Ativan IM?

Can you give this undiluted as IM injection? I know it's rather thick to draw up...
Absolutely, yes. I'm in psych and we give it IM often.

and you don't dilute it with anything for IM, correct?

Quote from sweetie715Can you give this undiluted as IM injection? I know it's rather thick to draw up...

I've seen it given IM, undiluted. It's very oily and hurts like the dickens evidently...patients don't like it very much, but if it helps....

i couldnt find this addressed in a text in terms of IM, only IV. I just like to get second opinions.

i give ativan undiluted im, when confused pt's rip their iv's out.

Ativan is a thick medication. Why do we Dilute it giving IV? So we can administer it with ease. Ever tried pushing it undiluted? Good luck with that.As for IM, There is no need to dilute that Ativan, just make sure you use a larger gauge needle when administering it IM, say 18 gauger? If you want, you can also dilute it. Just make sure you use the same amount of saline. For example, if you are giving 1mg/1ml, add 1ml of saline to dilute it a bit for easier IM administering.

I most definitely agree with always checking the info for yourself.... I would suggest reading the package inserts that come with the meds. If you don't have it available contact your pharmacist and ask to have it sent to you. I believe the package insert for Ativan says it is to be given undiluted in a large muscle mass for IM injection. IV is to be ALWAYS diluted.

Quote from GQRNAtivan is a thick medication. Why do we Dilute it giving IV? So we can administer it with ease. Ever tried pushing it undiluted? Good luck with that.

Quote from pinkestarHhmm, interesting. On the unit where I work we push ativan pretty routinely in CMO patients. I'd never noticed it being any more difficult to push than any other meds.

The proper proceedure for diluting Ativan when giving IM or IV is to use a 1:1 ratio of ativan to sterile water. If you look it up in your published drug book it will tell you this. You SHOULD NOT give it undiluted, that's just poor nursing. It SHOULD NOT be mixed with things like haldol as one nurse mentioned, that is called a chemical restraint & it's against the law.

Quote from Nursesince1977The proper proceedure for diluting Ativan when giving IM or IV is to use a 1:1 ratio of ativan to sterile water. If you look it up in your published drug book it will tell you this. You SHOULD NOT give it undiluted, that's just poor nursing. It SHOULD NOT be mixed with things like haldol as one nurse mentioned, that is called a chemical restraint & it's against the law.