Homecare intermate guide
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Homecare intermate guide |
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The intermate consists of a balloon reservoir in a protective shell. |
The majority of home intravenous antibiotics are administered via the intermate. This consists of a reservoir balloon containing the antibiotic solution which is maintained at a constant, positive pressure within a protective shell. An internal flow metered device produces a known preset, flow rate for the delivery of the antibiotic. They are fitted with luer lock connectors and are simply connected to the patient's intravenous line. The majority of drugs used can be supplied via the intermate with the exception of meropenem and Teicoplanin. This is because both drugs are not suitable and require reconstituting prior to being used.
The intermate is designed to avoid the problems of reconstitution of the drugs and the need for gravity flow, electronic pumps or syringes. Once connected they can be slipped into garment pockets, allowing the patient to continue with their activity. An added advantage is that once in place the infusion drug is discreet and unobtrusive.
The volume of fluid within the intermate can be varied, as can the flow rate there by speeding up or slowing down the infusion rate of the drug in the line with manufactures recommendations and patient preference. This procedure is controlled by the pharmacy producing the drug.
Examples of intermate infusions
|
Drug
name
|
Dosage
|
Duration
of infusion
|
Volume
|
|
Amikacin
|
Up
to 2g
|
60
min
|
100
ml
|
|
Aztreonam
|
2g/2.25g/2.5g
|
15
min
|
50
ml
|
|
Ceftazidime
|
2g 2g 3g 4g 5g 6g |
15 min 30 min 25 min 30 min 30 min 36 min |
50 ml 100 ml 75 ml 100 ml 125 ml 150 ml |
|
Colomycin
|
1 mu 2 mu |
15 min 24 min |
50 ml 80 ml |
|
Piperacillin
|
4g
|
15
min
|
55
ml
|
|
Gentamicin
|
<480 mg >400 mg |
60 min 60 min |
100 ml 250 ml |
|
Tazocin
|
4.5
g
|
30
min
|
55 ml
|
|
Tobramycin
|
<480 mg >480 mg |
60 min 60 min |
100 ml 250 ml |
