What should you know about IV antibiotics at home?

The antibiotic enters a vein through a cannula or another intravenous line. A nurse may give each dose, or a trained person may be taught how to use the equipment. The schedule depends on the medicine and infection, and may involve a pump or a prepared dose. Your care team should explain storage, hand hygiene, line care, and what to do if a dose is late.

Home treatment is not suitable for every infection or every person. The decision considers the type and severity of infection, your general health, whether you can take tablets, and whether reliable review is available. The line itself can cause irritation or infection, so it needs careful handling.

Take every dose exactly as arranged and do not stop because you feel better unless the prescriber changes the plan. Keep the line dressing clean and dry, wash your hands before touching it, and never flush or reconnect equipment unless you were shown how. Record doses and any new symptoms so the team can review them.

Contact the treatment team promptly if the line becomes painful, swollen, red, wet, loose, or difficult to use. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine. Conditions such as [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) may need treatment tailored to the affected skin and the person's wider health.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, faintness, or a widespread itchy rash after a dose, as these can signal a serious allergic reaction. Get prompt advice for severe or persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, confusion, worsening fever, or rapidly worsening pain.

Go for immediate assessment if the line is pulled out and bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure, or if the area around it becomes very red, hot, swollen, or produces discharge. A worsening infection despite treatment needs reassessment rather than an extra dose.

Ask which antibiotic you are receiving, how long the planned course lasts, who will give each dose, and which number to call outside routine hours. Clarify how the line should be protected during bathing, how supplies are disposed of, and when blood tests or a review are needed.