Intravenous Antibiotics
Intravenous (IV) Antibiotic Therapy
Since its inception in the 1970s, long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotic or antifungal therapy has become the standard approach for managing various infection types in patients. In specific cases, physicians prescribe home infusion of IV antibiotics or antifungals for patients who are well enough to receive treatment at home but require this method due to inadequate response to oral medications. It is crucial to have appropriate IV access for such treatments. Home-based IV antibiotics are typically reserved for a limited number of bacterial infections, as many mild to moderate infections can be effectively addressed with oral antibiotics. Unfortunately, due to the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance in both hospital and community settings, several infections that were once treatable with oral antibiotics now necessitate intravenous antibiotic therapy.
The dosage and selection of IV antibiotics or antifungals are customized for individual patients, aiming to treat the infection effectively while enabling them to undergo treatment in the comfort of their home, rather than requiring hospitalization.
The beneficial impacts of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in preventing primary immunodeficiency syndromes have been firmly established. Properly applying IVIG in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PI) helps maintain organ function, enhances quality of life, averts infection-related fatalities, and extends the lifespan of patients. The ultimate objective of IVIG therapy is to minimize infections in patients as much as possible.
Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)
What does a home infusion of IV antibiotics entail?
Infusion therapy is the delivery of medication via a needle or catheter, usually used when patients cannot ingest medications orally. Since its inception in the 1970s, long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotic or antifungal therapy has become a common approach for various infection types in patients.
What is the rationale behind the need for home infusions of antibiotics?
A physician prescribes home infusion of IV antibiotics or antifungals for specific patients who are in a condition to receive treatment at home but cannot be sufficiently treated with oral medications. Proper IV access is a crucial requirement. Home-based IV antibiotics are necessary for only a limited subset of bacterial infections, as many mild to moderate infections can be effectively managed with oral antibiotics. Regrettably, due to the growing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in both healthcare facilities and the broader community, several infections that previously had oral antibiotic treatment options now mandate intravenous antibiotics as the sole viable remedy.
How extensive will the IV antibiotic therapy be?
The dosage and specific IV antibiotics or antifungals are individually customized to effectively address the infection while enabling patients to undergo treatment in the comfort of their homes, avoiding the need for prolonged hospitalization. Medrx Infusion offers a wide range of acute therapies for home or alternate site settings, including antibacterial and antifungal infusion medications. Our pharmacists conduct meticulous drug monitoring and patient assessments to ensure the safe administration of infusion therapy, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Infectious Disease Society for managing multidrug-resistant infections.
Is home infusion of IV antibiotics a recognized and approved treatment method?
The utilization of IV antibiotics for treating infections in a home setting is a well-established treatment approach. Through meticulous patient selection, ensuring safe IV access, and providing appropriate training and monitoring, a considerable number of patients can receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. However, the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant infections implies that a growing proportion of patients will require extended courses of IV antibiotics.
Please be aware that the information provided on this website is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medrx Infusion does not advocate for or endorse any particular tests, products, procedures, or other information mentioned on this website.
In specific instances, alternative therapies such as bone marrow transplants, gene therapy, or other appropriate modalities may also be considered.