Curious

[Cart8289]

I was curious if any harm would come to a patient if an IM antibiotic was given orally. I know often that iv medications such as steroids are given orally to pediatrics. Made me question, if IM atb would cause harm if given orally?

[loveofrn, BSN, RN]

I was curious if any harm would come to a patient if an IM antibiotic was given orally. I know often that iv medications such as steroids are given orally to pediatrics. Made me question, if IM atb would cause harm if given orally?

What do you mean IV medications are given orally? It can only be given orally if it is in form of tablet, capsule or in liquid.

[nursemeanie]

What do you mean IV medications are given orally? It can only be given orally if it is in form of tablet, capsule or in liquid.

We give IV Decadron po all the time in peds

[loveofrn, BSN, RN]

We give IV Decadron po all the time in peds

I just looked this up and its true, interesting. is this only possible with pediatric patient? and also why not give the oral suspension form instead of IV and also is this not a med error technically

[Donnagg123]

We give IV vanco PO. The pharmacists swear it is cheaper to reconstitute and give PO than to give the PO pills.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

We give IV vanco PO. The pharmacists swear it is cheaper to reconstitute and give PO than to give the PO pills.

We do too for exactly the same reason.

I feel sorry for the patient though. Judging by their face, the taste must be horrible.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

PO Vanc is horrifying, I can't imagine drinking all that IV Vanc must be like. ACK!

I work in peds and have never given IV decadron PO - we switch to orapred. Interesting. :)