Chapter 15: Medicines optimization: ensuring quality and safety
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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
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Intravenous injection and infusion:
- bolus injection
- intermittent and continuous infusion
