
Peripheral vesicants are administered by gravity infusions or i.v. bolus and should not be infused using an infusion pump since the pump may continue to deliver a vesicant into the tissue until the pump alarm is triggered (AIII). When infusing vesicant medication what is best practice?
What drugs are considered vesicants?
Vesicants: Drugs that can result in tissue necrosis or formation of blisters when accidentally infused into tissue surrounding a vein. They include Actinomycin D, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Idarubicin, Mitomycin C, Vinblastine, Vindesine, Vincristine, and Vinorelbine.
What IV fluids are vesicants?
- TimesMojo What IV Fluids Are Vesicants? Some common examples of vesicant medications and fluids include vancomycin, potassium chloride, calcium gluconate, dopamine, and Dilantin. Which drugs are Vesicants? Vesicants: Drugs that can result in tissue necrosis or formation of blisters when accidentally infused into tissue surrounding a vein.
What are the side effects of vesicant agents?
Vesicant agents may cause severe tissue damage, including necrosis, if they extravasate into tissue.
How do you use a vesicant cold pack?
Vesicant (rare) Cold generally recommended (different suggestions depending on reference): Apply cold pack 15 to 20 minutes at a time for at least four times per day for 24 hours. Apply ice to the area for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for 4 hours.

What is a vesicant infusion?
Vesicants: Drugs that can result in tissue necrosis or formation of blisters when accidentally infused into tissue surrounding a vein[14]. They include Actinomycin D, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Idarubicin, Mitomycin C, Vinblastine, Vindesine, Vincristine, and Vinorelbine.
What is the safest route for vesicant drug?
Vincristine (a vinca alkaloid and vesicant) must only be administered intravenously.
How is vesicant treated?
Treatment of a vesicant extravasation includes immediate cessation of infusion, aspiration of as much extravasated drug as possible through the still-intact catheter, and attempts for the aspiration of the extravasated agent in the surrounding tissue. This aspiration may help to limit the extent of tissue damage.
What is the first treatment for extravasation?
Warm compresses are preferred for extravasation of specific drugs including vinca alkaloids, etoposide, vasopressors, and oxaliplatin to increase local blood flow and enhance drug removal. Apply compresses for 20 to 60 minutes 3 or 4 times daily for the first 24 to 72 hours after extravasation occurs.
Can vesicants be given peripherally?
In summary, when administering vesicant drugs through peripheral and central venous catheters, be sure that the catheter is properly placed in the vein and is functioning properly. If there is any doubt, don't use the catheter for vesicant infusions.
What is the meaning of vesicant drugs?
Medical Definition of vesicant (Entry 1 of 2) : an agent (such as a drug or a chemical weapon) that induces blistering.
What antibiotics are Vesicants?
Vesicant antimicrobial defined as pH < 5 or > 9, or osmolality > 600 mosmol/L, including acyclovir, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, ganciclovir, gentamicin, levofloxacin, linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tobramycin, and vancomycin.
What are examples of vesicant solutions?
Some common examples of vesicant medications and fluids include vancomycin, potassium chloride, calcium gluconate, dopamine, and Dilantin.
How is IV site extravasation treated?
Your clinician will likely do the following:Stop the infusion.Remove the IV.Mark the outline affected area with a marker.Photograph the affected area.Apply a hot or cold compress based on the type of IV fluid infiltrated.Elevate the extremity.Inject medication into the subcutaneous tissue.
How is extravasation injuries treated?
If extravasation occurs, the injection should be stopped immediately and the IV tubing disconnected. Avoid applying pressure to the site, and do not flush the line. Leave the original catheter in place, and attempt to aspirate as much of the infiltrated drug as possible.
How long does extravasation last?
Blown veins require medical treatment, but they do not usually result in long-term damage to the vein and generally heal in 10–12 days.
What's the difference between infiltration and extravasation?
The difference between an infiltration and extravasation is the type of medicine or fluid that is leaked. Infiltration – if the fluid is a non-vesicant (does not irritate tissue), it is called an infiltration. Extravasation – if the fluid is a vesicant (a fluid that irritates tissue), it is called an extravasation.
Which of the following should be done first to ensure proper cleanup of a chemotherapy spill?
If your liquid chemotherapy or biotherapy medication spills:Put on 2 pairs of disposable gloves.Clamp the tubing.If you have a pump, turn it off.Place the following in plastic bags and seal the bags tightly: ... Soak up the spill with paper towels.Clean the area with dish soap or laundry detergent and water.More items...•
How do you assess for blood return while a vesicant drug is being administered?
You are administering a vesicant drug via a syringe into a CVAD. How do you assess for blood return while the drug is being administered? Gently aspirate the venous access device to check for blood return. You do not need to check for blood return while the drug is being administered.
What medications Cannot be given through a midline?
Generally, drugs that are vesicants or have extremes of pH or osmolarity should not be administered via midline catheters.
Which medication routes provide absorption into the systemic circulation?
Parenteral Route of Medication An intravenous route directly administers the medications to the systemic circulation. It is indicated when a rapid drug effect is desired, a precise serum drug level is needed, or when drugs are unstable or poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
What is extravasation in phlebotomy?
Extravasation: Leakage of a medication into tissue or extravascular space around the infusion site. May be due to direct leakage from the venous access device or from elsewhere in the vessel (such as from previous phlebotomy).
How long does carmustine take to work?
Carmustine (BCNU) Vesicant/Irritant (depending on reference) Cold - 15 to 20 minutes at a time for at least four times per day for 24 hours. Manage conservatively as first line option with supportive non-pharmacologic strategies.
What is the least likely to cause damage when extravasation occurs?
In order from most likely to least likely to cause damage when extravasation occurs: vesicants (most likely), exfoliants, irritants, inflammitants, and neutrals (least likely). Some references primarily classify drugs as vesicants or irritants, so those categories will preferentially be used below over classifying as inflammitants and exfoliants. It is also important to note that some medications are classified differently by different references.
How many units of vinca alkaloids are in a pinwheel?
May use up to 250 units if symptoms persist.
Can venous access be removed immediately?
Always stop infusion of the causative medication first and, if appropriate, elevate the affected extremity. The venous access should not be removed immediately, since it can be used to attempt aspirating extravasated fluid and for administration of an antidote, if clinically appropriate.
