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Infusion Rate Formula:
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The infusion rate calculation determines the appropriate flow rate for intravenous medications based on desired dose, patient weight, and medication concentration. This ensures accurate medication delivery and patient safety.
The calculator uses the infusion rate formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the infusion rate in mL per hour by multiplying the desired dose per kg per hour by the patient's weight, then dividing by the medication concentration.
Details: Accurate infusion rate calculation is crucial for safe medication administration, preventing under-dosing or over-dosing, and ensuring therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Tips: Enter desired dose in units/kg/hr, patient weight in kg, and concentration in units/mL. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: Why is weight-based dosing important?
A: Weight-based dosing ensures appropriate medication levels based on individual patient size, improving efficacy and safety.
Q2: What units should I use for this calculation?
A: Use consistent units - desired dose in units/kg/hr, weight in kg, and concentration in units/mL to get infusion rate in mL/hr.
Q3: How often should infusion rates be recalculated?
A: Infusion rates should be recalculated whenever there are significant changes in patient weight or when changing medication concentrations.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes steady-state conditions and may need adjustment for patients with renal/hepatic impairment or other special circumstances.
Q5: Should this calculation be used for all medications?
A: While this formula works for many weight-based infusions, always follow specific medication guidelines and institutional protocols.