Evaluating Ceftriaxone 80 mg/kg Administration by Rapid Intravenous Infusion-A Clinical Service Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pharmacology
• Ambulatory care services
• Antibiotic administration

Background:

• Medication infusion speed significantly impacts pediatric ambulatory care workload and patient throughput.
• Current guidelines vary regarding ceftriaxone infusion times, with some allowing 10-minute infusions and others recommending longer durations (e.g., 30 minutes).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical feasibility, safety, and parent satisfaction of 10-minute ceftriaxone infusions (≥50 mg/kg) in a pediatric setting.
• To assess the potential impact of shorter infusion times on patient flow in ambulatory services.

Main Methods:

• Formal service evaluation conducted at a large UK pediatric hospital.
• Implementation of 10-minute infusion practice for ceftriaxone at doses ≥50 mg/kg.
• Assessment of clinical feasibility, safety parameters, and parent satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated clinical feasibility and safety of 10-minute ceftriaxone infusions for prescribed doses ≥50 mg/kg.
• Achieved high levels of parent satisfaction with the shortened infusion time.
• Indicated potential for improved patient flow within ambulatory services.

Conclusions:

• 10-minute ceftriaxone infusions (≥50 mg/kg) are clinically feasible and safe in pediatric ambulatory care.
• This practice enhances patient flow and parent satisfaction.
• The findings support wider adoption to optimize antibiotic administration in pediatric settings.