Infusion Input Form
This calculator performs infusion math for common vasopressors and related infusions. It is not a prescribing tool.
Example Data Table
| Infusion | Bag Setup | Patient Weight | Selected Mode | Entered Value | Calculated Pump Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norepinephrine | 4 mg in 250 mL | 70 kg | mcg/kg/min | 0.10 | 26.25 mL/hr |
| Phenylephrine | 10 mg in 250 mL | 80 kg | mcg/min | 40 | 60 mL/hr |
| Vasopressin | 40 units in 100 mL | Not used | units/min | 0.03 | 4.5 mL/hr |
Example rows show the style of output only. Use your actual concentration, protocol, and pump rounding rules for practice calculations.
Formula Used
1. Concentration
Concentration = total drug in bag ÷ total bag volume.
2. Pump rate from a target dose
For weight-based mass dosing, mL/hr = (dose × weight × 60) ÷ concentration.
For fixed mass dosing, mL/hr = (dose × 60) ÷ concentration.
For mg/hr dosing, mL/hr = (mg/hr × 1000) ÷ concentration.
For unit-based dosing, replace mass concentration with units/mL.
3. Delivered dose from a pump rate
Delivered dose is the inverse of the above relationship. For weight-based modes, divide by both 60 and body weight.
4. Time to empty the bag
Time to empty = total bag volume ÷ pump rate.
5. Drug delivered over a chosen duration
Delivered drug = rounded pump rate × duration × concentration.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the infusion you want to calculate.
- Choose whether you want a pump rate or a delivered dose.
- Enter patient weight when the chosen mode uses kg.
- Enter the total drug amount placed in the infusion bag.
- Enter the complete prepared bag volume in milliliters.
- Select the matching dose unit mode for your workflow.
- Enter either a target dose or an existing pump rate.
- Set the rounding increment used by your infusion pump.
- Add a planned duration to estimate remaining bag time and delivered fluid.
- Press the button and review the result table above the form.
Key Output Areas
Concentration check Pump rate conversion Reverse dose calculation Bag duration estimate Rounded rate display Fluid delivery estimate Reference noteThese outputs support math verification and documentation review. They do not replace bedside assessment, institutional order sets, or pharmacist review.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator mainly compute?
It converts between prepared bag concentration, pump rate, and entered dose units. It also estimates bag duration and delivered fluid over a selected period.
2. When is patient weight required?
Weight is required only for modes expressed per kilogram, such as mcg/kg/min or units/kg/min. Fixed-rate modes do not need weight.
3. Why are there mass and unit infusion types?
Some infusions are prepared and prescribed in mass units, while others are documented in units. The calculator changes allowed bag and dose units to match that structure.
4. Does the rounded pump rate change the delivered dose?
Yes. After rounding, the delivered dose may shift slightly. The result table shows the dose associated with the rounded rate for easier pump programming review.
5. Can I use custom infusions not listed by name?
Yes. Choose a custom mass-based or custom unit-based option, then enter your actual bag amount, volume, and target units.
6. What does time to empty the bag mean?
It estimates how long the bag lasts at the exact or rounded pump rate. This helps with handoff planning and supply preparation.
7. Are the example concentrations treatment recommendations?
No. They are demonstration values for calculation structure only. Always follow your local formulary, protocol, and order verification process.
8. Can I rely on this calculator alone for infusion setup?
No. Use it as a mathematical cross-check only. Independent clinical review, pump library confirmation, and local policy verification remain essential.