title: An alternative for rapid administration of medication and fluids in the emergency setting using a novel device.
abstract: Routes of administration for medications and fluids in the acute care setting have primarily focused on oral, intravenous, or intraosseous routes, but, in many patients, none of these routes is optimal. A novel device (Macy Catheter; Hospi Corp) that offers an easy route for administration of medications or fluids via rectal mucosal absorption (proctoclysis) has recently become available in the palliative care market; we describe here the first known uses of this device in the emergency setting. Three patients presenting to the hospital with conditions limiting more typical routes of medication or fluid administration were treated with this new device; patients were administered water for hydration, lorazepam for treatment of alcohol withdrawal, ondansetron for nausea, acetaminophen for fever, aspirin for antiplatelet effect, and methimazole for hyperthyroidism. Placement of the device was straightforward, absorption of administered medications (judged by immediacy of effects, where observable) was rapid, and use of the device was well tolerated by patients, suggesting that this device may be an appealing alternative route to medication and fluid administration for a variety of indications in acute and critical care settings.
authors: Department of Pharmacy Services, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Neal
authors: N
authors: Lyons
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Nejak
authors: Department of Pharmacy Services, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Nadine
authors: N
authors: Lomotan
authors: Department of Pharmacy Services, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Mokszycki
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Jamieson
authors: Department of Pharmacy Services, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: McDowell
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Electronic address: kulstad@uic.edu.
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: Kulstad
mesh_terms: D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020268:Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / Q000188:drug therapy; D058633:Antipyretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D057785:Catheters; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D058633:Antipyretics; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines