Minimum Infusion Volume PDF

December 2012
Minimum Infusion
Volumes
For fluid restricted critically ill patients
Fourth Edition
roup
CG are
C ritical
Association
Pharmacy
Kingdom
Clinical
United
www.ukcpa.org
V 4.4
UKCPA: Minimum Infusion Volumes for Fluid Restricted Critically Ill Patients 4th Edition (v4.4) December 2012
Contents
Contents ................................................................. 1 Glyceryl trinitrate............................................. 14
Haloperidol ...................................................... 14
Introduction ........................................................... 2 Hydralazine ...................................................... 15
Introduction to 2nd edition ................................. 3 Hydrocortisone ................................................ 15
Introduction to 3rd edition ................................. 3 Imipenem & Cilastatin ..................................... 15
Introduction to 4th edition ................................. 4 Isoprenaline ..................................................... 15
Ketamine.......................................................... 15
Acknowledgments.................................................. 5 Labetalol .......................................................... 16
Infusion Information .............................................. 6 Lidocaine (Lignocaine) ..................................... 16
Liothyronine..................................................... 16
Acetylcysteine .................................................... 6 Lorazepam ....................................................... 16
Aciclovir .............................................................. 6 Magnesium sulphate ....................................... 17
Addiphos ............................................................ 6 Meropenem ..................................................... 17
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) ................................... 7 Methylthioninium Chloride (Methylene blue) 17
Alfentanil ............................................................ 7 Methylprednisolone (sodium succinate) ......... 17
Alprostadil .......................................................... 7 Micafungin ....................................................... 17
Aminophylline .................................................... 7 Midazolam ....................................................... 18
Amiodarone ....................................................... 8 Milrinone ......................................................... 18
Amikacin............................................................. 8 Morphine ......................................................... 18
Amphotericin (Fungizone) ................................. 8 Naloxone .......................................................... 18
Amphotericin (Lipid Complex) ........................... 8 Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) ..................... 18
Amphotericin (Liposomal).................................. 9 Octreotide acetate........................................... 19
Anidulafungin ..................................................... 9 Omeprazole Infusion ....................................... 19
Aprotinin ............................................................ 9 Oseltamivir....................................................... 19
Atracurium ......................................................... 9 Pantoprazole.................................................... 19
Azathioprine ....................................................... 9 Parenteral Nutrition Vitamins ......................... 20
Calcium Chloride .............................................. 10 Phenylephrine.................................................. 20
Calcium Gluconate ........................................... 10 Phenytoin......................................................... 20
Caspofungin ..................................................... 10 Potassium canrenoate ..................................... 21
Clarithromycin.................................................. 10 Potassium Chloride .......................................... 21
Clindamycin...................................................... 11 Potassium Phosphate ...................................... 21
Clonazepam...................................................... 11 Ranitidine ......................................................... 22
Clonidine .......................................................... 11 Remifentanil .................................................... 22
Co-trimoxazole ................................................. 11 Rifampicin ........................................................ 22
Ciclosporin........................................................ 12 Rocuronium ..................................................... 22
Diamorphine .................................................... 12 Salbutamol Infusion ......................................... 22
Digoxin ............................................................. 12 Sodium Fusidate .............................................. 23
Dobutamine ..................................................... 12 Sodium Glycerophosphate .............................. 23
Dopamine ......................................................... 12 Sodium Nitroprusside ...................................... 23
Dopexamine ..................................................... 13 Sodium valproate............................................. 23
Epoprostenol .................................................... 13 Tacrolimus ....................................................... 23
Erythromycin .................................................... 13 Tazocin (Piperacillin & Tazobactam)................ 24
Esomeprazole ................................................... 13 Thiopental (Thiopentone) ................................ 24
Fentanyl ........................................................... 13 Vasopressin (Argipressin) ................................ 24
Furosemide ...................................................... 14 Vancomycin ..................................................... 24
Ganciclovir........................................................ 14 Vecuronium ..................................................... 24
Gentamicin ....................................................... 14
C
United
Kingdom Page | 1
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Amendments
The following table lists amendments since the issue of Edition 4.0
Revision Medication Alteration made

4.1 Rifampicin The data sheet entry has been updated as it no longer
08/05/2013 recommends a diluent volume
4.2 Anidulafungin The data sheet entry has been updated due to a decimal
15/05/2013 point error
4.3 Addiphos Comments for Concentrated Solutions has been updated
12/02/2014 to correct a potassium content error
4.4 Naloxone Suggested minimum dilution typographical error corrected
13/02/2014
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 2
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Introduction
Introduction to 2nd edition (1998)

This document was produced, in 1996, in response to the demands of members of the Critical
Care Group. It represents the experience of ICU pharmacists working in the UK. The aim was to
provide practical advice for pharmacists managing difficult fluid restricted patients where the
manufacturers’ guidelines are not practical.
Because of the nature of the information, this document was at first distributed only to
members of the UKCPA Critical Care Group. Since then it has become a widely used information
source in UK hospital pharmacies. It is, as far as I am aware, the only document of its type in
existence.
The majority of the information on minimum volumes cannot be supported except by the
anecdotal experiences of the contributing pharmacists. To the best of our knowledge, these
dilutions have been used in the UK without any apparent adverse effects but in most cases no
published data exists to confirm safety. Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information contained in these guidelines is correct, but no liability can be accepted for any
inaccuracies or misstatements of fact contained herein. Please use the guidance with these
comments in mind, and only apply the minimum volumes where the clinical situation makes it
necessary.
I hope that you will find the document useful, and that you will also feedback any experiences
or new information to the group so that the document can be kept up to date, and accurate.
Many Thanks.
John P Dade
Senior Pharmacist ICU
St James’s University Hospital, Leeds
Introduction to 3rd edition (2006)

It has been 10 years since the first edition, and while there have been a number of changes, I
have been surprised at how few there were. I cannot improve on John’s comments above,
except to add my thanks: to John for producing the first document which many of us have and
continue to rely on, to Catherine and David for their help in putting it together, and to Mark
Borthwick for giving it the smart facelift and in the process adding missing information. I also
add my thanks to John’s to all those people who put forward suggestions and ideas.
Emma Graham-Clarke
Trust Consultant Pharmacist
City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 3
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Introduction to 4th edition (2012)

Another 6 years has passed, and again the changes are minimal – a few additions, a few
deletions. My thanks go to Brit, Helen, Jane, Nicola and Ruth for their work in reviewing the
monographs, and to Mark for formatting skills. A document like this depends on input from
those that use it, and I extend my thanks to those who have given suggestions and advice –
please continue to supply it!
Emma Graham-Clarke
Consultant Pharmacist
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 4
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Acknowledgments
The following pharmacists have all been involved in the production of this document since its
inception in 1996:-
Simon Badcott of Middlesex Hospital, London

Mark Borthwick of John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Nicki Bush of Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield
Brit Cadman of Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
Deborah Corner of Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Rachel Cox of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London
Gillian Craig of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
John Dade of St James’s University Hospital, Leeds
Diane Evans of John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Ruth Forrest of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Pam Garnett of Scarborough & North East Yorkshire NHS Trust
Carolyn Gates of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London
Kate Gee of Southmead Hospital, Bristol
Patricia Ging of Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin
Emma Graham-Clarke of City Hospital, Birmingham
Cathy Goddard of Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
David Homer of Peterborough District Hospital
Jane Hylands of Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Elizabeth Kay of The General Infirmary, Leeds
Elizabeth Leach of Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham
Helen McHale of Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Cathy McKenzie of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London
Jane Nicholls of Royal Brompton Hospital, London
Jean Rogers of Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Nicola Rudall of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Nishil Shah of Charing Cross Hospital, London
Alison Smith of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Birmingham
Meera Thacker of Royal Free Hospital, London
David Thornton of Hope Hospital, Salford
Catherine Tucker of The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 5
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Infusion Information
Acetylcysteine
Data Sheet Recommendations
150mg/kg in 200ml over 15 minutes, then 50mg/kg in 500ml over 4 hours, then 100mg/kg in 1 litre
over 16 hours.
Diluent: Glucose 5% or Sodium chloride 0.9%.
Suggested Minimum Dilutions
Range of dilutions in 100-250ml Glucose 5%. Some centres use undiluted infusions 200mg/ml (10g in
50ml).
Comments for Concentrated Solutions
Anecdotal.
Use Central Line for strong solutions although some centres will give strong solutions peripherally.
Unlicensed indications include: Acute liver failure, ARDS, pancreatitis.
BNF recommends Glucose as preferable diluent.
Aciclovir
25mg/ml over 1 hour by controlled rate infusion.
(Note: SPCs don’t specify central line)
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Sodium chloride and glucose or Compound sodium lactate
(Hartmann’s).
If administering by infusion bag then 5mg/ml infused over at least 1 hour.
Aciclovir Injection pH 10.5.
Has been given neat.
Ensure the patient is well hydrated.
Addiphos
As part of a parenteral nutrition regimen, maximum concentration 30ml Addiphos in 500ml of
compatible fluid.
Suggested Minimum Dilution
100ml of infusion fluid.
Diluent: Glucose 5% to 50%, Vamin 9, Vamin 9 Glucose, Vamin 14, Vamin 14 electrolyte free, Vamin 18
electrolyte free
Anecdotal
Note – contains 30mmol/20ml Potassium – concentrated solutions (eg in less than 1 litre) should be
given centrally
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 6
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
No specific recommendation - the only licensed route of administration is IM. Usually 5mg in 50ml (1 in
10,000)
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Glucose 5%.
Undiluted infusions have been used up to 5mg in 10ml
Anecdotal.
Central Line Only.
Concentrated solutions are used when patient requires high doses of adrenaline.
Alfentanil
0.5mg/ml to 5mg/ml.
Diluent: Glucose 5%, Sodium chloride 0.9% or Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann’s).
5mg/ml
For ventilated patients only. Caution with using concentrated solution undiluted (5mg/ml) as rate of
infusion maybe less than 1ml per hour and accuracy of syringe pump maybe relevant
Alprostadil
Does not specify dilution
UCL guide 3rd edition specifies dose (30mcg per kg) diluted to 10ml with glucose
Add directly to the infusion solution avoiding contact between undiluted Alprostadil and the walls of
the infusion container.
Aminophylline
25mg per ml maybe injected undiluted (route not specified) peripheral or central
No dilution specified
Solutions stable over pH range of 3.5 to 8.6 for concentrations not exceeding 40mg per ml (it should be
noted ampoule contains 250mg in 10ml, 25mg per ml)
Diluent: Glucose 5%, Sodium chloride 0.9% or Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann’s).
Variety of dilutions from 2mg/ml to 25mg/ml (undiluted).
Ideally give via central line
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 7
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Amiodarone
From 150mg in 250ml of glucose 5% (0.6mg/ml) up to 1.2g in 500ml of glucose 5% (2.4mg/ml) .
Concentrations of less than 0.6mg/ml are unstable
Diluent: Glucose 5%.
Many centres infuse daily dose (up to 900mg) in a total volume of 48-50ml.
Anecdotal
Central line only.
Amikacin
250mg per ml injected undiluted
500mg diluted in 200ml to give a 2.5mg per ml solution
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Glucose 5% or Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann’s).
Required dose to be diluted up to 50ml total volume.
Over 30 minutes.
Amphotericin (Fungizone)
Not exceeding 0.1mg/ml over 2-4 hours.
Diluent: Glucose 5% (pH >4.2, check with manufacturer of glucose infusion, or adjust using a
phosphate buffer as outlined in SPC).
Recommended concentration for infusion is 10mg in 100ml
PERIPHERAL: Up to 0.2mg/ml.
CENTRAL: Up to 0.5mg/ml.
Some centres dilute daily dose in 100ml Glucose 5%, others have diluted dose with 10 x volume of fluid
(unlicensed use)
Anecdotal data for concentrations over 0.2mg/ml.
Concentrations up to 1.4mg/ml stable in Glucose 5% (Trissel).
Amphotericin (Lipid Complex)

Usual 1mg/ml, though 2mg/ml may be used.
2.5mg/kg/hr following test dose.
Do not exceed 2mg/ml.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 8
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Amphotericin (Liposomal)
0.2-2mg/ml over 30-60 mins.
Do not exceed 2mg/ml although some centres have used 4mg/ml via central line (anecdotal)
Anidulafungin
Dilute to concentration of 0.77mg/ml (as per SPC) and give at a rate not exceeding 1.1mg/minute
Diluent: Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%
There is no current literature to support more concentrated solutions
Aprotinin
Undiluted, 5-10ml/min.
Atracurium
Bolus: Undiluted.
Continuous Infusion: Dilute to 0.5-5mg/ml.
Diluent: Glucose 5%, Sodium chloride 0.9%, Sodium Chloride 0.18% + Glucose 4% or
Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann’s).
Use undiluted via central line.
Anecdotal
pH 3.2-3.7
Azathioprine
10mg/ml via a fast flowing drip (over at least 1 minute) or neat (but follow with 750ml of sodium
chloride 0.9% or sodium chloride 0.18% / glucose 5%.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Sodium chloride and glucose.
Some centres dilute to 100ml with Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Dextrose 5% and infuse over 1 hour. One
centre has used 50mg in 20ml given via central line
Anecdotal.
Diluted pH 8-9.5, undiluted pH 10-12.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 9
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Calcium Chloride
Intermittent infusion: undiluted.
Undiluted (i.e. 10mmol/10ml) for continuous and intermittent infusions. Concentrations and rates
expressed in mmol of Ca++.
CENTRAL LINE ONLY:
For intermittent infusions, rate of 0.35-0.9 mmol per minute (Trissel). Continuous Infusions, not
greater than 20mmol/hour (AHFS).
Calcium Gluconate
10% solution slow injection or intravenous infusion.
Undiluted 10% solution.
CENTRAL LINE ONLY:
For intermittent infusions, rate of 0.35-0.9 mmol per minute (Trissel). Continuous Infusions, not
greater than 20mmol/hour (AHFS).
Caspofungin
Data Sheet recommendations
70mg in 250ml fluid
50mg in 250 ml fluid
Reduced Volume infusion
50mg in 100ml fluid
Diluent: Sodium Chloride 0.9%. Not stable in diluents which contain Glucose
Suggested minimum dilution
70mg & 50mg – some centres have used volumes ranging from 100ml – 140ml
Clarithromycin
2mg/ml into a large proximal vein over 60 minutes.
500mg in 100ml fluid although one site has used in 50ml
If less than 500mg dose, add 10ml water to vial to give a concentration of 50mg/ml. Dilute each ml to
10ml
e.g. 100mg dose can be diluted to 20ml
Final Concentration should not exceed 5mg/ml
Give via central line ( ref UCL handbook)
Infusion Rate not more than 500mg/hour.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 10
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Clindamycin
Concentration not greater than 18mg/ml, rate less than 30mg/min.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%.
Comments
Not more than 1200mg should be given in a 60- minute period (Trissel).
Clonazepam
Up to 3mg in 250ml, rate 0.25-0.5mg/min.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
5-10mg diluted to 48ml sodium chloride 0.9% for 10hrs in polyethylene syringes (Trissel).
Clonazepam can be adsorbed onto PVC. If using PVC in infusion system then infuse over less than 2
hours.
Clonidine
Slow IV 150-300 microgram bolus 10-15 minutes.
6-50 micrograms/ml infusion.
Anecdotal.
Central or peripheral
Usually 750mcg in 50ml is used although 1500mcg in 50ml has been used centrally.
Co-trimoxazole
480mg in 75ml over 60 minutes (GlaxoSmithKline UK).
1.92g in 125ml in less than 90 minutes (Mayne Pharma plc).
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%.
Undiluted injection given centrally over a 1.5-2 hour period or as a continuous infusion.
Anecdotal.
Co-trimoxazole infusions in glucose 5% become less stable with increasing concentration.
Dilutions are limited by infusion time, which needs to be at least 1 hour for high dose therapy.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 11
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Ciclosporin
0.5-2.5mg/ml over 2-6 hours.
2.5mg/ml or required dose to 50ml, over 2-6 hours.
Unstable at concentrations exceeding 2.5mg/ml.
Diamorphine
No recommendations.
Diluent: Glucose 5% (preferred) or Sodium Chloride 0.9%.
For continuous infusion 100mg/50ml is used but this can be exceeded.
Concentrations up to 25mg/ml stable for 24 hours (Trissel).
Digoxin
Undiluted, over at least 5 minutes.
If diluting, use a minimum of 4 fold dilution.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Glucose 5% or Sodium chloride and glucose.
Dobutamine
1-5mg/ml.
Some centres use 10mg/ml infusion or even undiluted injection.
Anecdotal.
Give strong solutions via central line.
Dopamine
Up to 3.2mg/ml.
Most centres routinely use 4mg/ml solution. No info on stronger dilutions.
Anecdotal.
Strong solutions Central Line Only.
One hospital has used 400mg in 50ml via a central line
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 12
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Dopexamine
4mg/ml - central line only or 1mg/ml – large peripheral vein.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Glucose 5%, Sodium chloride and glucose, or Compound sodium lactate
(Hartmann’s).
Up to 200mg in 50ml.
Centrally only.
Epoprostenol
Dilute with not more than 6 times volume of sodium chloride 0.9%, i.e. minimum dilution of 10
microgram /6ml.
Undiluted, i.e. 10 micrograms/ml.
Anecdotal.
Limited by practicality and shelf life. Many centres extend to 24 hours with no discernable loss of
efficacy.
Erythromycin
Preferred method continuous infusion 1G in 500ml sodium chloride 0.9% (use within 8 hours)
1-5mg/ml over 20-60 minutes, i.e. 1g in 250ml.
Centres routinely use 1g/100ml via central lines.
Anecdotal reports of neat (1g/20ml) or 1g/40ml infusion over 30-60 mins.
Use central line only for concentrations
>5mg/ml. If >10mg/ml monitor carefully. If catheter in ventricle can cause extension of Q-R interval
(Abbott).
Esomeprazole
80mg in 100ml
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%
Fentanyl
50microg/ml (i.e. undiluted).
Diluent: If diluting can use Sodium chloride
0.9% of Glucose 5%.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 13
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Furosemide
Undiluted.
Undiluted.
Max rate 4mg/min. In severe renal impairment max rate 2.5mg/min. Some brands contain ethyl
alcohol at high concentrations.
Ganciclovir
Not greater than 10mg/ml.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%
No experience of infusions of >10mg/ml (Roche).
Gentamicin
Undiluted bolus.
Undiluted bolus.
Comments
Note: when giving large doses of gentamicin i.e. once daily regimens most centres dilute in at least 50-
100ml and infuse over 30-60 minutes, diluting with Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
Glyceryl trinitrate
Dependant on Brand, 1mg/ml.
50mg in 50ml.
Haloperidol
Unlicensed
INFUSION AS A LAST RESORT
0.75mg/ml in sodium chloride 0.9% (stable for 24 hours)
3mg/ml in glucose 5%
(Ref Riker RR, Fraser GL, Cox PM. Continuous infusion of haloperidol controls agitation in critically ill
patients. Crit Care Med 1994; 22: 433-40.)
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 14
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Hydralazine
Bolus: 2mg/ml, Infusion: 20mg/500ml.
60mg in 60ml.
Anecdotal.
Central or peripheral.
Hydrocortisone
100mg in not less than 100ml.
100mg in 50ml.
Anecdotal.
Imipenem & Cilastatin

500mg (imipenem) in 100ml over 20-30 mins.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%. In exceptional circumstances, if sodium chloride contraindicated, then
Glucose 5%.
500mg/60ml (MSD).
Isoprenaline
None.
2 to 4mg in 50ml (central line only).
Anecdotal.
Ketamine
1mg/ml.
50mg/ml undiluted.
Anecdotal.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 15
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Labetalol
1mg/ml.
Undiluted (central line only).
Anecdotal.
Lidocaine (Lignocaine)
Usually 1-2mg/ml.
8mg-20mg/ml has been used.
Anecdotal.
Extravasation may cause tissue damage.
Liothyronine
Thyrotardin-Inject N - 100mcg in 50ml.
Goldshield - 20mcg/ml.
Diluent: Sodium Chloride 0.9%.
20mcg in 20ml – transplant donors
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%
Anecdotal
Lorazepam
Can dilute 1:1. A common dilution for continuous infusion is 10mg/50ml.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Water for injections.
Undiluted.
Avoid injecting into small veins.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 16
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Magnesium sulphate
Peripheral Infusion not greater than 10% (i.e.4mmol/10ml Mg).
Centrally 25-50% (i.e. 1-2mmol/ml).
Magnesium sulphate can be given by slow bolus for small doses (up to 8mmol) or as continuous
infusion (up to 160mmol over 24 hours) (Trissel).
Meropenem
500mg in 5ml or bolus 1g/20ml.
1g in 10ml.
Anecdotal.
US – 1g in 5-20ml.
Methylthioninium Chloride (Methylene blue)

Can dilute in 50ml with glucose 5%.
Undiluted.
Anecdotal.
Methylprednisolone (sodium succinate)

Dose in 50-100ml.
Undiluted infusions have been given.
Anecdotal.
Smaller doses of methylprednisolone can be given by slow bolus injection. Larger doses are preferably
given as an intermittent (1/2 hour) or continuous infusion.
Micafungin
2mg/1ml.
No information
No information
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 17
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Midazolam
Use undiluted infusion solution 10mg/5ml, centrally or peripherally.
Diluent, if used: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
Comments
Some centres have used 10mg/2ml injection undiluted as an infusion.
Milrinone
200micrograms/ml
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Sodium chloride 0.45% or Glucose 5%.
Comments
SPC states other concentrations may be used dependant on patient’s fluid status
Morphine
1-2mg/ml by infusion, peripherally or centrally.
1-2mg/ml used normally. Stronger solutions probably OK, but unlikely to be needed.
Anecdotal.
Higher concentrations are more likely to precipitate (Trissel).
Naloxone
2mg/500ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
10mg/50ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%. Bolus is given undiluted.
Anecdotal.
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine)
Start at 40mg/litre and titrate according to response. Central line only.
Start with 4mg/50ml and double concentration as required, up to 32mg/50ml. Undiluted injection has
been used.
Anecdotal.
Always give via a central line.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 18
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Octreotide acetate
Dilute to not less than 1vol: 1vol and not more than 1vol: 9vol. Diluted solution should be used within
8 hours of preparation.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Isotonic sodium chloride and glucose.
Has been used undiluted. More practical to adjust concentration according to rate of administration,
i.e. 10-100ug/ml.
Anecdotal
Omeprazole Infusion
40mg in 100ml over 20-30 mins.
No data. Bolus administration not recommended by manufacturers. Stability with 80mg/100ml is 12
hours Sodium chloride 0.9% or 6 hours Glucose 5%.
Anecdotal.
Rate of infusion is the critical factor.
Oseltamivir
Unlicensed. Recommendation from company is 2mg/1ml.
4mg/1ml.
From UKCPA ‘Antiviral management of influenza A, Version 4’.
Pantoprazole
Slow IV bolus or dilute with 100mls.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 19
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Parenteral Nutrition Vitamins

Additrace: 10ml in 500-1000ml Glucose 5-50%.
Cernevit: May give as undiluted bolus or dilute further.
Decan: 40ml in 250ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or 500ml Glucose 5-70%.
Vitlipid N: 10ml in 100ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5% (but may be given undiluted as slow
bolus).
Solivito N: 10ml in 50-100ml Glucose 5-60%.
Additrace: 10ml in 100ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
All three of the above may be combined in a 100ml infusion of Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
Cernevit: 5ml in 100ml Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%.
Decan (40ml) may be combined with Cernevit in a 100ml infusion of Glucose 5%.
Unlicensed information regarding vitlipid N, solivito N and additrace from Fresenius Kabi. Remaining
vitamins/trace elements, anecdotal.
Phenylephrine
10mg to 500mls
20mg in 50ml or 50mg/50ml
Anecdotal.
Phenytoin
Undiluted followed by 50ml Sodium Chloride 0.9% flush. Rate not exceeding 50mg/min.
Use smaller flush volume, i.e. 10ml Sodium Chloride 0.9%.
Intermittent infusion: dilute to not more than 10mg/ml in Sodium Chloride 0.9% and use within 1 hour.
Use 0.2-0.5 microns in-line filter.
Precipitation can occur.
Anecdotal.
Do not use if infusion becomes cloudy.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 20
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Potassium canrenoate
Data Sheet Recommendations- drug unlicensed in UK
Bolus: 200mg.
Infusion: Dilute to 250mls.
No information
No information
Potassium Chloride
Usual max= 40mmol/L into peripheral line at a rate not exceeding 20mmol/hour.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%, Glucose 5%, Sodium chloride and glucose, Compound sodium lactate
solution (Hartmann’s).
Various dilutions used nationally, usually in fluid restricted patients. These range from 40mmol/100ml
to undiluted (i.e. 2mmol/ml).
The most common maximum concentration is 1mmol/ml.
Anecdotal.
Strong solutions, i.e. >80mmol/l should be given via a central line only. ECG cover is mandatory if very
strong solutions are used.
Potassium Phosphate
Concentration and rate is limited by potassium content. Usual max of 40mmol/L potassium is used via
a peripheral line Concentrations over 80mmol/L must be given via a central line.
Various concentrations used: 20- 40mmol/100ml potassium content, 1mmol/ml potassium content
and undiluted.
Anecdotal.
BNF gives an infusion rate for phosphate of 18mmol over 24 hrs, but states that in critically ill patients
the dose can be increased to 500mcg/kg (max 50mmol) over 6-12 hours.
Some units however give 15mmol over 2 hours up to 3 times a day. Ref: Crit Care Med 1995; 23:1204.
See Potassium Chloride for safety guidelines.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 21
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Ranitidine
50mg in 20ml over at least 2 min.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9%
Undiluted injection over at least 2 mins used in many centres.
Anecdotal.
Rate of injection more important than dilution.
Remifentanil
12.5mg in 50ml.
Up to 20mg in 50ml has been used.
Anecdotal.
Rifampicin
Rifadin: 600mg over 2-3 hours
No volume is given, but 100ml used in practice
Rocuronium
Undiluted.
Salbutamol Infusion
5mg in 500ml.
10mg in 50ml (datasheet recommendation for premature labour).
Anecdotal.
Centrally or peripherally.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 22
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Sodium Fusidate
Preparation being discontinued
500mg in 500ml, centrally over 2 hours or peripheral over 6 hours.
Centrally - 500mg in 100ml, peripherally - 500mg in 250ml.
Anecdotal.
Concentrated solutions must be given over at least 6 hours.
Sodium Glycerophosphate
10-20 mmol added to infusion solution or to the admixture for which compatibility has been proved
Diluent: Glucose 5%, Glucose 20%, Glucose 50%
20mmol in 50ml (centrally) or 100ml (peripherally).
Concentrated glucose solutions can only be administered centrally.
Anecdotal
Sodium Nitroprusside
Available as special only – information from previous licensed product
50mg in 250-1000ml.
1mg/ml.
Anecdotal.
Central line only.
Sodium valproate
Bolus over 3-5 minutes.
Tacrolimus
5mg in 50ml.
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 23
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association
Tazocin (Piperacillin with tazobactam)

4.5g in 20ml.
Diluent: Sodium chloride 0.9% or Water for injections.
Thiopental (Thiopentone)
500mg in 10ml water for injections.
Comments
Centrally, high pH leading to peripheral vein irritancy.
Vasopressin (Argipressin)
0.5unit per ml
Some centres use 20units in 50ml.
Anecdotal.
Centrally only.
Vancomycin
5-10mg/ml via central or peripheral line for bolus doses
1-2g in a ‘suitable’ volume for continuous infusion.
10mg/ml is a commonly used dilution. 20mg/ml has been used in some centres.
Anecdotal.
Give concentrations >5mg/ml via a fast flowing vein. Can be given by continuous infusion.
Vecuronium
2mg/ml (Undiluted).
C
United
Kingdom
Page | 24
CG
ritical
Clinical
Pharmacy roup
are
Association

Minimum Infusion Volume PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Minimum Infusion Volume PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Minimum Infusion Volume PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What is the purpose of the document?

What information is provided about specific drugs?

December 2012

Revision Medication Alteration made

Introduction to 2nd edition (1998)

Introduction to 3rd edition (2006)

Introduction to 4th edition (2012)

Simon Badcott of Middlesex Hospital, London

Amphotericin (Lipid Complex)

Imipenem & Cilastatin

Methylthioninium Chloride (Methylene blue)

Methylprednisolone (sodium succinate)

Parenteral Nutrition Vitamins

Tazocin (Piperacillin with tazobactam)

You might also like