What common medication is given via continuous IV infusion for pain management?

Morphine sulfate is commonly administered via continuous IV infusion for pain management due to its potent analgesic properties and rapid onset of action. As an opioid, it is particularly effective for moderate to severe pain, and its continuous delivery allows for consistent pain control in patients, especially those who may be experiencing pain that fluctuates in intensity or has not responded adequately to other forms of pain relief.

Continuous IV infusion of morphine helps maintain stable therapeutic levels in the bloodstream, which can improve patient comfort and reduce the frequency of breakthrough pain. This mode of administration also allows for easier titration of dosages to match the patient's individual needs over time, optimizing pain management while minimizing the risk of side effects and complications associated with the medication.

In contrast, while ibuprofen and aspirin are non-opioid analgesics used for pain relief, they are typically not administered via continuous IV infusion, as they are generally given orally or in other forms. Hydromorphone is also an opioid that can be used for pain management, but morphine is more commonly recognized and utilized in many clinical settings for continuous IV infusion specifically.