Step 1 :The number of milligrams $D(h)$ of a certain drug that is in a patient's bloodstream $h$ hours after the drug is injected is given by the following function: \[D(h)=20 e^{-0.45 h}\]
Step 2 :We need to find the time $h$ when the drug concentration $D(h)$ reaches 3 mg. This means we need to solve the equation $D(h) = 3$ for $h$.
Step 3 :This is a simple algebraic problem involving an exponential function. We can solve it using logarithms.
Step 4 :Solving the equation gives $h$ approximately equal to 4.3.
Step 5 :Final Answer: The time needed between injections is approximately \(\boxed{4.3}\) hours.