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Denise Shuler
IV Amiodarone

What form of IV access are other institutions using to administer Amiodarone? Most times the length of time of administration is less than 24 hours to 48 hours. Are peripheral sites used or is a central access device required?

Thank you.

lynncrni
Using the monograph for this

Using the monograph for this drug in Intravenous Medications, by Gahart and Nazareno, a CVC is recommended for all concentrations and required for concentrations greater than 2 mg/mL. An inline 0.22 micron filter is also required according to this reference. The reason for this is apparently the pH of 4 for the drug. Application of the Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice, which calls for peripheral infusion to be between 5 and 9, would indicate the need for a CVC. If there were a serious negative outcome, and the patient filed a lawsuit, both of these documents would be used to establish the standard of care, which is defined legally as the action that any other reasonable and prudent nurse would take. So, based on both of these documents, I would strongly recommend use of a CVC for better patient outcomes and creation of a safer situation for the nurse and your organization. Lynn

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

Nadine Nakazawa
Nadine Nakazawa's picture
 IV amiodorone may be started

 IV amiodorone may be started peripherally but we try to get a PICC or the MDs will place a CVC as soon as possible.  If our schedule is crazy /hectic, we prioritize and this patient to the top of the list.  Horrible peripheral phebitis can occur with it given peripherally.

Nadine Nakazawa, RN, BS, VA-BC

Nadine Nakazawa
Nadine Nakazawa's picture
 IV amiodorone may be started

 IV amiodorone may be started peripherally but we try to get a PICC or the MDs will place a CVC as soon as possible.  If our schedule is crazy /hectic, we prioritize and this patient to the top of the list.  Horrible peripheral phebitis can occur with it given peripherally.

Nadine Nakazawa, RN, BS, VA-BC

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