Rocephin Question

I work in a new primary care practice that treats alot of adolescents and young adults. For more serious or recurrent ear infections and upper respiratory infections, our doctor often prescribes 1 Gram IM Rocephin along with IM Decadron. The Rocephin is pretty tough for most patients to take, especially teenagers. I use 1% lido, which makes about 3.3ml which I give in one hip, and the Decadron in the other hip. Any suggestions or ideas on how to make this more tolerable for the patient?
I don't know, but my 13yo just got IM Rocephin a few weeks ago for an infected toe (he's not very compliant on taking PO antibiotics). Holy guacamole, I had no idea it was so painful! He was crying hysterically for about two hours, until the motrin and tylenol kicked in and he was able to fall asleep. I had no experience with IM Rocephin, so I didn't realize it was so painful. The fact that the MA told me it was reconstituted in Lidocaine should have tipped me off, I guess. He actually had a vagal response and had to sit down in the lobby with some OJ for about 10 minutes after his appointment.

Once mixed with lido, I always divide and give each cheek, equal treatment...even though you are sticking twice, they like it better that way.

I had a toe infection two years ago which required this. I didn't feel a thing except for the needle going into my skin. I guess we all have different tolerances for pain.

What helps my pts who get Rocephin IM is 15 min before I give the inj I give them Ibuprofen (if they have a PRN order for it) and then when I mix the Lido c the Rocephin I let it sit for 10 min before i inj the med. My pts have said that does help to ease the pain/disc.

Stomp their foot before you give it, they will be more worried about the foot. Rocephin hurts, no way around it really. My wife has had it with and without lido and she swears the lido made it hurt more than without.

Quote from lckrn2pa Rocephin hurts, no way around it really. My wife has had it with and without lido and she swears the lido made it hurt more than without.

Addition to my prior post-I had it without lido- my MD said it burns more with lido than without.

Decadron can be given orally. Check into it. And I agree. Divide the rocephin

Quote from Chin upOnce mixed with lido, I always divide and give each cheek, equal treatment...even though you are sticking twice, they like it better that way.

Quote from mybrowneyedgirlDecadron can be given orally. Check into it. And I agree. Divide the rocephin

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS dilute with Lido. When administering this medication I do a slow push allowing the lido to numb the area, as that is the intention of the Lido. I also make sure the medication is well mixed by rolling it several times between hands. Word from the wise, never spill this medication on yourself...if you want to get back at someone spill this medication on them, accidentally of course

Many people have more pain with the lido, but Rocephin IM is going to hurt no matter what.(they occasionally try the old lido before an IV stick- I personally find the lido is more painful then the stick)