In a 1.8 mL cartridge containing 2% epinephrine, how many milligrams of epinephrine are present?

In a 1.8 mL cartridge containing 2% epinephrine, how many milligrams of epinephrine are present?

• A. 18 mg
• B. 36 mg
• C. 54 mg
• D. 72 mg

Answer: (B)

Two percent means 2 g of epinephrine in every 100 mL. That’s 2000 mg per 100 mL, which equals 20 mg per milliliter. A standard dental cartridge is 1.8 mL, so the total epinephrine is 20 mg/mL × 1.8 mL = 36 mg. Therefore, the cartridge contains 36 mg of epinephrine.

Two percent means 2 g of epinephrine in every 100 mL. That’s 2000 mg per 100 mL, which equals 20 mg per milliliter. A standard dental cartridge is 1.8 mL, so the total epinephrine is 20 mg/mL × 1.8 mL = 36 mg. Therefore, the cartridge contains 36 mg of epinephrine.