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Mg Per Kg Hour Formula:
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The Mg Per Kg Hour calculation determines the total medication dose required based on a prescribed rate (mg per kg per hour), patient weight, and duration of administration. This is commonly used in critical care settings for continuous infusions.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the total medication dose needed by multiplying the per-kilogram hourly rate by the patient's weight and the duration of administration.
Details: Accurate dose calculation is crucial for patient safety, especially with medications that have narrow therapeutic windows. Proper dosing ensures therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the risk of toxicity.
Tips: Enter the medication rate in mg/kg/hr, patient weight in kilograms, and duration in hours. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: When is this calculation typically used?
A: This calculation is commonly used for continuous IV infusions in hospital settings, particularly for medications like vasopressors, sedatives, and certain antibiotics.
Q2: How accurate should the weight measurement be?
A: For precise dosing, use the most accurate weight measurement available. For critical medications, use actual body weight rather than estimated weight.
Q3: What if the patient's weight is in pounds?
A: Convert pounds to kilograms first (1 kg = 2.2 lbs) before using this calculator for accurate results.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation provides the total dose but doesn't account for factors like renal/hepatic function, which may require dose adjustments for certain medications.
Q5: Should this calculation be used for all medications?
A: No, this is specifically for medications dosed on a mg/kg/hr basis. Always follow specific medication guidelines and consult with a pharmacist when uncertain.