What is the dose chart and drop rate per minute for a dobutamine infusion prepared by adding 250 mg to 500 mL of 5 % dextrose, for patients weighing 10 kg to 80 kg, assuming 1 mL equals 20 drops?

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Dobutamine Infusion Dose Chart and Drop Rate Table

For a concentration of 250 mg dobutamine in 500 mL 5% dextrose (500 mcg/mL), use the tables below for weight-based dosing from 10-80 kg. This concentration is standard and stable for 24 hours 1.

Concentration Calculation

  • Final concentration: 500 mcg/mL (250 mg ÷ 500 mL)
  • Drop factor: 20 drops/mL

Dosing Guidelines

The recommended dobutamine infusion range is 2-20 mcg/kg/min, titrated to clinical effect 2, 3, 1. Start at low doses (0.5-1.0 mcg/kg/min) and increase gradually based on hemodynamic response 1. Rarely, doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min may be needed 1.

Table 1: Infusion Rate (mL/hr) by Weight and Dose

Dose (mcg/kg/min) 10 kg 20 kg 30 kg 40 kg 50 kg 60 kg 70 kg 80 kg
2.5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24
5 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
7.5 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72
10 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
12.5 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120
15 18 36 54 72 90 108 126 144
20 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192

Table 2: Drop Rate (drops/min) by Weight and Dose

Dose (mcg/kg/min) 10 kg 20 kg 30 kg 40 kg 50 kg 60 kg 70 kg 80 kg
2.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
5 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
7.5 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24
10 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
12.5 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
15 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
20 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64

Critical Safety Considerations

Administration Requirements

  • Infuse through a secure IV line to prevent extravasation, which causes severe tissue injury 2, 3
  • Use within 24 hours of preparation 1
  • Monitor continuously: heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, urine output, and ectopic activity 1

Adverse Effects to Monitor 2, 3

  • Tachyarrhythmias (ventricular and atrial ectopy)
  • Hypotension or hypertension
  • Tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs
  • Metabolic changes (hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, increased lactate)

Extravasation Management

If extravasation occurs, immediately infiltrate the site with phentolamine 0.1-0.2 mg/kg (max 10 mg) diluted in 10 mL normal saline injected intradermally 3.

Compatibility Warning

Do not mix dobutamine with sodium bicarbonate or other alkaline solutions 1. Avoid mixing with solutions containing both sodium bisulfite and ethanol 1.

References

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