antibiotic question...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

hey guys. just wanna know what is the time span of an antibiotic drug for iv when dilution (streile water for the antibiotic) is added? what if you dont use it immediately, how many hours or minutes will it last? im thinking of pedia patients. doctors have a specific miligrams to give to the patient so what about the left antibiotic on the vial? can u still use it? i know ideally it should be disregarded, but what if the patient has no money to pay for an expensive antibiotic, can u still use it?

some put it on the refrigerator. how many minutes can it stay there? thanks,. :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Do you have a unit pharmacist that you can ask?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Wouldn't it depend on the antibiotic that you are trying to save, what does your drug guide say? Have you asked your pharmacist?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Check the drug book it should say. I know we mix up IV Vanco for oral use and it's ok in the fridge for 48 hours.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Depends on the antibiotic. Usually it is printed somewhere on the vial or bag for us.

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Read the label, talk to the pharmacist.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It really depends on the antibiotic and usually around 24 hours......google it or ask pharmacy. Regulations may be different for different countries.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

read the insert in the box that the vial comes in. I know I have done it with erythromycin for 24 hrs

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Specializes in Surgery, Tele, OB, Peds,ED-True Float RN.

Depends on if the antibiotic has a preservative in it! Some abx are for one time use one. The package insert or Lexicomp would tell you how long a reconstituted drug is good for.

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