Intravenous means delivered directly into a vein.
Intravenous administration allows a substance to enter the bloodstream directly, producing rapid and predictable systemic exposure. It is commonly used when rapid treatment is needed or when a person cannot take or absorb a medicine adequately through the gastrointestinal tract.
Intravenous administration requires appropriate equipment, technique, and monitoring because complications such as infection, tissue injury, fluid overload, or medication-related reactions can occur.
QUICK FACT
Intravenous (IV) does not mean intramuscular (IM). IV administration delivers a medicine into a vein, while IM administration delivers it into muscle.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Intramuscular — Intramuscular (IM) medicines are injected into muscle rather than directly into a vein.
SEE ALSO
- Parenteral
- Intramuscular
- Route of administration
- Injectable