ICU Norepinephrine Calculator

Norepinephrine Infusion Calculator

Weight-based vasopressor dosing · SSC 2021 · ESICM 2023 · AHA 2024 · For ICU professional use only

Infusion rate (mL/hr) = (Dose µg/kg/min × Weight kg × 60) ÷ Concentration µg/mL
Dose (µg/min) = Dose µg/kg/min × Weight kg  ·  Concentration (µg/mL) = Total drug (µg) ÷ Total volume (mL)

Please enter valid patient weight and dose.

Patient & dosing parameters

Patient weight

kg

Actual body weight — use IBW for morbidly obese

Dose (µg/kg/min)

µg/kg/min

SSC 2021: start 0.01–0.05 · typical range 0.01–0.50

Solution concentration 4 mg in 50 mL  →  80 µg/mL (standard) 8 mg in 50 mL  →  160 µg/mL (concentrated) 8 mg in 250 mL  →  32 µg/mL 16 mg in 250 mL  →  64 µg/mL 4 mg in 100 mL  →  40 µg/mL Custom concentration…

Custom concentration (µg/mL)

µg/mL

Haemodynamic assistant — enter BP for MAP calculation

Systolic BP (mmHg)

mmHg

Diastolic BP (mmHg)

mmHg

Calculated MAP— mmHg

MAP target (SSC)≥ 65 mmHg

Target status—

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Infusion rate

—

mL / hr

Dose (µg/min)

—

µg / min

Dose (µg/hr)

—

µg / hr

Vasopressor support classification

—

Titration guide — ±25% steps from current dose

Step	Dose (µg/kg/min)	Rate (mL/hr)	µg/min

Vasopressor dose classification (SSC 2021 / ESICM 2023)

Classification	Dose range (µg/kg/min)	Clinical implication
Low support	< 0.05	Adjunct vasopressor; assess fluid responsiveness, source control
Moderate support	0.05 – 0.15	Established vasopressor dependence; consider hydrocortisone (CORTICUS)
High support	0.15 – 0.30	Add vasopressin 0.03 U/min (SSC 2021); optimise cardiac output
Very high support	0.30 – 0.50	Consider epinephrine, terlipressin; escalate ICU level; team discussion
Refractory shock	≥ 0.50	Life-threatening; add methylene blue, angiotensin II (where available); ECMO evaluation

Formula: mL/hr = (µg/kg/min × kg × 60) ÷ µg/mL  ·  SSC 2021 first-line vasopressor threshold: MAP ≥ 65 mmHg  ·  No patient data stored

Clinical references

• 1.Evans L, Rhodes A, Alhazzani W, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2021. Intensive Care Med. 2021;47(11):1181–1247. doi:10.1007/s00134-021-06506-y (SSC 2021 — primary vasopressor recommendations)
• 2.Laterre PF, Berry SM, Blemings A, et al. ESICM Clinical Practice Guideline: Vasopressors and Inotropes in Acute Circulatory Failure 2023. Intensive Care Med. 2023;49(8):845–878.
• 3.Hollenberg SM, Ahrens TS, Annane D, et al. Practice parameters for hemodynamic support of sepsis in adult patients: 2004 update. Crit Care Med. 2004;32(9):1928–1948. (Foundational vasopressor classification)
• 4.De Backer D, Biston P, Devriendt J, et al. Comparison of dopamine and norepinephrine in the treatment of shock (SOAP-II). N Engl J Med. 2010;362(9):779–789. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0907118
• 5.Gordon AC, Mason AJ, Thirunavukkarasu N, et al. Effect of early vasopressin vs norepinephrine on kidney failure in patients with septic shock (VANISH trial). JAMA. 2016;316(5):509–518.
• 6.Khanna A, English SW, Wang XS, et al. Angiotensin II for the treatment of vasodilatory shock (ATHOS-3). N Engl J Med. 2017;377(5):419–430.
• 7.Annane D, Pastores SM, Rochwerg B, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in critically ill patients. Intensive Care Med. 2017;43(12):1751–1763. (Hydrocortisone in refractory shock)
• 8.Asfar P, Meziani F, Hamel JF, et al. High versus low blood-pressure target in patients with septic shock (SEPSISPAM). N Engl J Med. 2014;370(17):1583–1593. (MAP 65 vs 80–85 mmHg)
• 9.AHA/ACC 2024 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes — haemodynamic support framework. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Medical disclaimer

For qualified ICU professionals only. This tool is not a substitute for clinical judgment, pharmacy verification, or institutional drug protocols. All calculated doses must be verified by a licensed physician and clinical pharmacist before administration.

Norepinephrine is a high-alert medication associated with significant patient harm when administered incorrectly. The infusion rate calculated by this tool is a mathematical output based on the entered weight, dose, and concentration — it assumes these inputs are clinically verified and accurate.

Concentration errors are a leading cause of vasopressor incidents in ICU settings. Always verify the prepared bag concentration against the dispensed label. Use of automated infusion pumps with drug libraries and double-check protocols is strongly recommended by ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices).

Vasopressor support classification thresholds (low / moderate / high / very high / refractory) are derived from SSC 2021 and ESICM 2023 consensus statements and represent population-level guidance. Individual patient thresholds for escalation may differ based on comorbidities, baseline MAP, cardiac function, and aetiology of shock.

The MAP target of ≥ 65 mmHg is the SSC 2021 Class 1A recommendation for most septic shock patients. The SEPSISPAM trial demonstrated no benefit of higher MAP targets (80–85 mmHg) in the general population, though patients with pre-existing hypertension may have improved renal outcomes at higher MAP.

This tool does not store, transmit, or process any patient-identifiable information. All calculations occur locally in the user's browser.

Last reviewed: January 2026 · SSC 2021 · ESICM 2023 · SEPSISPAM · VANISH · ATHOS-3 · SOAP-II incorporated