Which medications can be used via the rectal route?
Most medications used for symptoms such as pain, nausea, agitation, and shortness of breath and even some antibiotics can be given effectively with rapid onset of action via the rectal route.
Do I need to change dosing when using the Macy Catheter?
- Sometimes, depending on the medication. Dosing is the same as oral for the majority of medications.
- The prescriber is responsible for the route and the dose of delivery. If you have specific questions, ask a pharmacy specialist.
Which fluids can be administered via the Macy Catheter and at what rate?
- Per the literature, hypotonic solutions such as water, Pedialyte, ½ NS, and ¼ NS are typically used, and infusion rates of 250ml/hr are tolerated well.
- Hospi’s Policy and Procedure template includes a fluid administration procedure.
- The template is for illustrative purposes only. Further modification by the agency and its prescribers is intended/expected.
How long can the Macy Catheter remain in the rectum?
The Macy Catheter can remain in the rectum for up to 28 days. If it is removed for (or expelled by) defecation, the catheter can be immediately reinserted or a new catheter can be placed, depending on your institution’s policy.
What if the patient has to have a bowel movement?
The Macy Catheter is designed to be expelled with a bowel movement. If requested by the patient, the catheter may also be removed by a clinician or a trained caregiver prior to a bowel movement. The Macy Catheter will not inhibit normal bowel function and if expelled, can be immediately reinserted per agency protocol.
How is the device discarded after use?
After use, this product may be a potential biohazard. Handle in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
How often should the balloon inflation be checked?
The balloon only needs to be checked if leakage is noted from the rectum.
Is it necessary to wear gloves during medication administration?
Medication administration into the Macy Catheter is not a sterile procedure and gloves do not need to be worn for administering medications. As always, the user should perform proper hand washing before and after patient contact.
What are the contraindications for using the Macy Catheter?
The device should not be used for patients with rectal lesions, tumors, active rectal bleeding, recent bowel surgery (less than 6 weeks), or if the rectal mucosa is compromised.
Diarrhea (more than 1 liquid stool per day) is not strictly a contraindication. However, patients who are having frequent bowel movements will continually expel the catheter and therefore medication may not be absorbed.
Can the Macy Catheter be used if my patient has a Colostomy?
The Macy Catheter can be used for medication administration in any patient with an intact rectum.
Note: The Macy Catheter should only be placed in the rectum. Never place the Macy Catheter in an ostomy or a stoma.
Can Routine Perineal Care be performed with the catheter in place?
Yes, per your facility’s protocol, routine perineal care may be performed with the Macy Catheter in place.
If leakage occurs from the Medication Administration Port following medication administration, what should I do?
Quickly inject 3 ml of water over less than 1 second using the 3ml enteral syringe.
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