What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intravenous
Example
The patient received intravenous antibiotics to treat the infection. [intravenous: adjective]
Example
The nurse inserted the needle into the patient's vein to start the intravenous drip. [intravenous: noun]
parenteral
Example
The patient was given parenteral nutrition to maintain their nutrient levels. [parenteral: adjective]
Example
The doctor prescribed a parenteral injection for the patient's pain management. [parenteral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intravenous is more commonly used than parenteral in medical contexts, as it specifically refers to the administration of medication or fluids through a vein. Parenteral is a broader term that can include various methods of delivery, making it less common in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intravenous and parenteral?
Both intravenous and parenteral are formal terms used primarily in medical contexts. However, intravenous is more commonly used and may be more familiar to healthcare professionals and patients alike.
