How many milliliters per hour should be set to deliver 30 µg/hour of octreotide (Sandostatin) from a 500 µg/500 mL infusion bag?

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Last updated: September 23, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Infusion Rate Calculation

Set the infusion pump to 30 mL/hr to deliver 30 µg/hr of octreotide from a 500 µg/500 mL bag.

Calculation Method

The concentration of your octreotide infusion is:

  • 500 µg octreotide in 500 mL = 1 µg/mL

To deliver 30 µg/hr at a concentration of 1 µg/mL:

  • 30 µg/hr ÷ 1 µg/mL = 30 mL/hr

Verification

This calculation follows standard pharmaceutical dosing principles where:

  • Infusion rate (mL/hr) = Desired dose (µg/hr) ÷ Concentration (µg/mL)
  • 30 µg/hr ÷ 1 µg/mL = 30 mL/hr

Clinical Context

This 30 µg/hr dose falls within the typical range for octreotide continuous infusions. The FDA labeling for Sandostatin indicates that octreotide is administered via continuous IV infusion for various indications 1. Research demonstrates that octreotide infusions at 30 µg/hr have been studied in portal hypertension models 2, and continuous infusions ranging from 5-30 µg/kg/day are used in pediatric congenital hyperinsulinism 3.

Double-check your calculation at the bedside and verify the concentration on the bag label before initiating the infusion.

References

2
Research

Effect of octreotide on hemodynamics and glucagon levels in portal hypertensive rabbits.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi, 1994

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.