Intravenous antibiotics are needed in patients that:
- Have not responded to oral antibiotics
- In people where the particular bug causing infection requires an intravenous antibiotic
- In patients’ very unwell needing hospital admission
Home IV Service
The Royal Iinfirmary of Edinburgh provides a home IV service – where this is deemed appropriate. This is where patients or their carers can administer their IV antibiotics at home rather than in the hospital. This service is run by the specialist respiratory nurses who form part of the multidisciplinary team.
Different IV Methods
There are different methods for taking IV antibiotics as demonstrated in the Bronchiectasis booklet . The best one for you will depend upon the frequency of need for such antibiotics. This will be discussed fully between you and the specialist nurse.
All the methods require some initial training on handling this type of medication – but with practice, and reference to the nurses, it can usually be carried out very successfully.
IV treatment requires more regular visits to the clinic for tests to be carried out. This is to ensure that the method of treatment is working and also that there are no side effects. Usually regular blood tests are required.
Hassle? Yes, it can be! But much less than a spell in hospital of perhaps 14 days which may be the only alternative.
Administering IV Antibiotics Midline Catheter
Sodium Chloride Flush – using spike and needle
Last Reviewed: 17th October 2019