Convert mL/hr to mcg/min

Rate (mL/hr)

Dose available (mg)

Volume of dose available

Dosage (mg/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/minute (mcg/min).

\frac{D \times 1000 mg}{60 min}

D = Dose (mg)

Example

A patient is on a norepinephrine drip infusing at 56 mL/hr. There is no titration table table at the bedside. The IV bag is labeled 32 mg norepinephrine in 500 mL Dextrose 5%. How many mcg/min is the patient receiving?

Rate = 56 mL
Dose available = 32 mg
Volume of dose available = 500 mL

\frac{56 mL \times 32 mg}{500 mL}

The patient's dosage is 3.58 mg/hr. Next, convert dosage from 3.58 mg/hr to mcg/min.

Dose (mg) = 3.58 mg

\frac{3.58 mg \times 1000 mg}{60 min}

The patient's norepinephrine dosage is 59.73 mcg/min which is a higher than recommended dose!!!