What should you know about intravenous antibiotics?

A cannula places a small tube in a vein so medicine can enter the bloodstream. This route may be considered when an infection is serious, oral medicine cannot be taken or absorbed, or a particular antibiotic is best delivered this way. It is not needed for every bacterial infection, and antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses such as most cases of acute bronchitis.

The choice depends on the suspected bacteria, infection site, allergies, kidney and liver function, previous antibiotic exposure, and test results. Conditions such as cellulitis or certain deep infections may require close assessment. Treatment can sometimes change to an oral medicine when improvement and safe absorption make that suitable.

Tell the team about medicine allergies, previous reactions, pregnancy, kidney problems, and other medicines. The cannula site is checked during treatment. Report pain, redness, swelling, leaking, or a burning sensation around it. Tell staff promptly about rash, itching, diarrhoea, nausea, or new symptoms. Complete the prescribed course and do not share leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or a rapidly spreading rash after an antibiotic. Contact the treating team promptly for severe or persistent diarrhoea, blood in stool, high fever, worsening pain, confusion, or infection symptoms that are not improving. A worsening cannula site also needs timely review.

Ask which infection is being treated, why intravenous treatment is preferred, how response will be monitored, and when a switch to tablets might be considered. Ask about the planned duration, possible interactions, and what symptoms should be reported. The same principles may apply across infections including brucellosis, chlamydia, conjunctivitis, giardiasis, gonorrhoea, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection, but each needs individual prescribing.