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Dosing weight — IBW / ABW / LBW

Pick the right dosing weight per drug. IBW (Devine) for non-depolarizing NMBs. LBW (Janmahasatian) for propofol induction + lipophilic drugs in obese patients. ABW for aminoglycosides + initial heparin. Total body weight (TBW) for sux + vanc + propofol maintenance.

IBW

65.9 kg

Devine — non-depolarizing NMBs

ABW

71.6 kg

Aminoglycosides, initial heparin

LBW

58.6 kg

Propofol induction, lipophilic drugs

Show working
  • IBW (M) = 50 + 2.3 × (66.9 in − 60) = 65.9 kg
  • ABW = IBW + 0.4 × (TBW − IBW) = 65.9 + 0.4 × (80 − 65.9) = 71.6 kg
  • BMI = 27.7 kg/m²
  • LBW (Janmahasatian, M) = (9270 × 80) / (6680 + 216 × 27.7) = 58.6 kg

Quick dosing-weight reference

DrugUse which weight
SuccinylcholineTBW
Rocuronium / vecuronium / cisatracuriumIBW
Propofol — inductionLBW
Propofol — maintenance infusionTBW
Fentanyl / opioids (obese)LBW
Aminoglycosides (gent, tobra)ABW
VancomycinTBW
Heparin (initial bolus)ABW
AcetaminophenTBW (cap 75 mg/kg/day or 4 g)

Clinical note: Devine IBW formula (1974) anchors most clinical practice. Janmahasatian LBW is more accurate than older Hume / James formulas in obesity and is now preferred for propofol + lipophilic dosing per modern pharmacokinetic modeling. ABW = IBW + 0.4 × (TBW − IBW). Education only.