Erythrocin

IV Infusion may be very irritating to the vein. If phlebitis/pain occurs with used dilution, consider diluting further (e.g. 1:5) if fluid states of the patient will tolerate, or consider administering in larger available vein, reconstitute with SWFI without preservatives to avoid gel formation. The reconstituted solution is stable for a week when refrigerated or for 24 hours at room temperature. IV form has the longest stability in 0.9% sodium chloride (NS) and should be prepared in this base solution whenever possible. Do not use D5W as a diluent unless sodium bicarbonate is added to solution. If IV must be prepared in D5W, 0.5 ml of the 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solution should be added per each 100 ml of D5W. Standard diluent: 500 mg/250 ml D5W/NS; 750 mg/250 ml D5W/NS; 1 gm/250 ml D5W/NS.