What is the method of drug administration known as intravenous (IV)?

Intravenous (IV) administration refers to the direct injection of a drug into the bloodstream through a vein. This method allows for rapid onset of action since the medication is delivered directly into circulation, enabling immediate effects. IV administration is especially useful for delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients that require quick absorption or precise control over drug levels in the body.

The other methods of drug administration—such as injections into muscle, delivery through the skin, or oral ingestion—process the medication differently and often involve longer absorption times or different pathways in the body. For example, intramuscular injections require the drug to diffuse into the bloodstream from muscle tissue, while oral medications must first be digested and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, which can take more time and may be affected by other factors like food presence.