title: Incidence and severity of phlebitis in patients receiving peripherally infused amiodarone.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nurses noted that the rate of phlebitis was high when intravenous amiodarone was infused via a peripheral site. Hospital policy recommends a central vascular catheter, but this method is often not feasible because the drug is administered in emergent situations for short periods.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the rate and severity of phlebitis in patients given peripherally infused amiodarone.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature, policy, and procedures for administration of amiodarone were reviewed; the pharmacy was consulted; and a data collection tool was developed. The tool was pilot tested and revised, and face validation was established. Data were collected during a 6-month period. A convenience sample was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included a total of 12 patients. Each new infusion of intravenous amiodarone was considered a separate occurrence, for a total of 24 infusions. Various grades of phlebitis developed in 8 patients (67%). Phlebitis developed at 12 of the 24 infusion sites (50%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients receiving peripherally infused amiodarone are at high risk for phlebitis. This complication may lead to infection, additional medical intervention, delay in treatment, and prolonged hospitalization.
authors.affiliation: Assessment and Remediation, Ready-point Nursing, Pearson Education, 75 Arlington St, Suite 6W056, Boston, MA 02116, USA. drbrendaboyce@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Brenda A Brady
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Boyce
authors.forename: Barbara Homer
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone