IV administration sends medication into the patient's bloodstream. It's useful when a pill/liquid may not get into the bloodstream fast enough or because some medications may breakdown in the stomach or liver. During IV administration a catheter is inserted into their patient's vein. The catheter allows health care providers to give multiple doses without having to poke their patients each time. IV fluids and medication can be delivered by an IV push, pump infusion, or drip infusion.

An IV push uses a syringe to deliver medication into the bloodstream and delivers greater pressure on veins. IV Pumps are used when the medication dosage must be precise and controlled. IV drip infusion allows medication and solution to drip from the IV Bag through a tube and into the catheter.