Nicardipine 10 mg in 90 mL PNSS Concentration
The concentration of nicardipine 10 mg diluted in 90 mL of PNSS (physiologic normal saline solution) is approximately 111 mcg/mL (or 0.111 mg/mL).
Concentration Calculation
- When 10 mg of nicardipine is added to 90 mL of diluent, the total volume becomes approximately 90 mL (the drug volume is negligible), resulting in a concentration of 10 mg ÷ 90 mL = 0.111 mg/mL or 111 mcg/mL 1
Clinical Context and Safety Considerations
This concentration (111 mcg/mL) falls within the safe range for peripheral IV administration and is below the threshold associated with increased phlebitis risk.
- A 2018 study demonstrated that maintaining nicardipine concentrations below 130 mcg/mL significantly reduces the incidence of phlebitis from 30% to 9.9% in acute stroke patients 2
- Your prepared concentration of 111 mcg/mL is appropriately diluted and should minimize the risk of peripheral vein irritation 2
Standard Nicardipine Concentrations for Comparison
- The FDA-approved ready-to-use formulations contain 0.1 mg/mL (100 mcg/mL) or 0.2 mg/mL (200 mcg/mL) in 200 mL bags 1
- The concentrated vial formulation contains 2.5 mg/mL (2500 mcg/mL) and requires dilution before administration 1
Administration Guidelines with This Concentration
- At 111 mcg/mL concentration, an infusion rate of 5 mg/hr (the standard starting dose) would require approximately 45 mL/hr 3, 4
- Titration by 2.5 mg/hr increments (as recommended by the American Heart Association) would require rate adjustments of approximately 22.5 mL/hr 3, 5
- Maximum dose of 15 mg/hr would require approximately 135 mL/hr at this concentration 3, 4
Critical Safety Points
- Monitor the infusion site closely - even at this appropriate concentration, phlebitis can develop after 14+ hours of infusion at a single peripheral site 6
- Consider rotating IV sites if prolonged infusion (>12-14 hours) is anticipated 6
- This concentration is suitable for peripheral IV administration and does not require central venous access 2