What does the term "dosage" refer to?

The term "dosage" specifically refers to the quantity of medication that is to be administered to a patient. This defines the amount of the drug needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Proper dosing is critical because it ensures that the patient receives an effective amount of the medication while minimizing potential side effects or toxicity.

While the time of administration, the method of administration, and the patient's condition are all important factors in medication therapy, they do not define "dosage." The time relates to scheduling, the method involves how the medication is delivered (such as orally, intravenously, etc.), and the patient's condition helps determine the appropriateness of the medication and its dose, but none of these terms encapsulate what "dosage" itself specifically refers to.