IV Drip Rate Calculator
Compute drip rate (drops/min) of IV solution from volume, time and drop factor (20 gtt/mL = standard). For nursing.
Saline solution: dosing, rate and drip factor
0.9% NaCl saline (308 mOsm/L) is isotonic with plasma and the most common IV fluid. To calculate the infusion rate: mL/h = total volume ÷ time in hours; gtt/min = (mL · drip factor) ÷ (time in min) — common drip factors are 20 gtt/mL (macrodrip) or 60 gtt/mL (microdrip, pediatric). For pediatric maintenance, the Holliday–Segar rule gives 100 mL/kg/day for the first 10 kg + 50 mL/kg/day for 10–20 kg + 20 mL/kg/day beyond 20 kg. The 4–2–1 rule converts this to hourly rate: 4 mL/kg/h (first 10 kg) + 2 mL/kg/h (next 10) + 1 mL/kg/h (above 20). Adults need ~30–35 mL/kg/day. For hypovolemia, give a 20 mL/kg bolus over 10–20 minutes. Example: a 25 kg child needs (10·100) + (10·50) + (5·20) = 1,600 mL/day; at 20 gtt/mL drip factor, that's ≈ 22 gtt/min.
Applications in Brazilian healthcare
Saline is the workhorse of emergency rooms, ICUs and pediatric wards. 0.9% NaCl covers most resuscitation and maintenance scenarios; Ringer's Lactate is preferred in surgery and burn cases (Parkland formula: 4 mL × kg × % body surface burned in the first 24 h); 5% dextrose (SG 5%) provides free water and minimal calories. Also used in oncology to dilute chemotherapy, obstetrics for labor hydration, and nebulization with bronchodilators. ANVISA regulates production; major suppliers in Brazil include Fresenius, Halex Istar and Eurofarma.
FAQ
Macrodrip or microdrip? Macrodrip (20 gtt/mL) for adults and higher volumes; microdrip (60 gtt/mL) for pediatrics and precise low-rate infusions where every drop counts.
Why isotonic? 0.9% NaCl has osmolarity close to plasma (~290 mOsm/L), so it doesn't cause cells to swell or shrink. Hypotonic solutions can cause hemolysis; hypertonic ones draw water out of cells.
Can saline cause problems? Yes — large volumes can cause hyperchloremic acidosis due to the high chloride content. Balanced solutions like Ringer's Lactate or Plasma-Lyte are alternatives for large-volume resuscitation.
Is this calculator a medical prescription? No. It's a teaching/checking aid. Prescriptions must be written by a licensed physician based on clinical assessment.
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The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.