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What are Intravenous Antibiotics?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are antibiotic medications designed to be delivered directly into the bloodstream. They are an alternative to oral antibiotics taken by mouth and topical antibiotics applied directly to the site where an infection is located. Drug companies that make antibiotics usually offer a range of products for intravenous use. These medications are available by prescription only and must be administered under the supervision of a doctor.

Antibiotics are a class of drug designed to work against bacteria. They can either actively kill bacteria to stop an infection or they can interfere with bacterial reproduction, making it difficult for an infection to spread. As generations of the organisms die, the infection is gradually brought under control. Some drugs are broad spectrum and will work against many different organisms, while others target particular bacteria and are not suitable for generic use.

Intravenous antibiotics are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
Intravenous antibiotics are delivered directly into the bloodstream.

Delivering antibiotics intravenously means that the drugs act quickly, which can be critical in an emergency situation. When drugs are introduced directly into the bloodstream, they will travel rapidly to the site of an infection and immediately begin working. By contrast, drugs taken by mouth must be absorbed through the gut before they can start attacking an infection. For people with severe infections, intravenous antibiotics may be used because they will take effect quickly.

The hand is the most common placement for an intravenous line.
The hand is the most common placement for an intravenous line.

People are commonly given intravenous antibiotics through an intravenous catheter connected to an infusion pump. The medications can be injected directly into the catheter, or injected into a bag of sterile saline solution for a slow infusion into the bloodstream. The delivery method depends on the patient and the medication in question. Some drugs need to be delivered slowly due to concerns about side effects.

An intravenous drip bag may be used to dilute the intravenous antibiotics to the correct dosage.
An intravenous drip bag may be used to dilute the intravenous antibiotics to the correct dosage.

Before prescribing intravenous antibiotics, a doctor conducts an exam to confirm that an infection is the problem, and samples may be taken with the goal of finding out which bacterial organisms are present. This information is used to select an appropriate medication for the patient. Dosage is calculated on the basis of patient weight to ensure that the patient gets enough medication to tackle the infection without being given too much.

Due to the risk of adverse side effects, intravenous antibiotics are generally prescribed for severe infections only.
Due to the risk of adverse side effects, intravenous antibiotics are generally prescribed for severe infections only.

Although intravenous antibiotics are often given in a hospital setting to patients with infections that require skilled nursing care, they can also be administered at home or in long-term care facilities. For home administration, patients must be trained in giving intravenous injections or managing an intravenous line. Following directions, they can draw up needed medication and administer it. A home care nurse can also take care of medication administration for such patients.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon995500

Can intravenous antibiotics be taken on an ocean going private yacht?

anon329497

Can I take these intravenous drugs if I have a bladder problem and am I able to go and buy them at a pharmacy without a prescription?

anon242546

I'm taking this, but less than the prescribed four times. Is this dangerous?

anon197045

I have to go back and forth to the hospital to get IV antibiotics for mastitis (breast infection) from breastfeeding. I had a fever when I was admitted so I guess that's what made it emergency. My problem is they send me home every night with the catheter still in my arm and it bothers me. I just had to take it out myself.

jessica500

I once had a serious case of cellulitis that had to be treated with IV antibiotics. My skin was cracked, red, and throbbing on my arm. I had an overall feeling of sickness, but was not tired. The doctor took a sample of my blood and said that I would have to be admitted to the hospital -- I was so freaked out! It was a lot less serious than I thought it would be though -- I was given IV antibiotics and sent home 5 days later. Still, that was enough hospital drama to last me for a lifetime!

seekinfo2

What would be an example of a condition that would be treated with IV antibiotics? Is this kind of a go-to treatment for a lot of conditions, or is it only used for very serious infections? I would love to learn more about this -- can anybody clue me in?

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    • Intravenous antibiotics are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
      By: arztsamui
      Intravenous antibiotics are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
    • The hand is the most common placement for an intravenous line.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      The hand is the most common placement for an intravenous line.
    • An intravenous drip bag may be used to dilute the intravenous antibiotics to the correct dosage.
      By: grieze
      An intravenous drip bag may be used to dilute the intravenous antibiotics to the correct dosage.
    • Due to the risk of adverse side effects, intravenous antibiotics are generally prescribed for severe infections only.
      By: Africa Studio
      Due to the risk of adverse side effects, intravenous antibiotics are generally prescribed for severe infections only.
    • An I.V. solution bag can be used to dispense drugs to a patient over a period of time.
      By: Rob Byron
      An I.V. solution bag can be used to dispense drugs to a patient over a period of time.