IV Fluids
Intravenous fluids, or IV fluids, are given to patients for two primary reasons, to replace fluids they have lost through illness or injury, or to provide fluids when they are unable to drink as they normally would. Normal Saline is the most common. Another would be Electrolytes. Electrolytes are compounds in the blood that can conduct an electrical charge and help the body complete essential functions, including helping the heart beat. Too many electrolytes, or too few electrolytes, can cause disruptions in the heart’s function or other serious problems.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a category of drugs used to combat bacteria that cause infection. Antibiotics can be given in pill form or through an IV. While in the hospital, antibiotics are most commonly given through an IV, but the vast majority of home antibiotics are prescribed as pills.
Common Antibiotics

Controlling Pain
Analgesics/Pain Relievers are used to control pain before and after surgery. They are available in a wide variety of forms, and can be given as an IV, in pill form, as a lozenge, a suppository, as a liquid taken by mouth and even as an ointment where the medication is absorbed through the skin.
Common Anesthetics
Common Pain Medications

Anti-Anxiety Drugs
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are Ativan, Valium, Librium, Xanax, and Klonopin. They have drawbacks: Benzodiazepines sometimes cause drowsiness, irritability, dizziness, memory and attention problems, and physical dependence.

Anti-Seizure Drugs
There are many different medicines that can prevent or stop seizures. These are sometimes called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) or anti-seizure drugs. Diazepam (Valium), Lorazapam (Ativan) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) are among the most commonly used.

Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are a category of medications that slow the clotting of the blood. To prevent blood clots from forming and causing complications such as a stroke or pulmonary embolus, anticoagulants are given through an IV, an injection, or in a pill form.
•Argatroban
•Coumadin (Warfarin)
•Heparin
•Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Diuretics
Diuretics are medications that increase the rate of urination. They can be used to stimulate kidney function and are also used to help control high blood pressure.
•Lasix (Furosemide)
•Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)