Calculate the continuous IV infusion rate that maintains a target steady-state plasma concentration: R₀ = Css · CL, where Css is the target concentration and CL is clearance. At steady state, the infusion rate equals the elimination rate. If the IV solution concentration (mg/mL) is provided, the tool additionally derives the infusion-pump delivery rate in mL/h, which is what the pump is actually set to in clinical practice. This is an IV-only tool — bioavailability F is not applicable. Reaching steady state requires approximately 4–5 half-lives. Not medical advice.
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Key facts
Category
Health
Input types
number
Output type
json
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes
Overview
The IV Infusion Rate Calculator uses R₀ = Css · CL to calculate the continuous IV infusion rate needed to maintain a target steady-state plasma concentration. Enter the target concentration and clearance, and optionally provide the IV solution concentration to derive the pump rate in mL/h. This tool is for IV infusion calculations and is not medical advice.
When to use
Calculate the required continuous infusion rate in mg/h from a target Css and drug clearance.
Convert the calculated drug infusion rate into a pump setting in mL/h when the IV solution concentration is known.
Check pharmacokinetic calculations for steady-state IV infusion planning or education.
How it works
1Enter a positive target steady-state concentration, Css, in mg/L.
2Enter a positive clearance value, CL, in L/h.
3The calculator multiplies Css by CL to return the infusion rate R₀ in mg/h.
4Optionally enter the IV solution concentration in mg/mL to calculate the pump rate in mL/h; results can be rounded to the selected number of decimal places.
Use cases
Estimate a continuous IV drug infusion rate from target plasma concentration and clearance.
Translate a dose rate in mg/h into an IV pump rate using the prepared solution concentration.
Support pharmacokinetics coursework, calculation review, and clinical education.
Examples
1. Calculate an IV pump setting
Clinical pharmacokinetics learner
Background
A target steady-state concentration is 10 mg/L, clearance is 2.8 L/h, and the prepared IV solution contains 2 mg/mL.
Problem
Find both the required drug infusion rate and the corresponding pump delivery rate.
How to use
Enter Css as 10, clearance as 2.8, and solution concentration as 2.
Css: 10 mg/L; CL: 2.8 L/h; concentration: 2 mg/mL
Outcome
The calculated infusion rate is 28 mg/h, corresponding to a pump rate of 14 mL/h.
2. Calculate the infusion rate without a solution concentration
Pharmacology student
Background
A target Css of 4 mg/L and clearance of 6.25 L/h are available, but the IV solution concentration has not been specified.
Problem
Calculate the required drug delivery rate in mg/h.
How to use
Enter Css as 4 and clearance as 6.25, leaving the optional concentration field blank.
FAQ
What formula does the calculator use?
It uses R₀ = Css · CL, where Css is the target concentration and CL is clearance.
What units should I enter?
Enter Css in mg/L and clearance in L/h. The infusion rate is returned in mg/h.
How is the pump rate calculated?
When solution concentration is provided in mg/mL, pump rate equals infusion rate divided by solution concentration and is returned in mL/h.
Is the IV solution concentration required?
No. Css and clearance are required for the mg/h result. The solution concentration is optional and is needed only for the mL/h pump rate.
Does the calculator account for bioavailability or time to steady state?
No. It is an IV-only calculation, so bioavailability F does not apply. Reaching steady state generally takes about 4–5 half-lives.