Intravenous (IV) Antibiotic Treatment

Possible side effects of antibiotics include:  

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea 

Signs the infection may be getting worse:  

• Increasing redness around the infected area (more than 2 cm past the marking made by the doctor or nurse)
• New or high fever
• Red streaks moving away from the infected area
• Increasing pain, pus, or drainage
• Worsening pain to the area  

How IV antibiotics are given  

• An IV is inserted and a “saline lock” is used so tubing does not stay connected between doses 
• This prevents repeated needle pokes
• When a dose is due, IV tubing is attached to the saline lock and removed afterward 

Where treatment happens  

• You may return to the Emergency Department for each dose
• Or a home care nurse may give the antibiotics at home 

A plan will be made based on available services and what is best for your child or teen.

How to prepare 

If returning to the Emergency Department  

• Return 30–60 minutes before each scheduled dose
• Go to the Triage desk, then register
• A nurse will give the medication and you can go home afterward
• You only need to pay for parking once per day
  • Get a receipt during your first visit
  • Bring the receipt to the Security office before leaving CHEO on later visits 

If IV therapy is arranged at home (Ontario residents with a valid health card)  

• The first dose is given in the Emergency Department after the IV is inserted
• A referral is sent to the Pediatric Home and Community Care (HCC)
• A case manager will contact you by phone
• If you have not heard from a case manager 1–2 hours before the next dose, return to the ED 

Aftercare / What to do at home 

To protect the saline lock:  

• Keep it dry
• Keep it covered with the bandage from the ED
• Do not let your child play with or pull on the dressing 

If the IV catheter comes out:  

• Press firmly on the site for 2–3 minutes until bleeding stops
• Apply a bandage
• Return to the ED 30–60 minutes before the next dose, or
• Contact your homecare nurse if treatment is being given at home 

Pain and fever 

• Medicines for pain and fever come in different strengths
• Always check the concentration on the bottle
• Read package directions carefully
• If unsure, contact your pharmacist or primary care provider 

Call 9-1-1 if:  

• Your child or teen has trouble breathing
• Your child or teen develops swelling of the lips or tongue 

Return to the Emergency Department if:  

• The IV comes out and another dose is due
• You notice signs the infection is getting worse
• You have not heard from homecare case manager before the next dose 

Scheduled reassessment  

• After dose ________, return to the ED so an Emergency Provider can reassess your child or teen
• After reassessment, the IV is often removed and oral antibiotics may be started