continuous vs intermittent infusion

  Continuous Infusion

Constant intravenous administration throughout a 24-hour period.

Intermittent Dosing

Intermittent dosing administration of an intravenous infusion for less than or equal to 30 minutes.

For example;

Infusion of IV medications over short periods of time (duration; 30, 60, or 120 minutes) and repeated at intervals of several hours (every 4, 6, 8, 12, or 24 hours).

For example;

Metronidazole 500mg in 100ml saline over 20 minutes every eight hours) is intermittent Infusion or continuous over 24 hours is continuous infusion.

IV Infusion 

IV infusion is administered within a long period of time generally more than 30 minutes to several hours.

IV infusion is given at constant rate and expressed by mg/hr. 

IV Push

An IV push is used when vitamins or medications are administered rapidly, typically in less than 30 seconds. IV push therapy is typically used only in emergency situations. 

For example;

IV push used in during emergency situations such as allergic reaction or heart attack.

For example;

Dose of the medications Atropine or Adenosine can be administered by IV push in such emergency health situation.

IV Bolus 

An IV bolus is used when vitamins or medications are taken over a longer time period, typically 1 to 30 minutes in non-emergency health situations.

This type of IV bolus therapy uses an open fluid line. 

For example;

Dose of medication administered via IV bolus insulin for patient suffering from diabetes.

 For example;

Furosemide administered by infusion at rate of 100 mg/hr.