Continuous infusion is a method of drug administration in which a medication is delivered continuously over an extended period of time, typically through an intravenous (IV) catheter or pump. This differs from intermittent dosing, in which a drug is given at specific intervals.
With this method the drug is delivered at a constant rate to maintain a steady level of the medication in the bloodstream. This can be particularly useful for medications with a narrow therapeutic window, where maintaining a consistent level of the drug in the bloodstream is important for safety and efficacy.
This is commonly used for a variety of medications, including pain medications, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs. In some cases, continuous infusion can provide better pain control or improved outcomes compared to intermittent dosing.
However, continuous infusion also carries some risks, including the potential for infusion-related complications such as infection or catheter-related thrombosis. Close monitoring is important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of continuous infusion therapy.