Ativan IM?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 23, 2008

Absolutely, yes. I'm in psych and we give it IM often.

sweetieann · Nov 23, 2008

and you don't dilute it with anything for IM, correct?

Clipping · Nov 23, 2008

Can you give this undiluted as IM injection? I know it's rather thick to draw up...

I would make it your practice that whenever you have a serious question about medication consult a book/other verified source. I know its not a big deal in this scenario but if you get in the habit of trusting other people and not finding verified sources you may regret it in the future...

vamedic4, EMT-P · Nov 23, 2008

I've seen it given IM, undiluted. It's very oily and hurts like the dickens evidently...patients don't like it very much, but if it helps....

sweetieann · Nov 24, 2008

i couldnt find this addressed in a text in terms of IM, only IV. I just like to get second opinions.

Thankful RN,BSN · Nov 24, 2008

i give ativan undiluted im, when confused pt's rip their iv's out.

GQRN · Nov 24, 2008

Ativan is a thick medication. Why do we Dilute it giving IV? So we can administer it with ease. Ever tried pushing it undiluted? Good luck with that.

As for IM, There is no need to dilute that Ativan, just make sure you use a larger gauge needle when administering it IM, say 18 gauger? If you want, you can also dilute it. Just make sure you use the same amount of saline. For example, if you are giving 1mg/1ml, add 1ml of saline to dilute it a bit for easier IM administering.

Wisc.RN · Nov 24, 2008

I most definitely agree with always checking the info for yourself.... I would suggest reading the package inserts that come with the meds. If you don't have it available contact your pharmacist and ask to have it sent to you. I believe the package insert for Ativan says it is to be given undiluted in a large muscle mass for IM injection. IV is to be ALWAYS diluted.

pinkestar · Nov 24, 2008

Ativan is a thick medication. Why do we Dilute it giving IV? So we can administer it with ease. Ever tried pushing it undiluted? Good luck with that.

Hhmm, interesting. On the unit where I work we push ativan pretty routinely in CMO patients. I'd never noticed it being any more difficult to push than any other meds.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Nov 24, 2008

Hhmm, interesting. On the unit where I work we push ativan pretty routinely in CMO patients. I'd never noticed it being any more difficult to push than any other meds.

If you are pushing it through a needless port into a line it isn't hard to push, but drawing it up is tough if you've grabbed anything smaller than an 18g!

I work ER and we give IM ativan frequently. I don't usually dilute it, just to keep the volume down. I don't think it's any thicker than Bicillin. They both burn and in comparison to other meds are "hard" to push.

To the OP, please, please look this up. I understand that it's always nice to hear reassurance, but taking advice on line is not a safe way to practice!

Nursesince1977 · Oct 28, 2009

The proper proceedure for diluting Ativan when giving IM or IV is to use a 1:1 ratio of ativan to sterile water. If you look it up in your published drug book it will tell you this. You SHOULD NOT give it undiluted, that's just poor nursing. It SHOULD NOT be mixed with things like haldol as one nurse mentioned, that is called a chemical restraint & it's against the law.