IV Drug compatibility/stability

Question 1

Where are PICC lines inserted?

Answer 1

inserted into a vein in the upper arm and the end of the line rest in the superior vena cava

allows for larger volumes and higher infusion rates to be used

Question 2

Main resources used for IV compatilbility

Answer 2

Handbook on Inject able drugs (Trissel’s)

King Guide to Parental Admixtures

Question 3

Some drugs cannot be placed in PVC containers. What can be used instead?

Answer 3

Polyolefin
polypropylene
Glass container

Question 4

Main drugs that need non-PVC containers

Answer 4

Lorazepam
Amiodarone
Tacrolimus
Insulin
Nitroglycerin
Sufentanil
Many chemo drugs

Question 5

Main drugs that can only be diluted in saline (no dextrose)

Answer 5

Ampicillin 
Caspofungin
Infliximab (Remicade)
Daptomycin (Cubicin)
Amp/sulbactam (Unasyn)
Phenytoin
Ertapenem (Invanz)

Question 6

Main drugs that can only be diluted in dextrose

Answer 6

Amphotericin B
Bactrim
Synercid (Quinpristin/dalfopristin)

Question 7

Drugs that incompatible with a majority of drugs

Answer 7

Amphotericin B
Zosyn
Heparin
Caspofungin

Question 8

Main drugs that require IV filters

Answer 8

0.22 micro:
Phenytoin
Golimumab (Symponi)
Lorazapam
Amiodarone
Lipids (1.2 micron)
Amphotericin B (5 micron  - lipid formulations)

Question 9

IV drugs that should never be refrigerated

Answer 9

Dexmedetomidine
Bactrim
Phenytoin
Metronidazole
Moxifloxacin
Furosemide
Enoxaparin

Question 10

Main drugs that require protecting from light

Answer 10

Doxycycline
Epoprostenol (Flolan)
Nitroprusside
Micafungin

Question 11

Discoloration can be a sign of….

Answer 11

oxidation or other type of decomposition