Topical ativan use

[boofmd]

Just wondering if anyone out there knows the proper way to apply topical ativan. At my facility, we are supposed to apply the gel to a Telfa dressing and apply to the skin. One of our nurses said the proper way to apply is to massage the gel into the wrist.

We have looked in all online resources available through the local hospitals, in med books and we even called the local pharmacist. He looked in his reference materials and also the PDR and we have come up with nothing.

Anybody out there know the proper way and where I can find that information.

[tkrnuck]

Ive been using it in hospice for at least 2 years. You can also use phenergan ,haldol and ABH (ativan ,benadryl and haldol) in the form of a topical gel. I use this more with combative residents than hospice (but I still use it somewhat frequently) because we use intensol (which is so much better)

How are these gels dispensed.Is the ABH one cream or ointment ?Unit dosed? What is intensol?And in giving ABH I'd assume the criteria must only be end stage, since it's a prn drug--otherwise what would be your criteria for giving it be? I'm very curious. At first I thought my leg had been pulled---especially after Larry's cute comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope I'm wrong because ther is a need for topical ativan etc.

Thanks--

[cherilynn36]

Hey, This is my first response on here to anything but, I defintely can answer this one..LOL, We actually compound these drug and our resource guide says that they cross the blood brain barrier and are absorbed as quickly as SL or IV which means you never cover them due to it will potentiate the effects. They are admistered prn, though usually we tell our hospice patients to administer approx. hourly. It comes in both a gel form and a lotion-like form---this has to be keep cool or it will not stay compounded. Both forms are rather unstable though so, the desired effects can be tricky to get....in other words they are unit dosed usually 1cc but, it may have to be added to or even doubled. The patient may rub this into the skin anywhere they choose---works best above the waist though in my oppinion, and if it is administered (rubbed on) by anyone else you must use gloves for protection from the drug effects.

One last thing, you can get this info from whomever compounds it for you....if it's your pharmacy then they will have the info in the directions for compounding. I hope this helps. :)

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

Instead of putting it in the nurse's lotion, I'd rather pop it in the WR soap dispenser. Oh, never mind that won't work. I dont' think most of my patients wash their hands :)

[cherilynn36]

sorry, lol looks like my first reply was sent afterall...computers,ugh!

s'ok i removed it for you. and welcome to allnurses!