GuidelinesEML (Adult Hospital STG)
Side Effects from Oncology Treatment Agent
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition
DIARRHOEA
Refer to Diarrhoea, acute non-inflammatory.
EXTRAVASATIONS
ICD-10 Code: T80.8
DESCRIPTION
- Chemotherapeutic agents are classified as vesicants (can cause necrosis), non-vesicants, and irritants.
- Patients present with pain and erythema at infusion site, swelling, necrosis, contractures.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Limb elevation.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Long term
- Small localised area of erythema at the catheter insertion site will usually resolve without antibiotic therapy.
In patients with larger areas of erythema and tenderness extending beyond the insertion site, where secondary infection is suspected:
- Clindamycin, oral, 450 mg 8 hourly for 5 days.
Catheter related infections
- In patients with peripheral or central venous catheter infections are systemically unwell they should be treated as a venous-catheter-related systemic blood infection.
- Microbiologic specimen (for speciation and sensitivity).
REFERRAL
- All patients to oncological department where chemotherapy was administered.
CONSTIPATION
See Constipation.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2024 Edition