when to add cogentin/benadryl?

[sassyann85]

Hi everyone:

Question...if someone requires PRN Haldol either PO or IM, do you always typically give them Benadryl or Cogentin along with it at the same time to ward off EPS?

[TheDude77]

MDs at my facility don't give the cogentin or Ben. Until there are s/a present.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

For IM, we automatically do, partly as an EPS-prevention measure and partly for the sedating/calming effect.

For PO: if they have a history of EPS reactions in the past, yes. Otherwise, some prescribers automatically order it to go along with the antipsychotic while others leave it PRN so it's up to the nurse's discretion.

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

Where I work all prn Haldol IMs come with 50mg of Benadryl. and Ativan as well. POs are different tho

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I wouldn't automatically give cogentin unless they were experiencing EPS, or had a past Hx of sensitivity.

[PG2018]

Where I work all prn Haldol IMs come with 50mg of Benadryl. and Ativan as well. POs are different tho

We called something like that B52 like the bomber.

[302prince]

i have heard it called that lol. and the nappy time missle haha or the nappy time shot.

We called something like that B52 like the bomber.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

We called something like that B52 like the bomber.

My favorite nickname for it is The Three Amigos.

[PG2018]

i have heard it called that lol. and the nappy time missle haha or the nappy time shot.

I've seen it injected, more than a few times, straight through the clothes. Typically, being the only guy around with some additional training in hold and control tactics, I was always holding them down waiting for someone else to give the shot, lol. Ah, good times.