Dumb Question about piggybacking ABX.

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I recently had an OB Pt. with Chorio and was given order for Amp, Gent and Clinda. I haven't had to give multiple abx in a long time and couldn't remember.... Was I correct in that I can't run any of those at the same time? Thanks!

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Here's what I found when I checked my drug compatibility poster in my ED Med room and King Guide:

Ampicillin Vs Gentamycin = conflicting reports of compatibility in literature, assume incompatibility.

Ampicillin Vs Clindamycin = conflicting reports of compatibility in literature, assume incompatibility.

Clindamycin Vs Gentamycin = medications are compatible.

Or, when in doubt: check with a pharmacist :)

cheers,

Roy

PS: I'm assuming by "Amp" you meant "Ampicillin" and not "Amphotericin".

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I haven't checked compatibility since my book is clear across the room and I'm in bed, but according to Roy's post, you could run the Clindamycin and Gentamycin at the same time, and the Ampicillin into a second IV site. But the reason I would run them one at a time is if the person has a hypersensitivity reaction. It would be difficult to figure out which med caused the reaction if you're running them all at the same time.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.

I agree about not running them at the same time. Sure it's a pain in the butt to keep going in to change to another pb but if the pt reacted you wouldn't know which antibiotic they were reacting to. Just retime the meds.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

When in doubt, call pharmacy and/or (flush in between w/NS) run seperataly.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I wouldn't ever run a med at the same time, in case of a reaction you might not know which one it was. However maybe it is different other places, but generally I have plenty of time to run IVPB's one at a time. Even if it does keep me hoppin' all night switching bags.

Tait

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
I recently had an OB Pt. with Chorio and was given order for Amp, Gent and Clinda. I haven't had to give multiple abx in a long time and couldn't remember.... Was I correct in that I can't run any of those at the same time? Thanks!

Remember....there is never a dumb question. The only dumb question is the one that is NOT asked!

Take care!

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