An intravenous (IV) injection is an injection of a drug or other substance into a vein and directly into the bloodstream. This is one of the fastest ways to deliver a drug to the body.
Intravenous administration consists of a single injection followed by a thin tube or catheter inserted into a vein. This allows healthcare professionals to administer multiple doses of a drug or infusion solution without having to re-inject the needle for each dose.
This article provides an overview of why healthcare professionals use IVs, how they work, and what equipment they need. It also describes some of the pros and cons of intravenous and infusion medications, as well as some of their possible risks and side effects.
Intravenous injections are one of the fastest and most controlled methods of delivering drugs or other substances into the body.
Health care workers may administer intravenous drugs or other substances through a peripheral or central line. The following sections describe each of them in more detail.
A peripheral catheter or peripheral intravenous catheter is a common form of intravenous injection that is used for short-term treatment.
Peripheral lines are available for bolus injections and timed infusions. The following sections describe each of them in more detail.
They involve injecting doses of drugs directly into a person’s bloodstream. A healthcare professional may also refer to a bolus injection as a bolus or bolus.
They involve the gradual delivery of drugs into a person’s bloodstream over time. This method involves the administration of drugs through a drip connected to a catheter. There are two main methods of intravenous infusion: drip and pump.
Drip infusions use gravity to provide a steady supply of fluid over time. For drip infusions, the healthcare worker must hang an IV bag over the person being treated so that gravity pulls the infusion down the line into the vein.
Pump infusion involves connecting a pump to an infusion. The pump delivers infusion fluid into the human bloodstream in a stable and controlled manner.
A central line or central venous catheter enters a more central trunk vein, such as the vena cava. The vena cava is a large vein that returns blood to the heart. Medical professionals use X-rays to determine the ideal location for the line.
Some common sites for short-term intravenous catheters include forearm sites such as the wrist or elbow, or the back of the hand. Some conditions may require the use of the outer surface of the foot.
In very urgent cases, a healthcare professional may decide to use a different injection site, such as a vein in the neck.
The central line usually enters the superior vena cava. However, the initial injection site is usually in the chest or arm.
Direct intravenous or intravenous injection involves the administration of a therapeutic dose of a drug or other substance directly into a vein.
The advantage of direct intravenous infusion is that it delivers the required dose of the drug very quickly, which helps it to act as quickly as possible.
The disadvantage of direct intravenous administration is that taking large doses of the drug may increase the risk of permanent damage to the vein. This risk may be higher if the drug is a known irritant.
Direct intravenous injections also prevent healthcare professionals from administering large doses of drugs for long periods of time.
The disadvantage of intravenous infusion is that it does not allow large doses of the drug to enter the body immediately. This means that the manifestation of the therapeutic effect of the drug may take time. Thus, intravenous fluids may not be an appropriate method when a person needs medication urgently.
The risks and side effects of intravenous administration are not uncommon. This is an invasive procedure and the veins are thin.
A 2018 study found that up to 50 percent of peripheral IV catheter procedures fail. Centerlines can also create problems.
According to a study published in The Journal of Vascular Access, phlebitis can occur in 31% of people who use intravenous catheters during infusions. These symptoms are usually treatable and only 4% of people develop severe symptoms.
The introduction of the drug directly into the peripheral vein can cause irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This irritation may be due to the pH of the formulation or other irritating ingredients that may be present in the formulation.
Some possible symptoms of drug irritation include swelling, redness or discoloration, and pain at the injection site.
Continued damage to the vein can cause blood to leak from the vein, resulting in bruising at the injection site.
Drug extravasation is the medical term for the leakage of an injectable drug from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissues. This can cause the following symptoms:
In some cases, bacteria from the surface of the skin can get into the catheter and cause an infection.
Central lines generally do not carry the same risks as peripheral lines, although they do carry some risks. Some potential risks for the central line include:
If a person suspects that they may have complications with the central line, they should notify their doctor as soon as possible.
The type and IV method a person needs depends on several factors. These include the medications and dosage they need, how urgently they need the medication, and how long the medication needs to stay in their system.
Intravenous injections carry some risks, such as pain, irritation, and bruising. More serious risks include infection and blood clots.
If possible, a person should discuss the potential risks and complications of IV administration with a doctor before undergoing this treatment.
A rupture of a vein occurs when a needle injures a vein, causing pain and bruising. In most cases, torn veins do not cause long-term damage. Find out more here.
Physicians use the PICC line for intravenous (IV) therapy for a patient. They have many benefits and may require home care. Find out more here.
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