ICU Drip Titration: A Basic Guide

It turns out that many of you have questions about drip titration in the ICU. The key is to remember that the body is not static, it’s always changing, so your drip rates should always be changing. All drips should be running at the minimum of what the patient needs. Making contact with the provider at the beginning of your shift and learning the plan for drip titration should be one of the first things you do. For instance, if your patient is on 3 vasopressors, which one should you titrate first? If your patient is on milrinone, but has become hypotensive requiring more vasopressin or has developed a severe AKI, it might be time to use a different inotrope. Finally, some drips do require a provider order to titrate in the the slightest, so it’s imperative to always have a plan.

The final component of drip titration is experience and simple memorization. I have included a very basic ICU drip titration download below. I will be making an even more intense guide in the future.

Remember, to always follow your hospital policy, but this is a simple guide to get you started. Best of luck!💉

Download your basic drip guide here.