Determining i.v. infusion rates for critical care drugs using a microcomputer

Calculating intravenous (IV) infusion rates for critical care drugs can be a time-consuming and error-prone task. A microcomputer program was developed to: generate IV infusion rate charts that are both patient and drug-specific; provide the user with on-line drug information necessary to correctly prepare and administer the drug; and allow the user to rapidly perform individual dose-to-rate and rate-to-dose calculations. The program was written in BASIC programming language and runs in compiled form. It is completely menu-driven, requiring only single-keystroke commands. This program demonstrates that specific pharmacy software programs can be developed "in-house" easily and inexpensively.