What should you know about IV antibiotics?

A cannula is placed in a vein, and the antibiotic is given as an infusion or injection according to the prescribed schedule. This route can be useful when a person is very unwell, cannot swallow, has poor absorption, or needs a medicine that is not available in a suitable oral form. The antibiotic chosen depends on the suspected infection, allergy history, kidney function and local clinical guidance. Samples may be taken to help refine treatment.

Tell the clinical team about medicine allergies, previous reactions and all medicines or supplements you take. Keep the cannula area clean and dry, and report pain, burning, swelling or leakage during an infusion. Take each dose for the prescribed duration; do not save leftover antibiotics or share them. Some infections, including cellulitis or brucellosis, may need a planned change to oral treatment when the person improves.

Call for immediate help if you develop facial or throat swelling, severe breathing difficulty, faintness or a widespread rapidly spreading rash during or after an infusion. Prompt review is needed for increasing redness, warmth, tenderness or discharge around the cannula, or for worsening fever, confusion, weakness or pain despite treatment.

Ask what infection is being treated, why the IV route was selected, how long treatment is expected to continue, which side effects need reporting, and when a switch to tablets might be considered.