Key takeaways
- The formula for continuous adrenaline infusion volume is Weight (kg) x Dose (mcg/kg/min) x 1440 ÷ presentation of adrenaline in mcg.
- For a 5kg patient at 0.1 mcg/kg/min using 1mg/mL adrenaline, the calculation yields 0.72 mL (720 mcg) of adrenaline needed.
- The minimum dilution to achieve a maximum concentration of 64 mcg/mL requires a total volume of 11.25 mL (720 mcg ÷ 64 mcg/mL).
- The final prescription is Adrenaline (1 mg/mL) 0.72 mL plus 0.9% Saline 10.53 mL, for a total volume of 11.25 mL infused IV via pump at 0.47 mL/h.
- The maximum safe final concentration for continuous adrenaline infusion is up to 100 mcg/mL (0.1 mg/mL), and any drip rate producing a higher concentration is blocked as too concentrated.
How to prescribe Continuous Adrenaline?
How to prescribe Continuous Adrenaline?
An infusion pump is shown, illustrating the topic of continuous adrenaline infusion prescribing.
Adrenaline Presentation and Formula
Adrenaline presentation 1mg/mL
- Weight: 5kg
- Prescribed dose: 0.1mcg/kg/min
CONCENTRATION INDICATED BY THE MANUFACTURER: 64 MCG/ML
Formula
Weight x dose x 1440 ÷ presentation of adrenaline in mcg
Calculation and Prescription
Calculation
5 x 0,1 x 1440 ÷ 1000 (mcg) = 0.72 mL (720 mcg)
Minimum dilution according to the desired concentration of 64 mcg/ml, that is, 11.25 mL of total volume (720 mcg/64 mcg)
Prescription
- Adrenaline (1 mg/mL) = 0.72mL
- 0.9% Saline solution = 10.53 mL
- Total volume of 11.25 mL IV via infusion pump at 0.47 mL/h
Neofast Method
Neofast Method
Fill in
- Desired dose ✓
- Patient weight ✓
- Desired drip rate ✓
And don’t worry about the minimum dilution because Neofast will signal when the drip rate is insufficient.
Results in seconds!
Where the software draws the line
Where the software draws the line.
Screen 1 – Neofast: Continuous medication
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
- IV continuous
- 1mg/mL
- Weight (kg): 5
- Desired dose (mcg/kg/min): 0.1 (Suggested dose: 0.05 to 1 mcg/kg/min)
- Intended drip (mL/h): 0.3
Minimum drip of 0.47 mL/h for 0.1mcg/kg/min for an adequate concentration of up to 64mcg/mL
Additional information / Bibliographical references
BLOCKED · TOO CONCENTRATED
References for every calculation
Screen 2 – Neofast: Continuous medication
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
- IV continuous
- 1mg/mL
- Weight (kg): 5
- Desired dose (mcg/kg/min): 0.1 (Suggested dose: 0.05 to 1 mcg/kg/min)
- Intended drip (mL/h): 0.5
| Adrenaline (Epinephrine) IV continuous – 1mg/mL | |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.72mL |
| Dilute with NS | 11.28mL |
| Final concentration | 0.06 mg/mL |
| Total in 24 hours | 12mL |
Note: the final concentration of continuous infusion is up to 100 mcg/mL (0.1 mg/mL).
Intermittent dose of adrenaline
SAFE · WITHIN THE CEILING
Every rate is checked against a safe concentration ceiling — hyperconcentration is never allowed, and the safe minimum drip is flagged for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula to calculate continuous adrenaline infusion dosing?
The formula is: Weight (kg) x Dose (mcg/kg/min) x 1440 ÷ presentation of adrenaline in mcg.
How do you calculate the adrenaline volume for a 5kg patient at 0.1 mcg/kg/min?
Using the formula 5 x 0.1 x 1440 ÷ 1000 (mcg) = 0.72 mL (720 mcg) of adrenaline (1 mg/mL presentation).
What is the minimum dilution volume for this adrenaline infusion?
Based on the desired concentration of 64 mcg/mL, the minimum total volume is 11.25 mL, calculated as 720 mcg ÷ 64 mcg/mL.
What is the final adrenaline infusion prescription and rate for a 5kg patient?
The prescription is Adrenaline (1 mg/mL) 0.72 mL plus 0.9% Saline solution 10.53 mL, for a total volume of 11.25 mL, infused IV via infusion pump at 0.47 mL/h.
What happens if the intended drip rate is too low for the desired adrenaline concentration?
If the intended drip rate (e.g., 0.3 mL/h) results in too concentrated a solution, the Neofast software blocks the prescription and flags it as ‘BLOCKED · TOO CONCENTRATED,’ since the minimum drip of 0.47 mL/h is required for an adequate concentration of up to 64 mcg/mL.
