Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Damiana Chiavolini, MS, PhD
Although one frequently sees dose and dosage used interchangeably, these terms are not synonymous.
Dose refers to the amount of a drug, while dosage includes the amount of the drug (dose) with an associated element of time.
Example
Dose: This tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen.
Dosage: Take 200 mg of ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist.