Inotropic support should only be provided after adequate fluid resuscitation
Where possible use a large vein or central line for these agents to decrease the likelihood of extravasation
Rule of 6's is a system in which the amount of drug in mg mixed in 100 mL final volume = Weight in Kg x 6
This system provides an easy method to infuse solutions, where 1 mL/hr = 1 mcg/kg/min
As an example, in a 10 kg child, 60 mg of drug would be mixed in 100 mL final volume (e.g. withdraw fluid from the 100 mL bag of fluid equal to the volume that 60 mg of drug will replace to make final volume = 100 mL) and to have 5 mcg/kg/min, the rate would equal 5 mL/hr
The usual range of dosing for this agent is 2-20 mcg/kg/min
Beyond a patient weight of about 25 kgs, the concentration of the drug may exceed maximum recommended levels for infusion and standard concentrations rather than rule of 6's mixtures may be indicated
