meds never to be given IVP

canadian_RN · Oct 31, 2004

Does anyone know where I can finda list of meds that are never to be given IV push? Thanks!

That's a good question!

I don't work acute care any more but when I did, I know we had a large chart in our med room that listed meds that COULD be given IV push. Of course we had to also follow our hospital's Pharmacy and Therapeutics' policy as to which ones could be given and under what circumstances Eg) some could only be given if a doc was present, some could only be given IVP in an emergency situation, some could only be given that route with a specific doctor's order that it be given that way, etc. Guess I didn't really answer your question, though, sorry.

If you work in a hospital, contact your Pharmacy Dept there, they should be able to give you a general list of meds that shouldn't EVER be given this way, at least I'd think so.

newgrad2005 · Nov 1, 2004

That's a good question!
I don't work acute care any more but when I did, I know we had a large chart in our med room that listed meds that COULD be given IV push. Of course we had to also follow our hospital's Pharmacy and Therapeutics' policy as to which ones could be given and under what circumstances Eg) some could only be given if a doc was present, some could only be given IVP in an emergency situation, some could only be given that route with a specific doctor's order that it be given that way, etc. Guess I didn't really answer your question, though, sorry.
If you work in a hospital, contact your Pharmacy Dept there, they should be able to give you a general list of meds that shouldn't EVER be given this way, at least I'd think so.

Thank you so much for our response. I am a student starting a module on IV therapy. I have looked in my Fundamentals book, Med-surg book, pharm book, and searched the web, but cannot come up with a list of meds that can not be given IV push!

jaimealmostRN · Nov 1, 2004

Potassium chloride!!!!!!

lopressor IVP can only be given by tele/cardiac/critical care nurses at my hospital

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 1, 2004

Med/surg nurses give Lopressor all the time where I work........you just push it verrrrrrrrrrry sloooooooowly........

KCl, of course, is NEVER given IV push. :)

z's playa · Nov 1, 2004

KCL......right?

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2004

Some abx may be given slow IVP. Most of them are run in slowly, 30 mins to an hour or more, esp on babies. I always look at the Neofax and/or other drug books to be sure, if I've not given a med in a while. We have been told to push meds by the Pharmacy, that we have never pushed before, so I always do some research.

z's playa · Nov 1, 2004

Just got informed that 50 mg of Demerol is no longer acceptable. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me.

NeuroICURN · Nov 1, 2004

There's a ton of meds that should never been given IVP. Many meds vary over times of a couple minutes or an hour or longer. The best way to know if your drug can be given push is to look it up!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Nov 1, 2004

Aren't most places trying to phase out Meperidine because of the nasty metabolites?

z's playa · Nov 1, 2004

Yes but usually in people with slow kidney function and prone to siezures.

(AND......... the elderly...and the so called drug seekers)

Katmae RN · Nov 1, 2004

Made a med error years ago..a fellow nurse took a phone order the previous night for a patient with pain. Order Demerol/Vistaril iv push . A few of us got caught giving this. The vial writing is so tiny on Vistaril..but it does indeed say Do Not Give IV..I learned the hard way UGH. So used to that combo IM. Patient was fine thankfully, but I learned an invaluable lesson..read the vial thoroughly. So add Vistaril to the list :)