What are intravenous medications and infusions?
Intravenous means given “into a vein” and refers to the route by which medications or fluid can be given into the body. Veins are a part of the circulatory system or bloodstream. Since eating and drinking are generally restricted during labor, fluid replacement is usually given intravenously. An intravenous infusion is a continuous flow of fluid (sometimes sugar water, sometimes a balanced salt solution) into a vein. Most laboring patients and all patients who receive anesthesia or epidural analgesia will receive an infusion of fluid. When a medication is given intravenously, it goes throughout the mother’s bloodstream and usually enters the baby’s bloodstream. Fortunately, the placenta is between the baby’s circulation and the mother’s. The placenta can affect the amount and form of medicine that reaches the baby. While the baby is inside its mother, her liver will break down medications and determine the period of time that they can be active in the baby’s circulation. Medicines used
Related Questions
- We are a psychiatric hospital that doesn administer IV solutions or medications in any form (e.g., infusions, push). How should we answer items that relate to IV drug administration?
- Why does the BNF recommend a 24-hour expiry for drug additions to intravenous infusions not made in aseptic units?
- Are there intravenous anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) that can slow emergence from anesthesia?
