Why IV Injections Work Faster: Whenever a person’s health worsens, doctors recommend taking medicines. Some medicines are in the form of tablets or capsules, while some drugs are given through injection. Often you must have seen that when a patient is admitted to the hospital in an emergency, the first thing the doctor does is to administer an intravenous (IV) drip. Through this, medicines, saline and glucose are given to the patient. Most of the patients are now being treated with injectable drugs instead of oral drugs. This method is considered more effective in treatment.
You must have noticed that many injections are given in people’s veins, while some are injected in the muscles. Doctors say that the injection given in the veins is called intravenous (IV) injection, while the injection given in the muscles is called intramuscular. Often a question arises in people’s mind that why are most of the injections given intravenously? Does this make the medicine work faster or is there some other medical reason behind it? Answers to all these questions in Lucknow Dr. Lokendra Gupta, Head of Emergency Department of Medanta Hospital. Let’s try to understand from.
What is the reason for intravenous injection?
Doctor Lokendra told News18 Intravenous injections are given so that the medicine can have a quicker effect. When the medicine is given directly through the vein, it immediately enters the blood stream and spreads rapidly throughout the body. Oral tablets have to pass through the stomach and liver. Due to this, it takes a lot of time for the medicine to have an effect and sometimes the effect also reduces. Medicine injected into the vein bypasses this entire process. This gives quick relief in emergency conditions like heart attack, stroke, allergic reaction or serious infection and the patient’s condition becomes stable.
According to experts, there are some oral medicines which when taken do not have the proper effect or the digestive system is not able to absorb them properly. Some antibiotics, chemotherapy medicines and fluids like saline or glucose have to be given directly into the vein. With this, the body gets the necessary fluids, electrolytes or nutrients faster. In case of dehydration or severe blood deficiency, this method can prove to be life saving. This method is perfect for emergency patients.
Why is every injection not given into a vein?
Doctor Gupta told that not all injections are given intravenously. Some medicines are injected into the muscle, which is called intramuscular injection. Some injections are also given under the skin, which are called subcutaneous injections. It depends on what kind of medicine it is, how fast its effect is required and what is the condition of the patient. Injecting into a vein requires trained health professionals, as improper administration may result in swelling, infection, or nerve damage. Incorrect injection can worsen the condition.
According to the doctor, the purpose of intravenous injection is not only to get faster effect, but also to have accurate delivery of the medicine and better control. In many diseases, it is better to inject it into the muscles, whereas in some problems, oral medicines are more effective. Doctors take this decision keeping in mind the condition of the patient, the nature of the medicine and the need for treatment. Therefore, if you are given an injection into a vein, understand that this has been chosen as the most medically appropriate and effective method.
