macrodrip /mak″rōdrip/ [Gk, makros + AS, drypan, to fall in drops] , (in IV therapy) an apparatus that is used to deliver measured amounts of IV solutions at specific flow rates based on the size of drops of the solution. The size of the drops is controlled by the fixed diameter of a plastic delivery tube. Different macrodrips deliver 10, 15, or 20 drops per milliliter of solution. Macrodrips are not usually used to deliver a small amount of IV solution or to keep a vein open because the interval between drips is so long that a clot may form at the tip of the IV catheter. Compare microdrip.
