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We have a hospital policy that sedating IV meds (e.g. ativan, dilaudid, morphine, benadryl, phenergan) must be given at least 20 minutes apart. However, you can give IV of one and PO of another together, so IV dilaudid and an Ambien or IV Ativan with PO dilaudid would be fine, for example.
Some things I'd consider include onset and peaks of the drugs. But as they differ, my other considerations include my pt specifics.
How old is pt?
Is pt anxious because of pain?
Is pt well-nourished?
Is pt lying down with side-rails up?
Anything else being given that might 'SNOW' pt?
Is BP ok?
Like others have said, the pharmacists are terrific resources.
How much Ativan? How much Dilaudid? How much does the patient weigh? How well are their kidneys functioning? Are they elderly or frail? Are they opioid naive or have they been taking these medications regularly for a significant period of time? What health problems are they currently experiencing?
There is no yes or no answer. Every situation is different.
mandaaRN
27 Posts
Question! Is it okay to give Ativan IV with dilaudid PO at the same time? Same goes for any narcotic and Ativan together? I ask nurses at work but never get a straight answer as they are always busy themselves. What about narcs and sleeping pills? Do you wait an hour in between? It's been bothering me which meds are and are not okay to give with each other. If any of you could help me and ease my mind a little more, I would appreciate it so much!! :)