PHAR 4634 - Chapter 7 Page 4

Intravenous

Drugs may be given into a peripheral vein over 1 to 2 minutes or longer by infusion. Rapid injections are used to treat epileptic seizures, acute asthma, or cardiac arrhythmias

Diagram VIII-2, Showing IV, IM, and SC Injection

Advantages:

Rapid - A quick response is possible

Total dose - The whole dose is delivered to the blood stream. Large doses can be given by extending the time of infusion.

Veins relatively insensitive - to irritation by irritant drugs at higher concentration in dosage forms.

Disadvantages:

Suitable vein - It may be difficult to find a suitable vein.

Maybe toxic - Because of the rapid response, toxicity can be a problem with rapid drug administrations, could then give as an infusion, monitoring for toxicity.

Requires trained personnel - Trained personnel are required to give intravenous injections.

Expensive - Sterility, pyrogen testing and larger volume of solvent means greater cost for preparation, transport and storage.

This page was last modified: 12 February 2001