Continuous Infusion Calculator
Calculate infusion rate in mL/h for continuous drug administration.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.
Calculate Infusion
What is Continuous Infusion?
Continuous infusion is intravenous administration of medications at constant rate, using infusion pump. Common in ICU for vasoactive drugs (norepinephrine, dobutamine), sedatives (propofol, midazolam), insulin, and heparin. Rate is calculated in mL/h based on prescribed dose, patient weight, and solution concentration.
When to use Continuous Infusion?
Use for drugs requiring constant blood levels or frequent titration: vasopressors (shock), inotropes (HF), sedation (mechanical ventilation), analgesia (postoperative), insulin (ketoacidosis), heparin (anticoagulation). Always use infusion pump for precision. Double-check mandatory before starting.
Limitations and Considerations
Always double-check calculation with another professional, especially for high-alert medications. Verify dilution compatibility in drug manual. Pay attention to units (mcg vs mg, kg vs g). Solution stability varies (propofol 12h, norepinephrine 24h light-protected). Change IV access regularly. Monitor effects (BP, HR, sedation).
Frequently Asked Questions about Continuous Infusion
How to prepare norepinephrine for infusion?
Common dilution: 4mg (1 amp) in 246mL D5W = 16mcg/mL (final concentration). For dose 0.1 mcg/kg/min in 70kg patient: (0.1 × 70 × 60) / (16 × 1000) = 2.6 mL/h. Always protect from light. Use dedicated line. Change solution every 24h.
Which drugs cannot be diluted?
Propofol (lipid emulsion, use pure or dilute max 1:5 in D5W), amphotericin B (precipitates with saline), diazepam (precipitates in solution). Always consult drug manual. Never mix drugs in same solution without verifying compatibility.
How to titrate norepinephrine?
Start 0.05-0.1 mcg/kg/min. Titrate by 0.05 every 2-5min until MAP ≥65mmHg. Usual dose: 0.1-0.5 mcg/kg/min. Doses >1 mcg/kg/min indicate refractory shock. Never stop abruptly (reduce gradually). Maintain large-bore access (extravasation causes necrosis).
How to convert dose if concentration changes?
Dose (mcg/kg/min, mg/h, U/h) remains same. Only mL/h rate changes. Example: norepinephrine 0.2 mcg/kg/min in 70kg = 0.84 mL/h if concentration 16 mcg/mL, or 1.68 mL/h if 8 mcg/mL. Always recalculate and readjust pump when changing solution.