Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Continuous Infusion
A “continuous infusion” is the intravenous delivery of a medication at a constant rate, usually
requiring the use of a dedicated syringe pump.
When given by infusion, drugs reach a “steady state” in the patient’s bloodstream. The time
required to reach that steady state is dependent on the half life of the drug and is usually
equal to 5 half-lives. Steady state can be reached more quickly by delivering a bolus prior to
commencing the continuous infusion.
Drugs can be delivered given by continuous infusion during the maintenance phase of general
anesthesia when requirements are reasonably predictable. Drugs used for sedation can
also be given by continuous infusion.
Propofol and remifentanil are examples of drugs that are commonly delivered by continuous
infusion during anesthesia.
Related Glossary Terms
Propofol, Remifentanil, Total intravenous anesthesia
Index
Find Term
Chapter 3 - General Anesthesia
Chapter 4 - Post-operative Pain Management
Chapter 6 - Induction Agents