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CHAPTER

8
Flow Rates

L earning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you
should be able to:

Define flow rates.

Illustrate the dimensional
analysis for flow rates.
INTRODUCTION
Calculate flow rates to Flow rates are calculated to determine at what rate, usually
determine drops/minute.
stated in drops per minute, a medication will flow through IV
Calculate flow rates in
tubing to the patient. Dimensional analysis is commonly used
milliliters/hour.
to perform these calculations. Dimensional analysis uses
logical sequencing and placement of units so that they can be
canceled out to leave the desired terms for the final answer.

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Basic Dimensional Analysis

It is common for individuals to become overwhelmed and confused when
approaching complex pharmacy calculations. The truth is, however, that
while many pharmacy calculations can appear to be complex, they are, in
actuality, very simple.
Sterile product calculations and flow rates are typically viewed as among
the most difficult, but each problem can be solved either by using basic
dimensional analysis or ratios/proportions. We have covered ratios/propor-
tions extensively in earlier chapters of this book, so now we will cover the
basics of dimensional analysis.
Before moving forward, however, lets review several fundamental math
principles.
1. Any number multiplied by 1 retains the same value.
ex. 4 * 1 = 4
ex. 12 * 1 = 12
2. Any whole number can be expressed as a fraction by placing a 1 as the
denominator.
ex. 3 = 3>1
ex. 18 = 18>1
3. Any number divided by itself equals 1.
ex. 4 , 4 = 1
ex. 2>2 = 1
The first set of examples and practice problems in this chapter will not
appear to have anything at all to do with sterile product calculations, but be
patient and realize that these early examples are laying a foundation for you
to easily comprehend more advanced flow rate calculations.

EXAMPLE 8.1 How many hours are there in 6 days?

In this problem we are working with days and hours. What
information, or facts, do we know about days and hours?
There are 24 hours in 1 day.
This could be written as:

24 hours
1 day
1 day

24 hours
24 hours

1 day
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this
information to solve the problem.

6 days 24 hours
6 days = * = ?
1 1 day

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After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
6 days 24 hours
6 days = * = ?
1 1 day
which can now be written as:
6 days = 6 * 24 = ?
Therefore, 6 days is equivalent to 144 hours.
6 days = 6 * 24 = 144

EXAMPLE 8.2 How many minutes are there in 5 hours?

In this problem we are working with minutes and hours. What
information, or facts, do we know about minutes and hours?
There are 60 minutes in 1 hour.
This could be written as:
1 hour
60 minutes
1 hour

60 minutes
60 minutes

1 hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
5 hours 60 minutes
5 hours = * = ?
1 1 hour
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
5 hours 60 minutes
5 hours = * = ?
1 1 hour
which can now be written as:
5 hours = 5 * 60 = ?
Therefore, 5 hours is equivalent to 300 minutes.
5 hours = 5 * 60 = 300

EXAMPLE 8.3 45 minutes is equal to how many seconds?

We know that there are 60 seconds in every 1 minute, this could
be written as:
1 minute = 60 seconds
1 minute

60 seconds
60 seconds

1 minute

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Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-

mation to solve the problem.
45 minutes 60 seconds
45 minutes = * = ?
1 1 minute
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
45 minutes 60 seconds
45 minutes = * = ?
1 1 minute
which can now be written as:
45 minutes = 45 * 60 = ?
Therefore, 45 minutes is equivalent to 2700 seconds.
45 minutes = 45 * 60 = 2700

EXAMPLE 8.4 How many seconds are there in 3 hours?

We know that there are 60 seconds in every 1 minute and that
there are 60 minutes in every hour.
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this
information to solve the problem, but to solve this problem we will
now have to add a third component.
3 hours 60 minutes 60 seconds
3 hours = * * = ?
1 1 hour 1 minute
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
3 hours 60 minutes 60 seconds
3 hours = * * = ?
1 1 hour 1 minute
which can now be written as:
3 hours = 3 * 60 * 60 = ?
Therefore, there are 10,800 seconds in 3 hours.
3 hours = 3 * 60 * 60 = 10,800

EXAMPLE 8.5 How many seconds are there in 4 days?

We know that there are 60 seconds in every 1 minute,
60 minutes in every hour, and 24 hours in every 1 day.
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this
information to solve the problem, but once again we will need
to add another component compared to previous examples.
4 days 24 hours 60 minutes 60 seconds
4 days = * * * = ?
1 1 day 1 hour 1 minute

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After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
4 days 24 hours 60 minutes
4 days = * *
1 1 day 1 hour
60 seconds
* = ?
1 minute

which can now be written as:

4 days = 4 * 24 * 60 * 60 = ?
Now we know . . . there are 345,600 seconds in 4 days.
4 days = 4 * 24 * 60 * 60 = 345,600

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 8.1

1. How many hours are there in 8 days? ________________
2. How many minutes are there in 14 hours? ________________
3. How many minutes are there in a day? ________________
4. Ten minutes is equivalent to how many seconds? ________________
5. How many seconds are there in 50 minutes? ________________
6. 1.5 days is equal to________________ hours.
7. There are ________________ minutes in 2.1 hours.
8. How many seconds are there in 8 hours? ________________
9. One hour is equal to ________________ seconds.
10. How many seconds make up a full day? ________________

Flow Rate Duration

EXAMPLE 8.6 A 1-L IV bag is being administered at a rate of 200 mL per hour.
How long will this IV bag last?
Do not get overwhelmed or confused now that the problems are
talking about IV bags instead of days, hours, and seconds. Just as
before, we can use dimensional analysis to solve this problem. In
essence, the problem being asked is 1 L is equal to how many hours?
Again, we should start by looking at the information, or facts,
that we know.
We know that there are 1000 mL in every 1 L, which could be
written as:

1 L = 1000 mL
1L

1000 mL

1000 mL

1L

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We also know, according to the problem, that 200 mL are being

administered per hour, which can be written as:

1 hr = 200 mL
1 hr

200 mL
200 mL

1 hr
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
1L 1000 mL 1 hr
1L = * * = ?
1 1L 200 mL
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
1L 1000 mL 1 hr
1L = * * = ?
1 1L 200 mL
which can now be written as:
1 * 1000 * 1 hr
1L = = ?
200
Therefore, the 1-L bag will last 5 hours
1000
1L = = 5 hr
200

EXAMPLE 8.7 A 2-L IV is to be administered at 250 mL> hr. How long will the IV last?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that we know.
We know that there are 1000 mL in every 1 L, which could be
written as:
1 L = 1000 mL
1L

1000 mL
1000 mL
`
1L
We also know, according to the problem, that 250 mL are being
administered per hour, which can be written as:
1 hr = 250 mL
1 hr

250 mL
250 mL

1 hr
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
2L 1000 mL 1 hr
2L = * * = ?
1 1L 250 mL

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After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
2L 1000 mL 1 hr
2L = * * = ?
1 1L 250 mL
which can now be written as:
2 * 1000 * 1 hr
2L = = ?
250
Therefore, the 2-L bag will last 8 hours.
2000
2L = = 8 hrs
250

EXAMPLE 8.8 A patient is set to start a 500-mL infusion of cimetidine in lactated

ringers 5% at 10:00 a.m. The bag is to be administered at a rate of
125 mL per hour. At what time will the infusion be complete?
This example provides us with additional information
concerning the drug name, solution strength, and administration
start time. As always, lets start by looking at the information that
we know and that we will need to calculate the problem.
We know that:
the bag contains a total of 500 mL
125 mL are being administered per hour
the infusion is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m.
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to determine how long the infusion will last.
500 mL 1 hr
500 mL = * = ?
1 250 mL
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
500 mL 1 hr
500 mL = * = ?
1 250 mL
which can now be written as:
500
500 mL = * 1 hr = ?
250
Therefore, the 500 mL bag will last 4 hours.
500
500 mL = * 1 hr = 4
250
The question being asked, however, is what time will the infu-
sion be completed?
To answer this question simply take the start time (10:00 a.m.)
and add the length of duration (4 hours).
10:00 a.m. + 4 hr = 14:00 hr, or 2:00 p.m.

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EXAMPLE 8.9 Three 1 L IV bags are to be infused at a rate of 150 mL/hour. How
long will these three bags last?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 1 L
there are 1000 mL in every 1 L
150 mL are being administered per hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
3 bags 1L 1000 mL 1 hr
3 bags = * * * = ?
1 1 bag 1L 150 mL
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
3 bags 1L 1000 mL 1 hr
3 bags = * * * = ?
1 1 bag 1L 150 mL
which can now be written as:
3 * 1 * 1000 * 1 hr
3 bags = = ?
150
Therefore, the 3 bags will last 20 hours.

3 bags = 3 * 1 * 1000 * 1 hr = 20

EXAMPLE 8.10 Two 2-L IV bags containing heparin sodium and NS are set to be
administered at a rate of 250 mL per hour at 7:00 a.m. When will
both bags be completely administered?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 2 L
there are 1000 mL in every 1 L
250 mL are being administered per hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
2 bags 2L 1000 mL 1 hr
2 bags = * * * = ?
1 1 bag 1L 250 mL
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
2 bags 2L 1000 mL 1 hr
2 bags = * * * = ?
1 1 bag 1L 250 mL
which can now be written as:
2 * 2 * 1000 * 1 hr
2 bags = = ?
250

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Therefore, the 3 bags will last 16 hours.

2 bags = 2 * 2 * 1000 * 1 hr = 16
The question being asked, however, is what time will the infusion be
completed?
To answer this question simply take the start time (7:00 a.m.)
and add the length of duration (16 hours).
7:00 a.m. + 16 hr = 23:00 hr, or 11:00 p.m.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 8.2

1. A 250-mL bag is to be administered at 100 mL per hour. How long will
the IV bag last? ________________
2. A 1-L IV is running at 250 mL> hr. How long will the infusion last?
________________
3. 500 mL of NS is being infused at 150 mL per hour. What will be the
duration of the infusion? ________________
4. 500-mg cefazolin in 100 mL D5W is being administered at 200 mL> hr.
How long will the IV last? ________________
5. A 500-mL bag with Diamox is being infused at 250 mL per hour. What
will be the duration of the bag? ________________
6. 1 L is being infused at a rate of 200 mL> hr. If the infusion began at
8:15 a.m., when will it be finished? ________________
7. Two 1-L bags are being infused at 250 mL> hr. How long will both bags
last? ________________
8. 750 mL of NS is set to be administered at 150 mL per hour, starting
at 11:00 a.m. At what time will the infusion be finished?
________________
9. Two 1-L IV bags with ascorbic acid are being administered at 200 mL> hr.
What will be the duration of both bags? ________________
10. A 250-mL bag with ranitidine is being administered at the
maximum rate of 10.7 mL per hour. How long will the bag last?
________________

Volume Per Hour

EXAMPLE 8.11 A patient is to receive 750 mL infused over 3 hours. What is the
rate of infusion in mL per hour?
Unlike the previous IV flow rate problems, solving volume per
hour is easily done by setting up a ratio and proportion . . . then
solving for the unknown, as illustrated below.
Total mL x
=
Total hr 1 hr

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Using the information provided in the problem, set up a ratio and

proportion.
750 mL x
=
3 hr 1 hr

Now, we must cross-multiply.

3 * x = 750 * 1
3x = 750

Using basic algebra principles, isolate the unknown (x) to solve.

In this example, both sides of the equation need to be divided by 3
to isolate x.

3x 750
=
3 3
So, x = 250.

This infusion will be administered at 250 mL per hour.

EXAMPLE 8.12 A 250-mL IV, containing 1 mg of Isuprel, is to be given over

100 minutes. What is the rate of infusion in mL per hour?
Using the information provided in the problem, set up a ratio
and proportion. Since the administration time is given in minutes,
we can substitute the 1 hour beneath the unknown (X) with
60 minutes.
250 mL x
=
100 min 60 min
Next, cross-multiply.
100 * x = 250 * 60
100x = 15,000
Now, solve for x.
100x 15,000
=
100 100
So, x = 150

This infusion will be administered at 150 mL per hour (60 minutes).

EXAMPLE 8.13 500 mL of D5W containing 1 g of lidocaine hydrochloride is to

be given over 250 minutes. What is the infusion rate in mL
per hour?
First, set up your ratio and proportion.
500 mL x
=
250 min 60 min

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Next, cross-multiply.
250 * x = 500 * 60
250x = 30,000
Now, solve for x.
250x 30,000
=
250 250
So, x = 120
This infusion will be administered at 120 mL per hour
(60 minutes).

EXAMPLE 8.14 A 250-mL IV is to be administered over 50 minutes. What is the

infusion rate in mL> hr?
First, set up your ratio and proportion.
250 mL x
=
50 min 60 min
Next, cross-multiply.
50 * x = 250 * 60
50x = 15,000
Now, solve for x.
50x 15,000
=
50 50
So, x = 300
This infusion will be administered at 300 mL per hour (60 minutes).
Notice that the actual IV is being administered in less than an
hour, so the rate per hour should logically contain more volume
than the actual IV.

EXAMPLE 8.15 1000-mL NS containing 50 mg nitroprusside sodium is to be

administered over 50 minutes. What is the infusion rate in mL> hr?
First, set up your ratio and proportion.
1000 mL x
=
50 min 60 min
Next, cross-multiply.
50 * x = 1000 * 60
50x = 60,000
Now, solve for x.
50x 60,000
=
50 50
So, x = 1200
This infusion will be administered at 1200 mL or 1.2 L per hour
(60 minutes).

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS 8.3

1. 1 L is being infused over 6 hours. What is the rate of infusion in mL per
hour? ________________
2. 500 mL is being administered over 4 hours. What is the administration
rate per hour? ________________
3. 2 L is to be given via IV over 8 hours. What is the rate of infusion per
hour? ________________
4. 480 mL of D5W containing dobutamine is being given over 8 hours.
What is the administration rate per hour? ________________
5. 1 g of Gemzar in 25 mL NS is to be administered over 30 minutes.
What is the rate of infusion in mL per hour? ________________
6. 100 mL is being infused over 30 minutes. What is the rate of infusion in
mL per hour? ________________
7. 250 mL is being given over 100 minutes. What is the administration
rate per hour? ________________
8. 500 mL NS is being administered over 6 hours. What is the rate in
mL per hour? ________________
9. 50 mL SWFI containing folic acid is to be infused over 30 minutes.
What is the infusion rate per hour? ________________
10. 100 mL Iveegam is infused over 100 minutes. What is the rate of
infusion per hour? ________________

Drug Per Hour

EXAMPLE 8.16 100 mg of medication is to be administered in 500 mL of LR over
2 hours. How much drug will be administered per hour?
Similar to solving volume per hour, calculating the amount of
medication administered per hour is easily done by setting up a
ratio and proportion . . . then solving for the unknown, as
illustrated below.
Total mg x
=
Total hrs 1 hr
Using the information provided in the problem, set up a ratio and
proportion.
100 mg x
=
2 hr 1 hr
Now, we must cross-multiply.
2 * x = 100 * 1
2x = 100

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Using basic algebra principles, isolate the unknown (x) to solve. In

this example, both sides of the equation need to be divided by 2 to
isolate x.
2x 100
=
2 2
So, x = 50
This infusion will provide 50 mg per hour.

EXAMPLE 8.17 600 mg of fluorouracil is to be administered by continuous

infusion over 24 hours. How much drug will be administered
per hour?
Using the information provided in the problem, set up a ratio
and proportion.
600 mg x
=
24 hr 1 hr
Now cross-multiply.
24 * x = 600 * 1
24x = 600
Using basic algebra principles, isolate the unknown (X) to solve. In
this example, both sides of the equation need to be divided by 24 to
isolate X.
24X 600
=
24 24
So, x = 25
This infusion will provide 25 mg per hour.

EXAMPLE 8.18 200 mg of Vibramycin IV is diluted in 400 mL LR to be

administered over 4 hours. How much drug will be administered
per hour?
First, set up a ratio and proportion.
200 mg x
=
4 hr 1 hr
Next, cross-multiply.
4 * x = 200 * 1
4x = 200
Now, solve for x.
4x 200
=
4 4
So, x = 50
This infusion will provide 50 mg per hour.

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EXAMPLE 8.19 125 mg of Cardizem is being infused in 125 mL over 12.5 hours.
How much drug will be administered per hour?
First, set up a ratio and proportion.
125 mg x
=
12.5 hr 1 hr
Next, cross-multiply.
12.5 * x = 125 * 1
12.5x = 125
Now, solve for x.
12.5x 125
=
12.5 12.5
So, x = 10
This infusion will provide 10 mg per hour.

EXAMPLE 8.20 5 million units of Penicillin G Aqueous is being delivered in 1 L of

D5W over 12 hours. How much drug will be administered per
hour?
First, set up a ratio and proportion.
5,000,000 units x
=
12 hr 1 hr
Next, cross-multiply.
12 * x = 5,000,000 * 1
12x = 5,000,000
Now, solve for x.
12x 5,000,000
=
12 12
So, x = 416,666.67
Therefore, this infusion will provide 416,667 units per hour.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 8.4

1. 250 mg of medication in 1 L is administered over 5 hours. How much
drug will be administered per hour? ________________
2. 800 mg of medication in 2 L is to be infused over 4 hours. How much
drug will be administered per hour? ________________
3. 500 mg of medication in 500 mL is to be given over 4 hours. How much
drug will be administered per hour? ________________
4. 250 mL of Plasmanate, which contains 25 g of plasma protein, is to be
administered over 250 minutes. How much drug will be administered
per hour? ________________

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5. 500 mg of nafcillin sodium in 150 mL is to be infused over 30 minutes.

How much drug will be administered per hour? ________________
6. A 100-mL bag contains 75 mg of medication to be given over
30 minutes. How much drug will be administered per hour?
________________
7. 25 mcg of medication in 250 mL is to be infused over 2 hours. How
much drug will be administered per hour? ________________
8. 250,000 units of medication in 1 L is administered over 8 hours. How
much drug will be administered per hour? ________________
9. 100 mg of tenposide in 500 mL is given over 45 minutes. How much
drug will be administered per hour? ________________
10. 75 mg of Demadex in D5W is to be administered over 24 hours. How
much drug will be administered per hour? ________________

Drop Factors
When preparing sterile products, pharmacy personnel are often responsible
for calculating the rate of IV administration, expressed as drops per minute
(gtts/min). Literally, this drip rate will determine how to calibrate the IV
pump and the volume of medication to be administered minute by minute.
Various IV administration sets release specific drops per milliliter. Microdrip
sets are calibrated to deliver 60 drops per mL, whereas macrodrip sets might
be calibrated to deliver 10, 15, or 20 drops per mL. The larger the number

60 gtt/mL

microdrops

20 gtt/mL

15 gtt/mL

macrodrops 10 gtt/mL

FIGURE 8.1 IV Drop Sets.

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of drops per milliliter, the smaller the drops will besince clearly one milli-
liter is one milliliter.
In pharmacy, you will work with four common IV drip rates10 gtts/mL,
15 gtts/mL, 20 gtts/mL and 60 gtts/mL. Drip rates can be expressed by their
drop factor, which is just a simpler way of listing a drip rate.

Table 8.1
Drop Factor Drip Rate
60 60 gtts/mL
20 20 gtts/mL
15 15 gtts/mL
10 10 gtts/mL

The most commonly used drip rate is the microdrip60 gtts/mL. Therefore,
if a problem does not indicate a specific drip rate or drop factor, you should
always assume 60 gtts/mL.

Drip Rates
EXAMPLE 8.21 A 1-L bag of D5W is to be administered at a drop factor of 60 over
6 hours. What is the flow rate in gtts/min?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 1 L
there are 1000 mL in every 1 L
the drop factor is 60, so there are 60 gtts/mL
the duration of administration is 6 hours
there are 60 minutes in 1 hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
1000 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
6 hr 1 mL 60 min
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
1000 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
6 hr 1 mL 60 min
which can now be written as:
1000 * 1 gtts
1 bag = = ?
6 min
So, the infusion rate is 167 gtts/min.
1000 * 1 gtts
1 bag = = 166.66
6 min

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EXAMPLE 8.22 500 mL is to be administered to a patient over 5 hours, using a

15-drop factor. What is the flow rate in gtts/min?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that
we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 500 mL
the drop factor is 15, so there are 15 gtts/mL
the duration of administration is 5 hours
there are 60 minutes in 1 hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
500 mL 15 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
5 hr 1 mL 60 min
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
500 mL 15 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
5 hr 1 mL 60 min
which can now be written as:
500 * 15 gtts
1 bag = = ?
300 min
So, the infusion rate is 25 gtts/min.
7500 gtts
1 bag = = 25
300 min

EXAMPLE 8.23 RxVancomycin 250 mg/250 mL

Disp. 500 mg over 3 hours q 8 hr.
What is the flow rate in gtts/min?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that
we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 500 mL
the drop factor is not stated, so we must assume
60 gtts/mL
the duration of administration is 3 hours
there are 60 minutes in 1 hour
Notice that the additional information provided is not necessary in
solving this problem.
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this
information to solve the problem.
500 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
3 hr 1 mL 60 min

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After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
500 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
3 hr 1 mL 60 min
which can now be written as:
500 * 1 gtts
1 bag = = ?
3 min
So, the infusion rate is 167 gtts/min
500 gtts
1 bag = = 166.66
3 min

EXAMPLE 8.24 A 100 mL bag containing 1 g of Zanosar is to be infused, with a

drop factor of 15, over 1 hour. What is the flow rate in gtts/min?
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 100 mL
the drop factor is 15, so there are 15 gtts/mL
the duration of administration is 1 hour
there are 60 minutes in 1 hour
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this infor-
mation to solve the problem.
100 mL 15 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
1 hr 1 mL 60 min
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units and/or
numbers.
100 mL 15 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
1 hr 1 mL 60 min
which can now be written as:
100 * 15 gtts
1 bag = = ?
60 min
So, the infusion rate is 25 gtts/min.
1500 gtts
1 bag = = 25
60 min

EXAMPLE 8.25 Rx2 g Mandol in 1 L of D10W over 4 hours TID

What is the flow rate in gtts/min?
Lets start by looking at the information, or facts, that we know.
We know that:
1 IV bag contains 1000 mL (1 L)
the drop factor is not stated, so we must assume 60 gtts/mL

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the duration of administration is 4 hours

there are 60 minutes in 1 hour
Notice that the additional information provided is not necessary in
solving this problem.
Using the principle of dimensional analysis, we can use this
information to solve the problem.
1000 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
4 hr 1 mL 60 min
After setting the problem up, we can cancel out like units
and/or numbers.
1000 mL 60 gtts 1 hr
1 bag = * * = ?
4 hr 1 mL 60 min
which can now be written as:
1000 * 1 gtts
1 bag = = ?
4 min
So, the infusion rate is 250 gtts/min.
1000 * 1 gtts
1 bag = = 250
4 min

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 8.5

Solve the following flow rate problems.

1. Rx Claforan (cefotaxime) 500 mg/50 mL IV 50 mg/kg/dose

The patient weighs 22 lb.
a. How many milligrams per dose should the patient receive?
________________
b. How many minutes will it take to administer the IV if the administra-
tion set is calibrated at 20 gtt/mL and the flow rate is set at 30 gtt/min?
________________
2. Rx ampicillin 0.5 g/100 mL 50 mg/kg/day q8h over 90 min
The patient weighs 30 kg.
a. How many milligrams are needed for each dose? ________________
b. What is the flow rate in gtt/min? ________________
c. What is the flow rate in mL> hr? ________________
3. Rx penicillin G potassium 20,000,000 U/1 L 25,000 U/kg/day up to
20,000,000 U/day over 24 hours
The patient weighs 189 lb.
a. What is the patients weight in kilograms? ________________
b. How many units will be needed daily? ________________
c. What is the flow rate in mL> hr? ________________
d. How many units will be administered per hour? ________________

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4. Rx dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.25 mg/kg/dose q8h over 15 min

The patient weighs 14 lb. You have a stock vial containing 4 mg/mL in a
10-mL vial. The IV bag holds 50 mL, and the IV administration set
delivers 30 gtt/mL.
a. What is the patients weight in kilograms? ________________
b. What is the dose in milligrams? ________________
c. How many milliliters will you need from the stock vial to provide the
dose? ________________
d. What is the flow rate in gtt/min? ________________
5. Rx Ringers solution 500 mL
If the flow rate is set at 63 mL> hr, how many hours will it take to
administer the solution? ________________
6. Rx D5W 60 mL> hr
How many milliliters of D5W do you need for 24 hr? ________________
7. Rx electrolyte solution 500 mL
The IV administration set delivers 20 gtt/mL, and the flow rate is set at
40 gtt/min. What is the infusion time in hours? ________________
8. Rx antibiotic 250 mL over 2 hr
The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL.
a. What is the flow rate in gtt/min? ________________
b. What is the flow rate in mL> hr? ________________
9. Rx Rocephin (ceftriaxone) 2 g/100 mL
The IV administration set delivers 30 gtt/mL, and the flow rate is set at
60 gtt/min.
a. What is the infusion time in hours? ________________
b. How much drug will be delivered each minute in mg/min?
________________
c. Determine mg/mL. ________________
10. Rx insulin 100 U/250 mL 100 U over 2.5 hr
The IV administration set delivers 30 gtt/mL.
a. What is the flow rate in gtt/min? ________________
b. How many units of insulin will be delivered per minute?
________________

SUMMARY
Often described as one of the most challenging calculations used in pharmacy,
flow rates are simply a series of basic fundamental calculations. Using
ratios and proportions, which you covered earlier in the book, you should
now be able to solve more complicated and in-depth calculations such as
those presented in this chapter.

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CHAPTER

8
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE weighs 200 lb. What is the flow rate in gtt/min
if the dose is administered over 90 min?
1. You have a stock vial of cefataxime 500 mg / ________________
10 mL. The dose is 2 g over 30 min. How many a. 90 gtt/min c. 40 gtt/min
mg/min will the patient receive?
________________ b. 50 gtt/min d. 33 gtt/min
a. 17 mg/min c. 47 mg/min 7. You have a stock vial of product 30 mg/mL.
How many milliliters will you need to prepare
b. 27 mg/min d. 67 mg/min an IV containing a dose of 150 mg/50 mL?
2. You have a stock vial of cefataxime 500 mg / ________________
10 mL. The dose is 2 g over 30 min. What is
the flow rate in mL> hr? ________________
a. 5 mL c. 20 mL

a. 40 mL> hr c. 80 mL> hr
b. 10 mL d. 30 mL

b. 60 mL> hr d. 100 mL> hr

8. The recommended dose for a drug is
20 mg/kg/day qid. The patient weighs 220 lb.
3. You have a stock vial of cefataxime 500 mg/ What is the dose for this patient?
10 mL. The dose is 2 g over 30 min. What is ________________
the flow rate in gtt/min if the IV administration a. 0.5 g c. 2.0 g
set is calibrated to deliver 20 gtt/mL?
________________ b. 1.0 g d. 4.0 g
a. 27 gtt/min c. 80 gtt/min 9. You have a stock vial of product 25 mg/mL. The
dose is 250 mg. How many milliliters are
b. 67 gtt/min d. 87 gtt/min required? ________________
4. What is the flow rate in gtt/min for a 1-L TPN a. 2.5 mL c. 10 mL
over 12 hr if the IV administration set is cali-
brated to deliver 30 gtt/mL? ________________ b. 5.0 mL d. 25 mL
a. 42 gtt/min c. 12 gtt/min 10. What is the flow rate for a 250-mL IV to be
administered over 2 hr? ________________
b. 30 gtt/min d. 60 gtt/min
a. 125 gtt/min c. 12.5 gtt/min
5. What is the flow rate in gtt/min for 50 mL of an
antibiotic administered over 60 min? b. 250 gtt/min d. 60 gtt/min
________________
a. 30 gtt/min c. 60 gtt/min TRUE OR FALSE
b. 50 gtt/min d. 83 gtt/min
6. You have an order for cefuroxime 1.5 g/50 mL 11. Dimensional analysis is an efficient way to
with a maximum dose of 1.5 g q8h. The patient calculate flow rates. ________________
a. true b. false

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12. When setting up flow rate problems, always SHORT ANSWER

assume that the IV administration set delivers
60 gtt/min unless otherwise stated in the 16. What is dimensional analysis?
problem. ________________ ________________
a. true b. false 17. Write out the formula for flow rates using
13. The formula to calculate a patients weight in dimensional analysis. ________________
kilograms is pounds/2.2
18. Compare the doses needed for each of the
kilograms. ________________ following orders and indicate which one is the
a. true b. false larger dose for a 10-kg patient.
________________
14. The flow rate is usually stated as mg/min.
________________ Order A
50 mg/kg/dose
a. true b. false Order B
150 mg/kg/day divided into three
doses
15. Infusion time should be stated in hours.
________________ 19. A standard IV administration set is calibrated to
deliver how many gtt/mL? ________________
a. true b. false
20. Describe the first segment of the flow rate
formula. ________________

Chapter Eight Flow Rates 89