IV Drip Rate Calculations
We all know that the "titrate to effect" works oh so well in the field when treating patients, right? Truth is we may get by with it - but, we could do ourselves and our patients some good by reviewing, practicing and using theses important formulas for IV infusions.
Let's get started with some review
Here are the BIG 3 formulas for calculating IV drips
To calculate an IV drip rate based on the volume of fluid to be infused over time.
| Drops per minute = | Volume to be infused in cc X Drop factor of IV set |
| Time in minutes |
To calculate an IV drip rate for a medication that is administered based on a specified dosage to be infused per minute
| Drops per minute = | Dosage per minute to be administered X Drop factor (60) |
| Concentration of medication per ml |
Hint: Make sure the unit measurement of the concentration and the dosage are the same.(e.g. both in milligrams)
To calculate an IV drip rate for a medication that is administered based on a specified dosage per kilogram of body weight per minute
| Drops per minute = | Desired dosage per minute X Weight in Kg X Drop factor of IV set |
| Concentration of medication per ml |
Hint: Make sure the unit measurement of the concentration and the dosage are the same.(e.g. both in milligrams)
Other handy items to review
Convert pounds to kilograms: Divide pounds by 2.2
1 gram = 1000 milligrams 1 milligram = 1000 micrograms