What should be done if the dosing instructions for a medication are unclear?

When the dosing instructions for a medication are unclear, the best course of action is to contact the healthcare provider for clarification. This is critical for ensuring patient safety and administering the correct dosage. Healthcare providers have the expertise to interpret any ambiguous instructions and can provide the necessary information to avoid potential medication errors.

Consulting the medication manual for guidance is a helpful step but may not always provide the specific clarity needed for a particular situation, especially if the instructions pertain to individual patient circumstances. Making an educated guess or administering the medication according to one's own understanding can lead to serious health risks, including underdosing or overdosing, which could harm the patient. Therefore, directly reaching out to the healthcare provider is the most reliable and responsible action to take.