"MEQ" on a prescription stands for "milliequivalent." It is a unit of measurement used to express the amount of an electrolyte, such as potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), or calcium (Ca2+), in a medication or solution.
Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge and play a critical role in various bodily functions, including maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. When a medication contains electrolytes, the amount of the specific electrolyte is often expressed in milliequivalents to provide an accurate representation of the ion concentration.
The milliequivalent (MEQ) value represents the chemical equivalence of an electrolyte to 1/1,000th of its molecular weight. It helps ensure precise dosing of electrolyte-containing medications, especially in situations where maintaining specific electrolyte levels is crucial for patient health.
For example, a prescription for a potassium supplement may indicate "KCl 20 mEq," which means the medication contains 20 milliequivalents of potassium chloride, providing a specific dose of potassium as needed for the patient's condition.
As with any prescription medication, it's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the medication or its dosing.