Some background : I was in the hospital recently for a couple of days and was able to talk and walk.. however, the doctors prescribed injections and IV canulisation over asking me to pop antibiotics and anti gastric medication. Is there a specific reason for hospitals to prefer it or is it just a matter of convenience?
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So to be clear there is evidence that IV antibiotics tend to be overused. Even in cases where an initial IV dose is warranted switching over to oral can potentially be as effective. And while IV cannulation is pretty darn safe it still poses a slight chance for some complications.
What IV delivery does is give you an initial large dose that is rapidly spread throughout your bloodstream, so it begins to act faster. It should definitely be used at least initially where there is a potential for deep seated and/or severe infections. Oral doses are absorbed pretty quickly, but it can still be a couple hours to hit peak concentration vs IV which is basically instant. IV hits a higher concentration peak as well for the same amount of drug your body has to process, which is why you aren’t just doubling up on the oral dosage to hit the same peak concentration as the IV.
The preference for using IV in general then is mostly just thinking, if it’s better for the big stuff, it’s probably better for the small stuff and doing otherwise feels like giving sub par treatment. The cost and overhead associated with going IV just doesn’t enter the equation.
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