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Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Clinic (OPAT)
Infusion Care (Helping You Heal at Home)
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Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a way for patients to receive long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotics at home or in another outpatient setting. Before OPAT was introduced in the 1970s, patients had to stay in the hospital to get treatments.
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Call the Scottsdale office at 480-582-3700 to know more or book an appointment.
Same-day or next-day appointments are available.
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IV Antibiotics Q & A
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What is an IV?
An IV, which is short for intravenous, is a plastic tube that a nurse at Arizona Infectious Disease puts into your vein. It is often known as a drip. The tube is an access port to administer fluids and medicines such as antibiotics directly into your bloodstream. To get the drip in place, your nurse cleans your vein and ties an elastic strap around your arm or wrist to plump up your vein. With a quick pinch, the needle penetrates your skin and enters your vein. The needle is quickly removed, leaving a narrow tube in its place.
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What are antibiotics?
We use antibiotics to thwart the growth of microorganisms and infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics work for infections in or on your body by either killing the bacteria or preventing it from reproducing.
Who needs IV antibiotics?
If you have a less urgent infection, oral antibiotics taken over the course of a week or 10 days are highly effective. If your infection is more severe, you’ll need a high dose of antibiotics that you can’t get orally.
IV Antibiotics Q & A
Conditions that respond well to IV antibiotics are:
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Wound infections
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Osteomyelitis
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MRSA
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Cellulitis
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Pneumonia
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Urinary tract infections
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Endocarditis
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Sepsis
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Bacteremia
How are IV antibiotics administered?
In a clean, comfortable room at a local infusion center or in the comfort of your home, your provider helps you settle in for your IV therapy. The medicine drips into your veins over the course of two or three hours. You’re welcome to lean back for a nap, read a book or magazine, check email, or play games on your device.
If the team thinks it’s safe to do so, he may customize your treatment plan to include some at-home therapy. If that’s the case, you’ll be trained on how to administer your own antibiotics through an IV for maximum safety and efficacy.
For comprehensive IV therapy and antibiotic treatment for your serious infection, trust Arizona Infectious Disease. Call the office to schedule your appointment or use the online scheduler to book now.