Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
[Risks associated with parenteral treatment of acute agitation]
M M Boomsma1, O Mengels, R W van Olden
1Lilly Nederland BV, Houten. boomsma_maarten@lilly.com
Background:
Acute agitation is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. However, treatment is a risky undertaking.
Aim:
To specify on the basis of a review of the literature: (1) the risks of (parenteral) interventions in psychiatric crisis situations; (2) to which antipsychotics these risks are linked; and (3) what precautionary measures and interventions are required.
Method:
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, using as key words: parenteral, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, acute agitation, crisis intervention, and fatalities.
Results:
Several parenteral antipsychotics are known to cause cardiotoxicity and/or hypotension. They can also induce acute movement disorders such as a laryngeal spasm. Benzodiazepines (parenteral) can lead to respiratory depression as a result of excessive sedation.
Conclusion:
Risks are associated with parenteral delivery of antipsychotics. These risks can be life-threatening. If an agitated patient needs to be given antipsychotics parenterally, the intervention should take place in surroundings where the patient can be adequately monitored and where the necessary facilities are available for dealing with life-threatening side effects.
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...