Intravenous (IV) Infusion Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

This document provides a comprehensive overview of common medications administered via intravenous (IV) infusion, detailing their compatible IV fluids, typical doses, infusion rates, and critical clinical tips and considerations. This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Infusion Medication Reference Table

Medication Compatible IV Fluids Typical Dose Infusion Rate Clinical Tips/Considerations
Acyclovir 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 5-10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours Administer over 1 hour [21, 22] – Maintain adequate hydration to prevent renal toxicity – Monitor renal function – Infusion concentration should not exceed 7 mg/mL [21]
Adenosine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) 6 mg rapid IV bolus over 1-2 seconds; if ineffective, 12 mg rapid IV bolus over 1-2 seconds [27, 28] Rapid IV bolus over 1-2 seconds, followed by a rapid 20 mL saline flush [27, 28] – Administer directly into a vein or IV line close to the patient – Transient side effects: flushing, chest discomfort, dyspnea – Monitor ECG continuously  – Reduced dose (3 mg) if given via central line or in patients on dipyridamole/carbamazepine [27, 28]
Albumin 5% 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Varies by indication (e.g., 250-500 mL) [91, 92] 1-2 mL/min (up to 5 mL/min) [91, 92] – Monitor for fluid overload and allergic reactions  – Infusion rate depends on patient’s condition and volume status  – Used for hypovolemia, burns, hypoalbuminemia [91, 92]
Albumin 25% 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Varies by indication (e.g., 50-100 mL) [91, 92] 1-2 mL/min (or faster in emergencies) [91, 92] – Highly oncotic; pulls fluid into intravascular space  – Monitor for volume overload, pulmonary edema, and allergic reactions  – Used for liver disease, nephrotic syndrome (fluid restricted) [91, 92]
Amiodarone Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Loading dose: 150 mg over 10 min, then 1 mg/min for 6 hours, then 0.5 mg/min for 18 hours. Max 2.2 g/24hr [23, 24] Varies by indication. Rapid infusion for cardiac arrest, slow infusion for stable arrhythmias [23, 24] – Administer through a central line with an in-line filter if possible 
– Monitor ECG, blood pressure, and heart rate continuously
– May cause hypotension, bradycardia, and phlebitis
– Long half-life [23, 24]
Ampicillin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1-2 g IV every 4-6 hours (adults); 50-250 mg/kg/day divided every 4-6 hours (children) [73, 74] Administer slowly over 10-15 minutes (IV push) or 30-60 minutes (infusion) [73, 74] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions 
– Rapid IV administration may cause convulsive seizures 
– Not compatible with Dextrose 5% in Water for prolonged infusions; use NS for continuous infusions – Monitor renal function [73, 74]
Atracurium 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 0.4-0.5 mg/kg IV. Continuous infusion: 4-12 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [71, 72] Bolus: over 60 seconds. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired neuromuscular blockade [71, 72] – Administer only by trained personnel
– Monitor neuromuscular function with a peripheral nerve stimulator
– May cause histamine release, leading to hypotension and flushing
– Adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment [71, 72]
Atropine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 0.5-1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes as needed (max 3 mg) [93, 94] Rapid IV push over 1 minute [93, 94] – Monitor heart rate and ECG continuously
– Used for symptomatic bradycardia
– May cause tachycardia, dry mouth, blurred vision
– Higher doses may be needed for organophosphate poisoning [93, 94]
Azithromycin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 500 mg IV once daily Administer 500 mg over 1 hour (2 mg/mL concentration) or over 3 hours (1 mg/mL concentration) [75, 76] – Avoid rapid infusion due to risk of cardiovascular events
– Monitor for QTc prolongation
– Infusion should be followed by oral therapy to complete course [75, 76]
Cefazolin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 0.5-1 g IV every 6-8 hours (adults); 25-100 mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hours (children) [77, 78] Administer over 30-60 minutes (infusion) or slowly over 3-5 minutes (IV push) [77, 78] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions – Adjust dose in renal impairment – May be used for surgical prophylaxis [77, 78]
Cefepime 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1-2 g IV every 8-12 hours Administer over 30 minutes [85, 86] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions – Adjust dose in renal impairment – Extended infusions (over 3-4 hours) may be used for certain infections [85, 86]
Ceftazidime 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1 g IV every 8-12 hours (adults); 30-50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (children) [81, 82] Administer over 30-60 minutes (infusion) or slowly over 3-5 minutes (IV push) [81, 82] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions – Adjust dose in renal impairment – Compatible with most commonly used IV fluids [81, 82]
Ceftriaxone 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1-2 g IV once daily or divided q12hr Administer over 30 minutes (for doses up to 2g) [10, 11] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions
– Not compatible with calcium-containing solutions (e.g., Lactated Ringer’s) in neonates
– Monitor renal and hepatic function with prolonged therapy [10, 11]
Ciprofloxacin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 400 mg IV every 8-12 hours Administer over 60 minutes [14, 15] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions
– Avoid rapid infusion – Monitor renal function
– May cause QTc prolongation [14, 15]
Daptomycin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) 4-6 mg/kg IV every 24 hours (for cSSSI); 6-10 mg/kg IV every 24 hours (for bacteremia/endocarditis) [89, 90] Administer over 30 minutes (standard doses) or 2 minutes (for doses up to 6 mg/kg) [89, 90] – Monitor CPK levels weekly due to risk of myopathy
– Not compatible with Dextrose 5% in Water
– Adjust dose in renal impairment
– Do not administer more frequently than once daily [89, 90]
Dexamethasone 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 0.5-24 mg IV daily in divided doses; for cerebral edema, 10 mg IV initially, then 4 mg IV every 6 hours [69, 70] Administer over 1-5 minutes (for bolus) or over 15-20 minutes (for infusion) [69, 70] – Monitor for hyperglycemia, fluid retention, and electrolyte imbalances
– Long-term use requires tapering to avoid adrenal insufficiency
– Protect from light [69, 70]
Dexmedetomidine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) Loading dose: 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes. Maintenance: 0.2-1 mcg/kg/hr (titrated to effect) Loading dose over 10 minutes. Continuous infusion: 0.2-1 mcg/kg/hr [35, 36] – Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and sedation level  – May cause bradycardia and hypotension – Not recommended for infusions longer than 24 hours for sedation in non-ICU settings 
Diltiazem 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 0.25 mg/kg IV over 2 minutes; may repeat with 0.35 mg/kg IV after 15 minutes. Continuous infusion: 5-15 mg/hr [39, 40] Bolus: over 2 minutes. Continuous infusion: 5-15 mg/hr, titrated to heart rate/blood pressure [39, 40] – Monitor ECG and blood pressure continuously
– Avoid in patients with sick sinus syndrome, AV block, or severe hypotension
– Do not administer with IV beta-blockers [39, 40]
Dobutamine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [51, 52] Continuous IV infusion, titrate to desired hemodynamic response [51, 52] – Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output continuously
– May cause tachycardia, arrhythmias, and hypotension
– Avoid abrupt discontinuation
– Do not mix with alkaline solutions [51, 52]
Dopamine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) [4] 2-20 mcg/kg/min (titrated to response) [5] Continuous IV infusion, titrate in increments of 5-10 mcg/kg/min [5] – Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and cardiac rhythm continuously
– Administer via central line if possible due to extravasation risk – Lower doses (2-5 mcg/kg/min) for renal vasodilation; moderate doses (5-10 mcg/kg/min) for cardiac contractility; higher doses (>10 mcg/kg/min) for vasoconstriction [5]
– Avoid abrupt discontinuation [5]
Epinephrine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Cardiac arrest: 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes. Continuous infusion: 2-10 mcg/min (titrated to effect) [29, 30] Rapid IV push for cardiac arrest. Continuous infusion titrated to desired effect [29, 30] – High-alert medication; ensure correct concentration
– Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac rhythm continuously
Extravasation can cause tissue necrosis; administer via central line if possible
– Wean slowly to avoid rebound hypotension [29, 30]
Esmolol 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Loading dose: 500 mcg/kg over 1 minute. Maintenance: 25-200 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [79, 80] Loading dose over 1 minute. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired heart rate/blood pressure [79, 80] – Monitor heart rate and blood pressure continuously
– Rapid onset and short duration of action
– May cause hypotension and bradycardia
– Avoid abrupt discontinuation [79, 80]
Fentanyl 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 25-100 mcg IV over 1-2 minutes. Continuous infusion: 0.5-5 mcg/kg/hr (titrated to effect) [47, 48] Bolus: over 1-2 minutes. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired analgesia/sedation [47, 48] – High-alert medication; monitor for respiratory depression
– May cause bradycardia, hypotension, and muscle rigidity
– Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose
– Use with caution in patients with head injury or increased intracranial pressure [47, 48]
Furosemide 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 20-40 mg IV initially, may increase to 80 mg; Max 160-200 mg/dose. Continuous infusion: 0.05-0.4 mg/kg/hr [25, 26] IV push: over 1-2 minutes. Intermittent infusion: Max 4 mg/min. Continuous infusion: 0.05-0.4 mg/kg/hr [25, 26] – Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance (Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ca)
– Rapid IV push can cause ototoxicity
– Protect from light
– Glucose solutions are generally unsuitable for dilution of high doses [25, 26]
Heparin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 80 units/kg IV (max 4000 units). Continuous infusion: 18 units/kg/hr (max 1000 units/hr) [63, 64] Bolus: over 1-2 minutes. Continuous infusion: titrated to maintain aPTT within therapeutic range [63, 64] – High-alert medication; monitor aPTT, platelets, and signs of bleeding – Protamine sulfate is the antidote – Avoid IM injections – Not compatible with many medications; check compatibility before mixing [63, 64]
Insulin (Regular) 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) Bolus: 0.1 units/kg IV. Continuous infusion: 0.05-0.2 units/kg/hr (titrated to blood glucose) [41, 42] Bolus: over 1-2 minutes. Continuous infusion: titrated to maintain target blood glucose levels [41, 42] – High-alert medication; ensure correct concentration and dose – Monitor blood glucose levels frequently (e.g., hourly) – Monitor potassium levels, as insulin can shift potassium intracellularly – Flush IV tubing with insulin solution before connecting to patient to saturate binding sites [41, 42]
Labetalol 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W), Lactated Ringer’s Initial bolus 20 mg IV over 2 min; subsequent doses 40-80 mg at 10 min intervals; Max total dose 300 mg. Continuous infusion: 1-8 mg/min [8, 9] Bolus: over 2 minutes. Continuous infusion: 1-8 mg/min, titrate to blood pressure response [8, 9] – Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely – Patient should be supine during and for 3 hours after administration – Contraindicated in asthma, heart block, severe bradycardia – May cause orthostatic hypotension [8, 9]
Levofloxacin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 250-750 mg IV every 24 hours Administer 250-500 mg over 60 minutes; 750 mg over 90 minutes [67, 68] – Avoid rapid infusion due to risk of hypotension – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions and QTc prolongation – Maintain adequate hydration – May cause nerve damage; monitor for changes in sensation [67, 68]
Lidocaine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 1-1.5 mg/kg IV over 2-3 minutes; may repeat 0.5-0.75 mg/kg every 5-10 minutes up to 3 mg/kg total. Continuous infusion: 1-4 mg/min [49, 50] Bolus: over 2-3 minutes. Continuous infusion: 1-4 mg/min, titrated to effect [49, 50] – Monitor ECG continuously for arrhythmias – Monitor for signs of lidocaine toxicity (CNS effects like dizziness, confusion, seizures) – Adjust dose in liver dysfunction or heart failure – Not compatible with alkaline solutions [49, 50]
Magnesium Sulfate 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Hypomagnesemia: 1-2 g IV over 1 hour. Eclampsia/Pre-eclampsia: Loading dose 4-6 g IV over 15-30 min, then 1-2 g/hr continuous infusion [43, 44] Hypomagnesemia: over 1 hour. Eclampsia/Pre-eclampsia: Loading dose over 15-30 min, then 1-2 g/hr continuous infusion [43, 44] – High-alert medication; monitor for magnesium toxicity (respiratory depression, absent deep tendon reflexes) – Monitor renal function, blood pressure, and respiratory rate – Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity – Administer slowly to avoid hypotension and flushing [43, 44]
Meropenem 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 500 mg – 1 g IV every 8 hours (adults); 20-40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (children) [83, 84] Administer over 15-30 minutes (infusion) or 3-5 minutes (IV bolus) [83, 84] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions – Adjust dose in renal impairment – Compatible with most commonly used IV fluids [83, 84]
Metronidazole 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Loading dose: 15 mg/kg IV once. Maintenance: 7.5 mg/kg IV every 6 hours [87, 88] Administer over 30-60 minutes (infusion) or at a rate not exceeding 5 mL/min [87, 88] – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions – Avoid rapid infusion – May cause metallic taste, nausea, and headache – Protect from light during infusion [87, 88]
Midazolam 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Loading dose: 0.01-0.05 mg/kg IV over 2-5 minutes. Continuous infusion: 0.02-0.1 mg/kg/hr (titrated to effect) [33, 34] Intermittent: over 2-5 minutes. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired sedation level [33, 34] – Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure continuously – May cause respiratory depression and hypotension
– Use lowest effective dose – Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose [33, 34]
Milrinone 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Loading dose: 50 mcg/kg IV over 10 minutes. Maintenance: 0.375-0.75 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [53, 54] Loading dose over 10 minutes. Continuous infusion: 0.375-0.75 mcg/kg/min [53, 54] – Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output continuously – May cause hypotension, arrhythmias, and headache – Adjust dose in renal impairment – Do not mix with furosemide [53, 54]
Nicardipine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Initial: 5 mg/hr continuous IV infusion; increase by 2.5 mg/hr every 5-15 minutes. Max 15 mg/hr [55, 56] Continuous IV infusion, titrated to desired blood pressure [55, 56] – Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously – May cause hypotension, tachycardia, and headache – Avoid abrupt discontinuation – Not compatible with sodium bicarbonate or furosemide [55, 56]
Nifedipine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Not typically given as IV infusion; primarily oral. IV forms are usually nicardipine. If used, very specific protocols apply (e.g., 15 mcg/kg bolus, then 0.9 mg/hr infusion for specific indications) [20] Highly variable, not standard IV infusion. If used, very slow and controlled. – Primarily an oral medication; IV Nifedipine is not common and generally avoided due to unpredictable effects and safety concerns. – IV Nicardipine is often used instead for hypertensive emergencies. – Monitor blood pressure closely [20]
Nitroglycerin Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W), 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) Initial: 5 mcg/min continuous IV infusion; increase by 5 mcg/min every 3-5 minutes. Max 200 mcg/min [59, 60] Continuous IV infusion, titrate to desired effect (e.g., chest pain relief, blood pressure control) [59, 60] – Administer via non-absorptive tubing – Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously – May cause headache, hypotension, and reflex tachycardia – Tolerance may develop with prolonged use [59, 60]
Norepinephrine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Initial: 8-12 mcg/min continuous IV infusion; Maintenance: 2-4 mcg/min (titrated to effect) [31, 32] Continuous IV infusion, titrate to desired blood pressure [31, 32] – High-alert medication; ensure correct concentration – Administer via central line due to severe extravasation risk – Monitor blood pressure continuously – Wean slowly to avoid rebound hypotension [31, 32]
Pantoprazole 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 40 mg IV once daily; for severe cases, 80 mg IV bolus followed by 8 mg/hr continuous infusion [18, 19] Bolus: over at least 2 minutes. Infusion: over 15 minutes or continuous at 8 mg/hr [18, 19] – Administer through a dedicated line or Y-site – Flush line before and after administration – Monitor for GI side effects [18, 19]
Phenylephrine 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 40-100 mcg IV every 1-2 minutes as needed. Continuous infusion: 0.5-6 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [61, 62] Bolus: over 20-30 seconds. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired blood pressure [61, 62] – Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously – May cause bradycardia, hypertension, and reflex tachycardia – Administer via central line if possible due to extravasation risk – Avoid in patients with severe hypertension or ventricular tachycardia [61, 62]
Piperacillin/Tazobactam 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 3.375 g IV every 6 hours (typical adult dose); Continuous infusion: 2.25-4.5 g loading dose, then 18 g over 24 hours [12, 13] Intermittent: over 30 minutes. Continuous: over 24 hours [13] – Monitor renal function and electrolytes – Extended infusion (over 3-4 hours) may be used for certain infections – Not compatible with Lactated Ringer’s – Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions [12, 13]
Potassium Chloride (KCl) 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Hypokalemia: 10-20 mEq IV over 1 hour; Max 40 mEq/hr in severe cases (requires cardiac monitoring) [45, 46] Administer slowly, typically not exceeding 10 mEq/hr peripherally or 20 mEq/hr centrally [45, 46] – High-alert medication; never administer IV push – Always dilute before administration – Monitor ECG and serum potassium levels frequently – Rapid infusion can cause cardiac arrest – Administer via central line for concentrations > 20 mEq/100 mL [45, 46]
Propofol Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W), 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) Induction: 2-2.5 mg/kg IV. Maintenance: 25-75 mcg/kg/min (1.5-4.5 mg/kg/hr) [37, 38] Induction: slow IV push until onset. Maintenance: continuous IV infusion, titrated to desired sedation level [37, 38] – Administer only by persons trained in anesthesia – Monitor respiratory function, blood pressure, and heart rate continuously – May cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and pain on injection – Risk of Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS) with high doses or prolonged infusions [37, 38]
Propranolol 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1-3 mg IV Administer at a rate not exceeding 1 mg/min; may repeat after 2 minutes up to a total of 5 mg [6, 7] – Continuous ECG monitoring required – IV administration usually reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias or during anesthesia – Monitor for hypotension and heart failure – IV dose is much smaller than oral dose [6, 7]
Remifentanil 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 0.5-1 mcg/kg IV over 30-60 seconds. Continuous infusion: 0.05-0.15 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [65, 66] Bolus: over 30-60 seconds. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired analgesia/sedation [65, 66] – High-alert medication; monitor for respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension – Rapid onset and offset of action – Use with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure – Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose (if used in combination) [65, 66]
Rocuronium 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Bolus: 0.6-1.2 mg/kg IV. Continuous infusion: 10-12 mcg/kg/min (titrated to effect) [95, 96] Bolus: over 5-15 seconds. Continuous infusion: titrated to desired neuromuscular blockade [95, 96] – Administer only by trained personnel – Monitor neuromuscular function with a peripheral nerve stimulator – Sugammadex is the reversal agent – May have a longer duration of action in elderly patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment [95, 96]
Tranexamic Acid 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 1 g IV bolus over 10 min; may repeat once if needed. Continuous infusion: 1 mg/kg/hr [16, 17] Bolus: over 10 minutes. Continuous infusion: 1 mg/kg/hr [16, 17] – Rapid infusion may cause hypotension – Monitor for thrombotic events – Adjust dose in renal impairment [16, 17]
Vancomycin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) 15-20 mg/kg IV every 8-12 hours (adults); Loading dose 20 mg/kg IV x 1 for severe sepsis/shock [1, 2] Administer over 60 minutes or longer (no more than 10 mg/minute) to prevent Red Man Syndrome [1, 3] – Monitor trough levels to guide dosing – Monitor renal function – Rapid infusion can cause Red Man Syndrome (flushing, rash, pruritus, hypotension) – Continuous infusion preferred for severe/deep-seated infections [1, 3]
Vasopressin 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) Septic Shock: 0.01-0.03 units/min continuous IV infusion. Post-cardiotomy Shock: 0.03 units/min continuous IV infusion [57, 58] Continuous IV infusion, titrate to desired blood pressure [57, 58] – Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously – May cause vasoconstriction, bradycardia, and water intoxication – Avoid abrupt discontinuation – Administer via central line if possible [57, 58]

References