Parenteral Nutrition

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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What is parenteral nutrition (PN)?

PN provides your body with nutrients. PN is recommended when you are not able to eat enough to get the nutrients you need. PN is given through an IV placed in a vein in your arm, upper chest, or neck. PN provides you with liquid nutrients. These include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. You may need PN for weeks or months.

What will happen when I leave the hospital?

You may need to continue PN at home. A healthcare provider will teach you, or someone close to you, how to give PN at home. You will learn how to take care of your IV catheter. You will also learn how to change the bandage that covers your IV catheter site. Your provider will make sure you have the supplies you need. Providers will visit you regularly to monitor your health while you get PN.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• SMOFlipid
• Intralipid
• Nutrilipid
• Perikabiven
• Omegaven

View more treatment options

How do I care for myself while I use PN at home?

• Weigh yourself 3 to 4 times a week to monitor any weight changes.
• Check your catheter site for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and discharge. Take your temperature as directed.
• Keep track of how much PN and other IV liquids you take in, and how much you urinate.
• Test your blood sugar level.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed. You will need regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and you have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have pain or discomfort in your neck or shoulder.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• You weigh more or less than your healthcare provider says you should.
• You are urinating less than your healthcare provider says you should.
• The skin around your catheter site is red, warm, and swollen.
• Blood or PN solution leaks from the tube site.
• You have pain or swelling in your arm.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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