Reducing infusion failure: a pharmacologic approach--a review.

Infusion failure due to phlebitis and extravasation is a common nursing problem in children and adults. Although many strategies to reduce such failure have been suggested, because of its multifactorial etiology, infusions still continue to fail. One approach that seems to have good results in prolonging the life of infusions (or reducing infusion failure) is the use of drugs or medications. This article reviews some of the methods used to reduce infusion failure and suggests that nurses be aware of and consider a pharmacological approach to reducing infusion failure when managing intravenous infusions in adults and children.