A simplified formula for rapid dilution of catecholamines in initial emergency and critical care resuscitation

Inotropes and vasopressors may require to be rapidly administered in emergency situations in any setting (pre-hospital resuscitation, hospital wards, intensive care units, emergency departments, operating theatres). Simple formulas to dilute drugs and set infusion rates may be of great help in emergency situations to improve efficiency, speed of administration, and limit mistakes. We propose a simple formula used for decades in our institution that rapidly allow to dilute and set infusion rates of commonly administered inotropes and vasopressors (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and dobutamine) by simply multiplying patient’s weight by 6. We believe that our formula will be of great help to any healthcare professionals in these fields of expertise.

Inotropes; Vasopressors; Catecholamines; Shock; Hemodynamic management; Medical emergency

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