Weight for drug dosing in obese patients — prevents both under-dosing and toxicity
Actual Weight
—
kg (input)
IBW (Devine)
—
kg
Adjusted BW
—
kg
IBW (Devine): Male = 50 + 2.3 × (inches − 60) | Female = 45.5 + 2.3 × (inches − 60) ABW = IBW + 0.4 × (Actual Weight − IBW) Use ABW when Actual Weight > 130% of IBW
Clinical Use: ABW accounts for the fact that adipose tissue is ~40% metabolically active relative to lean tissue. Used for aminoglycoside dosing, many chemotherapy agents, vancomycin (some protocols), and enoxaparin in morbid obesity. Always verify with institutional pharmacy guidelines.
For clinical decision support only. Not a substitute for professional medical judgment.
