Definition
In an intravenous injection, a small volume of a drug is administered into a vein using a needle and syringe. The active ingredients disperse into the bloodstream and reach their site of action. For repeated administration, venous access is established with a peripheral venous catheter. Larger volumes can be infused during an intravenous infusion. Intravenous injections are administered exclusively by healthcare professionals.
Examples
The following is a selection of agents that are administered intravenously:
- Analgesic
- Antidotes such as naloxone or flumazenil
- Antiemetics
- Antihypertensives and antihypotensives
- Emergency medications
- Sedatives
- Spasmolytics
- Injection anesthetics
- Glucose
Misuse:
- Intoxicants such as heroin
Characteristics
Intravenous injection is particularly suitable for conditions in which a rapid onset of action is desired. This, for example, in acute pain, poisoning or hypoglycemia. When taking medication, the pharmacological effect occurs with a significant time delay. It is also of importance when other administration is not possible, for example, in the case of unconsciousness. Intravenous administration may be necessary if the drug is not orally bioavailable, for example, if it is broken down in the digestive tract or by the metabolism.
Administration
The following is the general procedure. The procedure may vary depending on the drug, injection site, and patient. Please refer to the appropriate professional and patient information and literature. As mentioned previously, venous access is often used as an alternative.
- Provision of the material.
- Hand disinfection, wear gloves.
- Skin disinfection, disinfectant sufficiently long to act and dry.
- Congestion.
- Insertion of the cannula at an angle of about 15° to 25°.
- Observe blood flow.
- Release congestion.
- Slow administration of the syringe.
- Careful withdrawal of the syringe, simultaneous compression with a sterile swab.
- Skin disinfection.
- Apply plaster.
- Monitoring the patient.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions at the injection site such as bruising (hematoma) and pain. Due to the skin and tissue injury, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, sterile disposable material must be used and the skin site must be properly disinfected before and after application. In case of hypersensitivity to active or excipient substances, anaphylaxis may occur. An injection may cause unpleasant symptoms such as pallor, sweating, drowsiness, dizziness and fainting in some patients, see in the article Fear of injections. In case of improper handling and accidents, the needles can cause injuries. Accidental needle sticks with used syringes can transmit infectious diseases such as hepatitis B or HIV.