Convert mL/hr to mcg/kg/min

Weight

Pounds or kilograms

IV rate (mL)

Dose available (mg)

Volume of dose available

Dosage (mg/kg/min)

Formulas

First, determine the dosage given milligrams/hour (mg/hr).

\frac{R \times A}{V}

R = Rate
A = Dose available
V = Volume of dose available

Next, convert dosage from mg/hr to microgram/kilogram/minute (mcg/kg/min).

\frac{D \times 1000 mg}{(60 min \times W)}

D = Dose (mg)
W = Weight in kilograms (kg)

Example

You have received a patient from another hospital on a dopamine drip except no information was given about it. The bag is labeled with a concentration of 800 mg in 500 mL of D₅W. The IV pump is infusing at 53 mL/hr and the patient weighs 70 kg. How much dopamine is this patient receiving?

First, determine the dosage given mg/hr.

Rate = 53 mL
Dose available = 800 mg
Volume of dose available = 500 mL

\frac{53 mL \times 800 mg}{500 mL}

This patient's dopamine dosage is 84.8 mg/hr. Next, convert dosage from 84.8 mg/hr to mcg/kg/min.

Dose (mg) = 84.8 mg
Weight in kilograms (kg) = 70 kg

\frac{84.8 mg \times 1000 mg}{(60 min \times 70 kg)}

This patient's dopamine dosage is 20.19 mcg/kg/min.