Convert mcg/min to mL/hr

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mcg/min

Available dose

Results

Available volume

Formulas

First, convert micrograms per minute (mcg/min) to milligrams per hour (mg/hr).

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

D = Dose (mcg)

Then use the dosage formula to calculate rate.

\frac{O \times V}{A}

O = Dose ordered
V = Volume of dose available
A = Dose available

Example

1. Start an infusion of nitroglycerin at 10 mcg/min, then titrate to chest pain. The nitroglycerin is to be mixed as 50 mg in 250 milliliters (mL) of D₅W. First, convert mcg/min to mg/hr.

Dose (mcg) = 10 mcg

\frac{10 mcg \times 60 min}{1000 mcg}

The answer is 0.6 mg/hr. Then use the dosage formula. To complete the problem

Dose ordered (mg) = 0.6 mg
Volume of dose available (mL) = 250 mL
Dose available (mg) = 50 mg

\frac{0.6 mg \times 250 mL}{50 mg}

The answer is 3 mL/hr.

2. Start an infusion of Levophed® (norepinephrine) at 4 mcg/min then titrate to blood pressure. Pharmacy has mixed 4 mg of Levophed® in a 1,000 mL bag of D₅W. First, convert mcg/min to mg/hr.

Dose (mcg) = 4 mcg

\frac{4 mcg \times 60 min}{1000 mcg}

The answer is 0.24 mg/hr. Then use the dosage formula. To complete the problem

Dose ordered = 0.24 mg
Volume of dose available = 1000 mL
Dose available = 4 mg

\frac{0.24 mg \times 1000 mL}{4 mg}

The answer is 60 mL/hr.