What are intrathecal injections used for?

An intrathecal injection can help control pain after surgery. An anesthesiologist injects a single dose of narcotic (opioid) medicine around your spinal cord. One injection will last up to 24 hours after it is given. An intrathecal injection can reduce the amount of other medicines needed to control your pain.

Where is an intrathecal injection is administered?

Intrathecal drug administration is the introduction of a therapeutic substance into the cerebrospinal fluid by injection into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord to bypass the blood-brain barrier. The main indications are for anesthesia and pain management.

Why is intrathecal chemotherapy given?

When is intrathecal chemotherapy used? In some cancers, such as some types of leukaemia or lymphoma, cancer cells can pass into the CSF. Chemotherapy given into a vein or by mouth cannot easily get into the CSF. Intrathecal chemotherapy may be given if a cancer has spread to the CSF, or if there is a risk it could.

Can a nurse administer intrathecal chemotherapy?

A chemotherapy trained nurse is a nurse who has been assessed to be competent both to administer intravenous chemotherapy and check both intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy.

Who can administer intrathecal?

A doctor or specially trained nurse will do the lumbar puncture. Your doctor or nurse will usually give you a local anaesthetic first. Then they will insert a hollow needle between 2 of the spinal bones in the lower back.

What is intrathecal therapy?

(IN-truh-THEE-kul KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment in which anticancer drugs are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

How do you administer intrathecal?

A healthcare professional will administer intrathecal chemotherapy by injecting it into the spinal canal during a lumbar puncture. They may also administer it through a plastic insert called an Ommaya reservoir, which sits under the scalp.

What drugs are administered intrathecally?

Currently there are only three medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use via the intrathecal route, ie, morphine, ziconotide, and baclofen. Morphine targets opioid receptors within the dorsal horn.

What is the maximum volume for intrathecal injection?

Intrathecal formulations are sterile isotonic drug solutions. The volume of intrathecal injections ranges from 0.5ml to 5ml.