Does intravenous and subcutaneous mean the same thing?

No, intravenous and subcutaneous are two different routes of administration for administering drugs or fluids into the body.

Intravenous (IV) administration involves injecting a substance directly into a vein, usually through a needle inserted into a peripheral vein in the arm or hand. The substance is then carried directly into the bloodstream, allowing for rapid distribution throughout the body. Intravenous administration is often used for delivering critical medications, fluids, or nutrients when quick action is required or when the drug cannot be absorbed effectively through other routes.

Subcutaneous (SC) administration, also known as hypodermic injection, involves injecting a substance into the fatty layer of tissue just beneath the skin. Unlike intravenous administration, subcutaneous injections do not enter the bloodstream directly. Instead, the substance gradually diffuses into the surrounding tissues and is then absorbed into the bloodstream at a slower rate. This method is often preferred when the drug is required to be released slowly over a longer period or when it may cause irritation to the veins if given intravenously.