Alligation method is used to accomplish what pharmacy calculation?

• A. To mix solutions of different concentrations to achieve a target concentration
• B. To convert concentrations between units
• C. To determine the appropriate proportions for achieving the target concentration
• D. To schedule medication administration

Answer: (C)

Alligation is a calculation method used when you have solutions of different strengths and you need to reach a specific target strength in the final mixture. The key idea is to figure out the correct proportions of each starting solution to use so the final concentration matches the desired value. The method works by comparing how far the target concentration is from each stock concentration and using those differences to set the mixing ratio. For example, if you have a 5% solution and a 15% solution and you want a 10% final concentration, the differences from the target are equal (5 from each side), so you’d mix equal parts of the two stocks. This demonstrates that the method’s purpose is to determine the appropriate proportions needed to achieve the target concentration. It’s not about converting units or scheduling administration, which are separate tasks in pharmacy calculations.