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Anesthesiology/Antibiotics delivered through epidural port

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Expert: - 11/29/2007


Question
Is there anything known about the effects of administering an IV/IM antibiotic through an epidural port? The antibiotic did not contain a preservative. The specific drug company says there are no documented cases of their drug being administered that way. In general, what are the possible side effects to watch for?

Answer
I have not heard of any such case reports but the likelihood is that there will be no adverse effects. I have heard of a number of different drugs accidentally put in the epidural catheter and have not heard of ill effects so my guess is that nothing would happen.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

Anesthesiology

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Ronald Levy, M.D.

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Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. I am a board certified anesthesiologist who can answer all questions related to any type of Anesthesia with the exception of Pain Management.

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