A new retrograde method for administering drugs intravenously

A new technique for administering drugs, especially antibiotics, intravenously to pediatric patients is described. By insertion of a segment of tubing between two three-way stopcocks in the patient's intravenous line, drugs diluted for intravenous administration may be pushed retrograde. After turning both stopcocks for infusion, diluted drugs are administered intravenously and automatically followed by maintenance fluids. If two or more drugs are given, their separation is accomplished by introducing a barrier volume of 5% glucose water. Nursing time and effort for intravenous drug administration are reduced to one-fifth to one-third of that required by the piggyback method. Preparation of diluted antibiotics in capped syringes by the hospital pharmacy additionally decreases time consumed by the registered nurse for drug administration. The I.V. Retrograde system has been used successfully for more than one year in a two hundred and thirty bed children's hospital.