Re: Dilantin

[Leigh Ann Bowe-geddes]

Nancy: Dilantin is very prone to precipitation. It is not compatible with anything except NS. Flushing is very important, but there is another issue. The lumen through which the dilantin is infused should be dedicated to dilantin and NS only. Some of the drug may cling to the internal lumen, and if anything other than NS is infused between dilantin doses, you get dilantin crystals in the line. There are some other issues with dilantin. It is very important to flush well, and to administer the medication properly. It is not stable if the pH is allowed to drop, and the normal pH of dilantin is very high, somewhere in the 12-13 range. Leigh Ann   Leigh Ann Bowe-Geddes, RN, CRNI IV Therapy Specialist Infusion Services Department University of Louisville Hospital Louisville, KY 502-562-3530 >>> "Nancy Sullivan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 02/03/06 8:26 PM >>> I know you ladies and gentlmen have probably discussed this many times, but I'm new to these message baords and have a  questions.   My hospital has a policy that states: "DO NOT INFUSE DILANTIN THRU PICC LINES." I have been working at this hospital for 3 years and it does seem like every time a nurse puts dilantin into a picc--occlusion and loss of the line.  I have been told that it is a flushing problem and lack of education. We use groshong  and per q cath piccs. SO PLEASE EDUCATE ME IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE I WOULD LOVE TO EDUCATE THE REST OF THE STAFF.  Thanks in advance Nancy Sullivan RN   Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. ----------------------------------------------------- Confidentiality Disclaimer This message, including any attachments, is confidential, intended only for the named recipient(s) and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law, including PHI (Protected Health Information) covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.  If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are notified that the dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender or contact the University of Louisville Health Care I.S. helpdesk at 502.562.3637 to report an inadvertently received message. -----------------------------------------------------