Doctors are rediscovering an older medical technique called subcutaneous infusion, where fluids and medications are injected just under the skin instead of into veins. This method is gentler on patients, easier to use outside hospitals, and causes fewer serious problems than traditional IV lines. It works especially well for elderly patients and people receiving comfort care. While the medicine absorbs slightly slower than through veins, it still gets into the body effectively. Researchers found it’s safe for treating dehydration, managing pain, and giving certain antibiotics and other medicines when other options aren’t available.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How well subcutaneous infusion (putting fluids and medicines under the skin) works as an alternative to IV lines, including when doctors should use it and what side effects might happen
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research and medical knowledge rather than a study with participants. The findings apply mainly to elderly patients and people in palliative care settings
  • Key finding: Subcutaneous infusion is a safe, practical alternative to IV lines that causes fewer serious problems, works well for most medicines tested, and is especially helpful for older or frail patients who can’t easily get IV lines
  • What it means for you: If you’re elderly, frail, or receiving end-of-life care and need fluids or medications, subcutaneous infusion may be a gentler option that causes less discomfort than traditional IV lines. Talk to your doctor about whether this might work for your situation

The Research Details

This is a review article that examines existing medical knowledge and research about subcutaneous infusion. Rather than conducting a new experiment, the authors looked at how this technique has been used historically, why doctors stopped using it, and why it’s becoming popular again since the 1990s. They examined what we know about how the body absorbs medicines given this way, what conditions it treats best, and what side effects patients experience.

The review focuses on practical information that doctors need to know: when to use subcutaneous infusion, how to do it safely, and what patients should expect. The authors gathered information from medical literature and clinical experience to create a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals.

This research matters because subcutaneous infusion offers a gentler alternative to IV lines, especially for patients who are elderly, frail, or in palliative care. Understanding when and how to use this technique safely can improve patient comfort and reduce hospital overcrowding by allowing more treatment in outpatient settings. The review helps doctors make informed decisions about the best way to deliver fluids and medicines to different patients.

This is a review article that summarizes existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental data. The strength of the conclusions depends on the quality of the studies it references. The authors note that while subcutaneous infusion is safe and practical, more standardized research and training protocols are needed to increase its use. Healthcare professionals should look for clear evidence and proper training before using this technique.

What the Results Show

Subcutaneous infusion appears to be significantly safer and more practical than IV administration for many patients. The technique is less invasive, meaning it causes less trauma to the body, and patients tolerate it better with fewer serious complications. It’s easier to set up in outpatient clinics and home settings, which helps reduce the burden on hospitals.

The medicine absorption through subcutaneous infusion is slightly slower than through IV lines, but the body still absorbs most of the medication effectively—typically more than 80% for water-soluble compounds. This means the medicine still works well, just over a slightly longer timeframe. The technique works particularly well for treating moderate dehydration, managing pain in palliative care, reducing anxiety, lowering fever, and controlling excessive secretions in patients nearing end of life.

Certain antibiotics like ceftriaxone, ertapenem, and teicoplanin can be safely given subcutaneously with good evidence supporting their use. In hospital settings, doctors have also successfully used this route for furosemide (a water pill), levetiracetam (an anti-seizure medicine), and vitamin B12 injections when other options aren’t available. Some vaccines can also be given this way for patients who cannot receive intramuscular injections.

Side effects from subcutaneous infusion are generally mild and temporary. Patients may experience local pain at the injection site, mild swelling, or redness, but these typically resolve quickly. Serious infections are rare when proper technique is used. The review notes that this technique is particularly valuable for elderly and frail patients who may have fragile veins or difficulty tolerating IV lines. It also helps address current healthcare challenges by reducing hospital overcrowding and enabling more outpatient treatment.

Subcutaneous infusion was historically used but fell out of favor due to complications from poor technique. Since the 1990s, improved methods and renewed interest—especially in geriatrics and palliative care—have shown that when done properly, it’s much safer than previously thought. Modern evidence suggests it’s actually a better option than IV lines for many patients, contrary to earlier concerns that led to its abandonment.

This is a review article rather than a new research study, so it summarizes existing knowledge rather than presenting original data. The authors note that wider adoption of subcutaneous infusion depends on better healthcare professional training, standardized protocols, and more robust comparative research. Many uses of this technique are currently ‘off-label,’ meaning doctors use it for purposes not officially approved by regulatory agencies, though the evidence supports these uses. More standardized studies comparing subcutaneous infusion directly to other methods would strengthen confidence in these findings.

The Bottom Line

Subcutaneous infusion should be considered as a first-line option for elderly and frail patients who need fluids or certain medications and cannot easily receive IV lines. It’s particularly recommended for palliative care patients needing pain management, anxiety relief, or fever reduction. Healthcare providers should receive proper training in the technique and follow standardized protocols. Confidence level: Moderate to High for elderly/palliative care patients; Moderate for other uses.

Elderly patients, frail individuals, people in palliative or end-of-life care, and patients with difficult-to-access veins should discuss this option with their doctors. Healthcare providers in outpatient clinics, home care, and palliative care settings should learn about this technique. Patients should NOT assume this is appropriate for all situations—acute, severely ill patients may still need IV lines for faster medication delivery.

Patients should expect similar medication effects as with IV administration, though absorption may take slightly longer (minutes to hours depending on the medication). Local side effects like mild pain or swelling typically resolve within hours to days. Benefits for comfort and reduced complications should be noticeable immediately compared to difficult IV line placement.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using subcutaneous infusion for hydration, track daily fluid intake and output (urine color and frequency) to monitor hydration status. Note any local reactions at injection sites (pain, swelling, redness) and their duration.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to establish a regular subcutaneous infusion schedule if prescribed. Learn proper injection site rotation to prevent complications, and report any new pain, swelling, or signs of infection immediately.
  • Keep a log of injection dates, sites used, any local reactions, and how you felt after each infusion. Track energy levels, hydration symptoms, and medication effectiveness. Share this information with your healthcare team at regular check-ins to optimize your treatment plan.

This article reviews medical research about subcutaneous infusion but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Subcutaneous infusion should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals following proper protocols. If you or a loved one are considering this treatment option, discuss it thoroughly with your doctor to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific medical situation. Do not attempt to perform subcutaneous infusion without proper medical training and supervision. Individual results may vary based on medical history, medications, and other health factors.