Convert between dextrose infusion rate and glucose infusion rate (mg/kg/min) for IV dextrose infusions.
Result
How to use this tool
Rate to GIR, or target GIR to the pump rate.
D5 to D50 and body weight in kg.
Infusion rate for forward mode, or target GIR in the advanced section for reverse mode.
Confirm the prescription, concentration and pump rate with a second checker.
Formula & worked example
D10 at 50 mL/hour for a 70 kg adult gives 50 x 10 / (6 x 70) = 1.19 mg/kg/min; reversing, a target of 5 mg/kg/min needs 5 x 6 x 70 / 10 = 210 mL/hour.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Educational use only. This tool is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about any result that worries you, and never change treatment because of a calculator result.
Frequently asked questions
The amount of glucose delivered per kg of body weight per minute, in mg/kg/min. It standardises dextrose infusions across patient sizes.
Neonatal infusions often start at 4-6 mg/kg/min and are titrated. Adult maintenance dextrose usually gives well under 2 mg/kg/min.
From unit conversion: grams per hour to mg per minute divided by kg gives rate x % x 1000 / (100 x 60 x kg) = rate x % / (6 x kg).
D50 delivers ten times the glucose of D5 at the same pump rate, so concentration errors are dangerous and must be double-checked.
No. It calculates a rate only; prescriptions and pump programming need clinical verification.