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Implementation of a β-lactam Continuous Infusion Protocol in a Coronary Care Unit

European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

Catarina Oliveira, Ana Mirco, Fátima Falcão

Why was it done?

-lactams have proven to be effective and safe antibiotics over their history, and as a consequence, these drugs are typically among the most frequently prescribed in hospital settings. Optimization of treatment with β-lactams can be achieved by their administration by continuous infusion. Furthermore, this approach leads to a reduction of the nursing time devoted to preparation and administration. However, information regarding continuous infusion of β-lactams is not readily available for most antibiotics, leading to doubts about dosing, renal adjustments and administration, particularly uncertainties related to dilution of the antibiotics as most patients benefit from fluid restriction. Also, it was indispensable to understand which antibiotics had stability to be administered through continuous infusion.

What was done?

A protocol for continuous infusion of β-lactams was established in a coronary care unit (CCU), replacing the previous method of intermittent dosing in most patients.

How was it done?

Firstly, we evaluated which antibiotics benefited from this approach and had, simultaneously, stability. The antibiotics selected were Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Cefuroxime, Piperacillin/tazobactam, Penicillin G, Ampicillin and Flucloxacillin. In order to stablish a protocol for continuous infusion of these antibiotics, an extensive literature review was performed. Information about loading and maintenance dose, reconstitution, dilution (solvent and maximum concentration), infusion rate, renal adjustments, stability and storage was collected and summarized in a table.

What has been achieved?

A ready-to-use version of the β-lactams continuous infusion protocol was developed. In addition, dosing adjustments in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy, commonly made in patients in the CCU, were included too. This protocol was made available to all health professionals through the hospital’s intranet as well as posted in the CCU in order to be easily accessible by doctors and nurses. Thus, continuous infusion is now the standard for most patients requiring therapy with β-lactams in the CCU.

What next?

The implementation of this protocol has an education purpose, allowing the best use of documented practices in prescribing, medication review and administration continuous infusion of β-lactams. This protocol can similarly be easily implemented in other medical units. In the near future, we plan to monitor the compliance to the protocol and consider further improvements if necessary.

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