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Parenteral administration (injections and infusions)

Definitions

An injection can be described as the act of giving medication by use of a syringe and needle. An infusion can be defined as a drug or fluid given over a prolonged period. This may be due to the volume of the preparation, the risk of toxicity if the drug is given too rapidly or the need to maintain activity over a long period. Many medications are given in relatively small volumes (50–100 mL) or over a short period of time (30–60 minutes) (Weinstein and Hagle [363]).
Injections and infusions consist of sterile solutions, emulsions or suspensions. They are prepared by dissolving, emulsifying or suspending the active ingredient and any added substances in water (for injections), a suitable non‐aqueous liquid or a mixture of these vehicles (British Pharmacopoeia [31]). Box 15.8 lists the types of injections and infusions.
Box 15.8
Types of injections and infusions
  • Intra‐arterial injection
  • Intra‐articular injection
  • Intrathecal injection and infusion
  • Intradermal injection
  • Subcutaneous injection and infusion
  • Intramuscular injection
  • Intraosseous injection
  • Intravenous injection and infusion:
    • bolus injection
    • intermittent and continuous infusion
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