Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesWhy It’s NeededRisksAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Why It’s Needed
Risks
Alternatives
Intravenous (IV) pain meds can include opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, tramadol, or fentanyl.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may also be given intravenously.
IV pain meds are given in the hours and days aftersurgeryto control pain. Pain is typically the most severe in the 72 hours after surgery, which, unsurprisingly, is when patients are most likely to receive potent pain relievers.
This article discusses common IV pain medications and why they are used. It also covers the risks of prescription pain medication and some of the alternatives to IV medications.
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Types of IV Pain Meds
You may also hear pain medications referred to asanalgesics. This is a term used to describe a medication used for pain relief.
Some of the available IV pain medications include:
Drugs Given Before, During, and After Surgery
The terms “opiate” and “opioid” come from the word “opium.” Opium is a narcotic extracted from the poppy plant.The opiates morphine and codeine are derived from opium, while opioids such as hydromorphone and meperidine are synthesized.The word “opioid” is sometimes also used to refer to opiates.
The terms “opiate” and “opioid” come from the word “opium.” Opium is a narcotic extracted from the poppy plant.
The opiates morphine and codeine are derived from opium, while opioids such as hydromorphone and meperidine are synthesized.The word “opioid” is sometimes also used to refer to opiates.
Why IV Pain Medication Is Used
IV pain medications are usually given in the initial hours following surgery. IV pain medication will not eliminate all discomfort after surgery, but it can help make sure you aren’t experiencing too much pain.
While you are still under the influence of anesthesia, it won’t be safe for you to take oral medications. This is because there is a high risk of choking. IV medicine is also best for when you need immediate pain relief.
The main benefit to IV pain medication over other forms of medication is that it typically takes effect very quickly, often within minutes because it is moving directly into the bloodstream.
Once discharged from the hospital, it isn’t practical to use IV pain medications, as most individuals do not return home with an IV site in place. Pills or another form of non-IV medication will typically be prescribed.
How Much Pain Is Acceptable After Surgery?
Risks of IV Pain Meds
Pain medications used after surgery have a number of possible risks and side effects:
What Is the Best IV Pain Medication?No IV pain medication is considered “best,” since pain control is individual for everyone. Some people may require a stronger pain medication, while others may need a pain medication that does not cause unwanted side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the medications that will be used after your procedure, how strong they are, and what the possible side effects might be.
What Is the Best IV Pain Medication?
No IV pain medication is considered “best,” since pain control is individual for everyone. Some people may require a stronger pain medication, while others may need a pain medication that does not cause unwanted side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the medications that will be used after your procedure, how strong they are, and what the possible side effects might be.
Alternatives to IV Pain Meds
Besides IV pain medications, there are other options for pain management after surgery. Your healthcare provider may offer alternatives to help reduce dependence and side effects, particularly from opioids.
Some pain management alternatives after major surgery include:
After you’re ready to go home after surgery, your healthcare provider will provide you with instructions for pain relief. You may be given opioid medications in pill form. These are to be taken at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible to minimize the chance of side effects or dependency.
To avoid opioid complications, your healthcare provider may recommend non-opioid pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) after surgery. According to one study of knee arthroscopy patients, 82% of patients were able to control their pain with non-opioid pain management.
Practical Tips for Dealing With Pain After Surgery
Summary
IV pain medications are used in the hours after surgery to help manage pain. They’re often prescribed when the patient is still under the influence of anesthesia and isn’t able to take oral medications. Common IV pain medications include NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, and opioid medications, such as morphine.
IV pain medications may cause risks and side effects, including constipation, vomiting, and addiction. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the best option for pain relief in the hours and days after surgery.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Echeverria-Villalobos M, Stoicea N, Todeschini AB, et al.Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): a perspective review of postoperative pain management under ERAS pathways and its role on opioid crisis in the United States.Clin J Pain. 2020;36(3):219-226. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000000792National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ketorolac tromethamine injection[drug label].Southworth SR, Woodward EJ, Peng A, Rock AD.An integrated safety analysis of intravenous ibuprofen (Caldolor) in adults.J Pain Res. 2015;8:753-765. doi:10.2147/JPR.S93547National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ofirmev—acetaminophen injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Morphine injection.National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Dilaudid—hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Fentanyl buccal—fentanyl citrate tablet[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Demerol—meperidine hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].Kulkarni K, Hildahl E, Dutta R, et al.Efficacy of head and torso rewarming using a human model for severe hypothermia.Wilderness Environ Med. 2019;30(1):35-43. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.11.005Carlin MG, Dean JR, Ames JM.Opium alkaloids in harvested and thermally processed poppy seeds.Front Chem. 2020;8:737. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.00737Jin JF, Zhu LL, Chen M, et al.The optimal choice of medication administration route regarding intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:923-942. doi:10.2147/PPA.S87271American Academy of Family Physicians.Pain control after surgery: Pain medicines.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing pain medication side effects.Müller-Lissner S, Bassotti G, Coffin B, et al.Opioid-induced constipation and bowel dysfunction: a clinical guideline.Pain Med. 2017;18(10):1837-1863. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw255Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the medical management of opioid-induced constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD).Sande TA, Laird BJA, Fallon MT.The management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a systematic review.J Palliat Med. 2019;22(1):90-97. doi:10.1089/jpm.2018.0260Onifer DJ, Butler FK Jr, Gross K, et al.Replacement of promethazine with ondansetron for treatment of opioid- and trauma-related nausea and vomiting in tactical combat casualty care.J Spec Oper Med. 2015;15(2):17-24. doi:10.55460/23QE-HGO7Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Becker LM, Teunissen AJW, Koopman JSHA.Prevention and treatment of neuraxial morphine-induced pruritus: a scoping review.J Pain Res. 2022;15:1633-1645. doi:10.2147/JPR.S361225Lovich-Sapola J, Smith CE, Brandt CP.Postoperative pain control.Surgical Clinics of North America. 2015;95(2):301-318. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.10.002Daniels SD, Garvey KD, Collins JE, Matzkin EG.Patient satisfaction with nonopioid pain management following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and/or chondroplasty.Arthroscopy. 2019;35(6):1641-1647. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2019.03.028
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Echeverria-Villalobos M, Stoicea N, Todeschini AB, et al.Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): a perspective review of postoperative pain management under ERAS pathways and its role on opioid crisis in the United States.Clin J Pain. 2020;36(3):219-226. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000000792National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ketorolac tromethamine injection[drug label].Southworth SR, Woodward EJ, Peng A, Rock AD.An integrated safety analysis of intravenous ibuprofen (Caldolor) in adults.J Pain Res. 2015;8:753-765. doi:10.2147/JPR.S93547National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ofirmev—acetaminophen injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Morphine injection.National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Dilaudid—hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Fentanyl buccal—fentanyl citrate tablet[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Demerol—meperidine hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].Kulkarni K, Hildahl E, Dutta R, et al.Efficacy of head and torso rewarming using a human model for severe hypothermia.Wilderness Environ Med. 2019;30(1):35-43. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.11.005Carlin MG, Dean JR, Ames JM.Opium alkaloids in harvested and thermally processed poppy seeds.Front Chem. 2020;8:737. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.00737Jin JF, Zhu LL, Chen M, et al.The optimal choice of medication administration route regarding intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:923-942. doi:10.2147/PPA.S87271American Academy of Family Physicians.Pain control after surgery: Pain medicines.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing pain medication side effects.Müller-Lissner S, Bassotti G, Coffin B, et al.Opioid-induced constipation and bowel dysfunction: a clinical guideline.Pain Med. 2017;18(10):1837-1863. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw255Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the medical management of opioid-induced constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD).Sande TA, Laird BJA, Fallon MT.The management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a systematic review.J Palliat Med. 2019;22(1):90-97. doi:10.1089/jpm.2018.0260Onifer DJ, Butler FK Jr, Gross K, et al.Replacement of promethazine with ondansetron for treatment of opioid- and trauma-related nausea and vomiting in tactical combat casualty care.J Spec Oper Med. 2015;15(2):17-24. doi:10.55460/23QE-HGO7Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Becker LM, Teunissen AJW, Koopman JSHA.Prevention and treatment of neuraxial morphine-induced pruritus: a scoping review.J Pain Res. 2022;15:1633-1645. doi:10.2147/JPR.S361225Lovich-Sapola J, Smith CE, Brandt CP.Postoperative pain control.Surgical Clinics of North America. 2015;95(2):301-318. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.10.002Daniels SD, Garvey KD, Collins JE, Matzkin EG.Patient satisfaction with nonopioid pain management following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and/or chondroplasty.Arthroscopy. 2019;35(6):1641-1647. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2019.03.028
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Echeverria-Villalobos M, Stoicea N, Todeschini AB, et al.Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): a perspective review of postoperative pain management under ERAS pathways and its role on opioid crisis in the United States.Clin J Pain. 2020;36(3):219-226. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000000792National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ketorolac tromethamine injection[drug label].Southworth SR, Woodward EJ, Peng A, Rock AD.An integrated safety analysis of intravenous ibuprofen (Caldolor) in adults.J Pain Res. 2015;8:753-765. doi:10.2147/JPR.S93547National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ofirmev—acetaminophen injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Morphine injection.National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Dilaudid—hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Fentanyl buccal—fentanyl citrate tablet[drug label].National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Demerol—meperidine hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].Kulkarni K, Hildahl E, Dutta R, et al.Efficacy of head and torso rewarming using a human model for severe hypothermia.Wilderness Environ Med. 2019;30(1):35-43. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.11.005Carlin MG, Dean JR, Ames JM.Opium alkaloids in harvested and thermally processed poppy seeds.Front Chem. 2020;8:737. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.00737Jin JF, Zhu LL, Chen M, et al.The optimal choice of medication administration route regarding intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:923-942. doi:10.2147/PPA.S87271American Academy of Family Physicians.Pain control after surgery: Pain medicines.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing pain medication side effects.Müller-Lissner S, Bassotti G, Coffin B, et al.Opioid-induced constipation and bowel dysfunction: a clinical guideline.Pain Med. 2017;18(10):1837-1863. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw255Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the medical management of opioid-induced constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD).Sande TA, Laird BJA, Fallon MT.The management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a systematic review.J Palliat Med. 2019;22(1):90-97. doi:10.1089/jpm.2018.0260Onifer DJ, Butler FK Jr, Gross K, et al.Replacement of promethazine with ondansetron for treatment of opioid- and trauma-related nausea and vomiting in tactical combat casualty care.J Spec Oper Med. 2015;15(2):17-24. doi:10.55460/23QE-HGO7Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Becker LM, Teunissen AJW, Koopman JSHA.Prevention and treatment of neuraxial morphine-induced pruritus: a scoping review.J Pain Res. 2022;15:1633-1645. doi:10.2147/JPR.S361225Lovich-Sapola J, Smith CE, Brandt CP.Postoperative pain control.Surgical Clinics of North America. 2015;95(2):301-318. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.10.002Daniels SD, Garvey KD, Collins JE, Matzkin EG.Patient satisfaction with nonopioid pain management following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and/or chondroplasty.Arthroscopy. 2019;35(6):1641-1647. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2019.03.028
Echeverria-Villalobos M, Stoicea N, Todeschini AB, et al.Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): a perspective review of postoperative pain management under ERAS pathways and its role on opioid crisis in the United States.Clin J Pain. 2020;36(3):219-226. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000000792
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ketorolac tromethamine injection[drug label].
Southworth SR, Woodward EJ, Peng A, Rock AD.An integrated safety analysis of intravenous ibuprofen (Caldolor) in adults.J Pain Res. 2015;8:753-765. doi:10.2147/JPR.S93547
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Ofirmev—acetaminophen injection, solution[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Morphine injection.
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Dilaudid—hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Fentanyl buccal—fentanyl citrate tablet[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Demerol—meperidine hydrochloride injection, solution[drug label].
Kulkarni K, Hildahl E, Dutta R, et al.Efficacy of head and torso rewarming using a human model for severe hypothermia.Wilderness Environ Med. 2019;30(1):35-43. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.11.005
Carlin MG, Dean JR, Ames JM.Opium alkaloids in harvested and thermally processed poppy seeds.Front Chem. 2020;8:737. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.00737
Jin JF, Zhu LL, Chen M, et al.The optimal choice of medication administration route regarding intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:923-942. doi:10.2147/PPA.S87271
American Academy of Family Physicians.Pain control after surgery: Pain medicines.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing pain medication side effects.
Müller-Lissner S, Bassotti G, Coffin B, et al.Opioid-induced constipation and bowel dysfunction: a clinical guideline.Pain Med. 2017;18(10):1837-1863. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw255
Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the medical management of opioid-induced constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD).
Sande TA, Laird BJA, Fallon MT.The management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a systematic review.J Palliat Med. 2019;22(1):90-97. doi:10.1089/jpm.2018.0260
Onifer DJ, Butler FK Jr, Gross K, et al.Replacement of promethazine with ondansetron for treatment of opioid- and trauma-related nausea and vomiting in tactical combat casualty care.J Spec Oper Med. 2015;15(2):17-24. doi:10.55460/23QE-HGO7
Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084
Becker LM, Teunissen AJW, Koopman JSHA.Prevention and treatment of neuraxial morphine-induced pruritus: a scoping review.J Pain Res. 2022;15:1633-1645. doi:10.2147/JPR.S361225
Lovich-Sapola J, Smith CE, Brandt CP.Postoperative pain control.Surgical Clinics of North America. 2015;95(2):301-318. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.10.002
Daniels SD, Garvey KD, Collins JE, Matzkin EG.Patient satisfaction with nonopioid pain management following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and/or chondroplasty.Arthroscopy. 2019;35(6):1641-1647. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2019.03.028
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