A Case of Metronidazole Injection Infiltration Without Sequelae

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Intravenous drug administration carries risks, including extravasation and infiltration.
• Metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly administered intravenously.
• Limited literature exists on metronidazole injection infiltration, with one report detailing severe necrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of metronidazole injection infiltration with mild symptoms and rapid resolution.
• To contrast this case with existing literature reporting severe outcomes.
• To evaluate the need for intervention in metronidazole infiltrations.

Main Methods:

• A case of metronidazole injection infiltration during gravity-fed administration via peripheral catheter was observed.
• Clinical assessment of the infiltration site was performed.
• Conservative management was implemented, including catheter removal and symptom monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced mild edema, erythema, and pain at the infiltration site.
• No signs of severe tissue damage such as blistering or necrosis were observed.
• Symptoms resolved completely within 24 hours without specific pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic interventions.

Conclusions:

• Metronidazole injection infiltration can result in mild, self-limiting symptoms.
• Conservative management may be sufficient for certain metronidazole infiltrations, contrary to reports of severe necrosis.
• This case suggests that clinician alarm and aggressive treatment may not always be necessary for metronidazole infiltrations.