Basic formula for Tablets / Capsules IV drip rates

- When calculating how many hours or how long

the infusion will run there is no need for a drop
Dose factor
-------- x supply - When calculating gtt/ min you will need the drop
factor
Have

Example : HCP orders lorazepam 50 mg / mL l/ hr

Total amount to be infused
day po. The pharmacy has it available in 100
-------------------------------------
mg tablets. How many tabs would you
How many hours for the infusion to run
administer?

50mg Example
------ X Tablets = 0.5 tablets or of a tablet. Infuse 500mL over the next 120 minutes by infusion
100 mg pump.

500mL
--------- = 250 mL/ Hr
120min / 60
( 2hr)

mL/ min
Total to be infused
--------------------------x gtt factor
Pediatric doses Hours x 60
- Pediatric doses are based on body weight in
Kg.
- To convert pounds to Kg divide by 2.2
Example
Calculate the IV flow rate for 1500 mL of NS to be
infused in 7 hours. The infusion set is calibrated for a
Weight per Kg x dose per Kg = amount to be
drop factor of 20 gtts/mL.
administered.
1500mL
You use this same formula for safe dose range
--------- x 20 gtt/Ml = 71.4 gtt/ min Rounded to 71 gtt/min
The HCP orders 250 mg of meropenem to be taken by 7 x 60 min
a infant weighing 15.7 pounds, every 8 hours. The ( 420)
medication label shows that 75-150 mg/kg per day is
the appropriate dosage range. Is this order within the
safe dose range for this medication? Iv rate in Hr/ volume
15.7/2.2= 7.13 kg. amount/Hr
------------ x volume
150mg x 7.13 = 1,069.5 safe per day
On hand
75 mg x 7.13 = 534.75 safe per day
24 hrs/8= 3 doses / day Example
Give patient 400 mg of vancomycin in 300 mL of D5W
250mg x 3 doses = 750 mg/ day
to infuse at 10 mg/hr. Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr.
This is within safe dose range
10 mg/hr
--------x300mL = 7.5 mL/ hr
400mg