What does "kg" stand for in the context of the Adult Drug/Dose chart?

In the context of the Adult Drug/Dose chart, "kg" signifies kilograms, which is a unit of weight. This measurement is critical in emergency medical services because drug dosages for medications are often calculated based on the patient's weight in kilograms. Accurate dosing ensures that the medication is effective and minimizes the risk of adverse reactions. For example, pediatric dosing is frequently guided by weight, but adult dosages may also require weight-based calculations in certain cases, such as in obese patients or in drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Using kilograms provides a standardized measure that is essential for these calculations, making it clear and universally understood in medical practice.