1. What is the mcg/kg/min Infusion Rate Calculation?

This calculation determines the infusion rate in mL/hr needed to deliver a medication dosed in micrograms per kilogram per minute (mcg/kg/min), based on the patient's weight and the medication concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Dose — Medication dose in micrograms per kilogram per minute (mcg/kg/min)
• Weight — Patient's weight in kilograms (kg)
• Concentration — Medication concentration in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL)
• 60 — Conversion factor from minutes to hours

Explanation: The equation converts the weight-based dose to an hourly infusion rate based on the medication concentration.

3. Importance of Accurate Infusion Rates

Details: Precise calculation of infusion rates is critical for medications with narrow therapeutic windows, such as vasoactive drugs, inotropes, and certain IV medications where small dosing errors can have significant clinical consequences.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the prescribed dose in mcg/kg/min, the patient's weight in kg, and the medication concentration in mcg/mL. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What medications commonly use mcg/kg/min dosing?
A: Common examples include dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and nitroglycerin infusions.

Q2: Why multiply by 60 in the formula?
A: The multiplication by 60 converts minutes to hours since infusion pumps are typically programmed in mL/hr.

Q3: How should weight be determined for obese patients?
A: For some medications, adjusted body weight may be used. Consult specific medication protocols.

Q4: What if my concentration is in mg/mL?
A: Convert mg to mcg by multiplying by 1000 (1 mg = 1000 mcg) before entering the value.

Q5: How often should infusion rates be recalculated?
A: Recalculate whenever the patient's weight changes significantly or when changing medication concentrations.