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Anesthesiology/Epidural administration of antibiotic
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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?
The answer is no. We don't know and there has been no research on this topic as far as I know.
Effects would depend on the antibiotic and if it has any neurotoxicity effects. Few do and so the likelyhood is that this will not be an issue. However one would want to watch for any neurological signs in the lower limbs.
I won't mention the patient safety issues about epidurals and iv injections....
Dr Ian Jackson
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Answers by Expert:
Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based
Expertise
I am a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK. My interests include ambulatory or day surgery, obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, acute pain management (use of epidurals and patient controlled analgesia)anaesthesia for surgery on the airway, orthopaedics and most things except brains and hearts. Interest in prehospital care of trauma and provision of medical cover at motorsport events.
Experience
Organizations
European Society of Regional Anaesthesia
British Association of Day Surgery
Obstetric Anaesthetists Association
Association of Anaesthetists
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