Skip to content Skip to footer
Compounding Pharmacy Solutions
Close

How to Give Medication in Your CVC Line Using IV Push

This guide will help you safely give your medication through your central venous catheter (CVC) by the IV push method (also called a direct injection). Always follow the specific instructions from your nurse or pharmacist.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Medication syringe (pre-filled or prepared as directed)
  • Saline flush syringes
  • Heparin flush syringes (if prescribed)
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Clean work area

Before You Start

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then dry.
  • Gather all your supplies and place them on a clean surface.
  • Check your medication: right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, right route.
  • Inspect the syringe for leaks or particles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean your catheter hub

  • Scrub the injection cap (the end of your catheter) with an alcohol wipe for 15–30 seconds.
  • Let it air dry completely.

2. Flush with saline

  • Remove the cap from the saline syringe.
  • Push out a small drop to remove air.
  • Connect to your catheter hub.
  • Gently push-pause (push a little, stop, push again) until all saline is infused.
  • Remove and discard the syringe.

3. Administer your medication

  • Attach the medication syringe to your catheter.
  • Inject the medication slowly over the time your nurse or pharmacist instructed (for example, over 2–5 minutes).
  • Use a push-pause technique if instructed.

4. Flush with saline again

  • Attach a new saline flush syringe.
  • Flush using the push-pause method to clear the medication from your line.
  • Remove and discard the syringe.

5. Flush with heparin (if prescribed)

  • If your nurse instructed you to use heparin, attach the heparin syringe.
  • Slowly inject the full amount.

After You’re Done

  • Dispose of used syringes in a sharps container.
  • Wash your hands again.
  • Record the medication and time in your log (if asked to keep one).

When to Call Your Pharmacist, Nurse or Doctor

Call right away if you notice:

  • Redness, swelling, or drainage at the catheter site
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain or burning during flushing
  • Resistance when pushing the syringe (do not force it)