oral vanco?

[sweetieann]

A pt I have gets oral vancomycin suspension in a little individual cup. I looked up in a drug guide and it says this can be mixed with "one onuce of fluid." I'm wondering why it couldn't be poured in, say a glass of juice, and then drank? Would this dilute it too much? It seems as long as the full dose was poured in and ingested promptly, it wouldn't matter if it was in one oucne or several.

Thanks for any comments =)

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I just make them shoot it like a shot of bad tequila. Then have them chase it. I hate ruining the taste of juice or a favorite soda by making them drink it mixed with Vanco.

Tait

[GQRN]

I don't think it would make a difference. Its not like you have a measured amount of fluid in your gut. It all mixes down there. If its bitter, give it a little more mixture. I don't think there is any restriction with foods while taking Vanco PO.

[mcknis]

I had the same thing recently. we made them chug it like a shot and then followed it with shasta or juice

[sweetieann]

hmmm what if we're putting it down, say an NG tube? ok to mix it with H20 to draw it up then follow with another flush?

[GQRN]

hmmm what if we're putting it down, say an NG tube? ok to mix it with H20 to draw it up then follow with another flush?

Yes, exactly. Make sure you flush. Did you check placement first? Always check for placement prior to administering.

[jncRN]

hi...have had to give this many times to patients...i always just mixed it with an ounce or two of whatever drink they preferred -- even though it makes the drink taste crappy, it gives them a little bit of "choice" -- which seems to make the medicine go down easier.

hope this helps.

______________________________

nursescarlett rn bscn

er nurse

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

I ask them what their preference is. Most patients that have had to take it orally a time or two request I mix it with whatever is the strongest flavored drink we have on the floor, usually cranberry juice or ginger ale. They get to choose whatever works best to help them choke it down. ('Cept Jack Daniels-I tell them I wish I could offer something to really help forget the taste but we can only use what's in the fridge!)

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

I think the reasoning behind not mixing it with too much is fluid is that there's a greater chance that the pt may not get the entire dose. A lot of people don't suck down 8oz at a time. They may forget about it and not finish it until it's been sitting out too long. It could also wind up being pitched, removed by dietary, etc.

Also, I think it's a lot easier to tolerate a small amount of something that tastes bad than a whole glass.

[leslie :-D]

I think the reasoning behind not mixing it with too much is fluid is that there's a greater chance that the pt may not get the entire dose. A lot of people don't suck down 8oz at a time. They may forget about it and not finish it until it's been sitting out too long. It could also wind up being pitched, removed by dietary, etc.

Also, I think it's a lot easier to tolerate a small amount of something that tastes bad than a whole glass.

exactly, nursey.

i always give my pts the nasty stuff straight up in a tiny med cup, then have a cup of their favorite chaser waiting.

i need to know they'll take the whole thing.

15-30ml of gross is still easier than 120ml of still pretty gross.:)

leslie