TPN

Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy

TPN stands for Total parenteral nutrition, a pharmacy abbreviation.

Complete IV nutrition supplying all of a patient's needs (dextrose, amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements) through a central venous catheter when the gut cannot be used, for example in short bowel syndrome or prolonged ileus.

Example: TPN at goal 85 mL/h via PICC; check triglycerides and LFTs weekly.

Usage notes

TPN is on ISMP's list of high-alert medications because of formulation and infusion-rate errors. Its high osmolarity requires a central line. Complications include line infection, hyperglycemia, refeeding syndrome and liver disease. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) now favors the simpler term "PN".

Related abbreviations

More pharmacy abbreviations

• supp – Suppository
• susp – Suspension
• SWFI – Sterile water for injection
• syr – Syrup
• tab – Tablet
• TNA – Total nutrient admixture
• U&C – Usual and customary price
• UD – Unit dose
• ung – Unguentum (ointment)
• USP – United States Pharmacopeia
• WAC – Wholesale acquisition cost
• XL – Extended length

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.