question about injectable ativan

Ativan is thinner when warm and therefore easier to draw up and give IV or IM.

I was told years ago that diluting the vial of ativan with an equal amount of ns will make it much easier to draw up and inject. That has been my practice since then. (Of course, remember to adjust the amount you will need for the dose proportionately.)

for iv i draw up the dose of ativan i want to give and then fill the rest of the 3cc syringe with ns to dilute it, easier to push and doesn't hurt the pt as much

I always roll the Ativan gently between my hands to warm it (like you do insulin) and it makes it a little less thinner where it is easier to draw up. I also dilute it with NS where I can push it slow.

HTH

Ativan should always be refrigerated (according to manufacturers instructions) to maintain stability. Additionally, ativan should always be diluted with an equal volume of compatible solution prior to IV adminstration, due to it's viscosity and potential for irritation at the insertion site. Proper technique includes drawing up only the amount for use and then diluting it. Drawing the entire vial, diluting and then administering only the amount you need is inappropriate, as you can never be certain if the amount you inject is thoroughly mixed or not. It should not be diluted for IM administration, and should be injected into deep muscle tissue.

And don't forget to use a big syringe to draw the Ativan. It's so thick, ya gotta use an 18 or better.