What are vesicants in IV therapy?

Vesicants in IV therapy refer to medications that can cause severe tissue damage if they extravasate, meaning they leak out of the blood vessel and into the surrounding tissue. The term "vesicant" comes from the word "vesicle," which refers to a blister that can form on the skin due to such damage.

When these medications leak into the surrounding tissue, they can lead to significant complications such as necrosis, ulceration, and severe pain. This is why it is crucial for healthcare providers to identify vesicant medications accurately and to administer them with caution, often through a central line rather than a peripheral IV, to minimize the risk of extravasation.

Understanding which medications are classified as vesicants helps in ensuring that appropriate protocols are followed during administration, such as monitoring the infusion site closely and ensuring that the IV line is functioning properly to avoid potential accidents that could lead to serious tissue injury.