided into smaller portions and taken at different intervals. For example, if a doctor prescribes a medication to be taken three times a day, each dose would be one-third of the total daily dosage. In this case, the frequency of administration ensures that the drug remains at a relatively constant level in the body throughout the day, maximizing its effectiveness.
Divided doses can be especially important for medications with a short duration of action or those that need to be maintained at certain levels in the body to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. By spacing out the doses, the drug is continually available, preventing abrupt fluctuations in its concentration.
Furthermore, dividing the total dose can also help reduce potential side effects since smaller amounts are administered at a time. This method is particularly important when medication has a high potential for adverse reactions or when patients are more vulnerable to certain side effects.
Overall, dividing doses allows for a more controlled and consistent administration of medication, optimizing its benefits and lowering the risk of adverse effects.
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Fractional amounts, given at intervals, of the entire dose of a remedy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIVIDED DOSES
- sivided doses
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- rivided doses
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- duvided doses
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- divoded doses
Etymology of DIVIDED DOSES
The word "divided doses" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words that are commonly used in medical and pharmacological contexts.
The word "divide" comes from the Latin word "dividere", meaning "to separate or split". It entered the English language in the late 14th century.
The word "dose" has a slightly different origin. It comes from the Greek word "dosis", which means "a giving, gift, or portion". The term was later adopted into Latin as "dosis" and then into English around the 16th century.
When the words "divide" and "dose" are combined, the phrase "divided doses" is used to refer to a medication or treatment regimen that is divided into multiple smaller portions, usually taken at different times throughout the day.
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