What Is Intralipid? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If your doctor has told you that you need Intralipid — or if you're a caregiver for someone receiving it — you probably have a lot of questions. What exactly is it? What does it do? How is it given? This comprehensive guide answers all of that in plain language.

What Is Intralipid?

Intralipid is the brand name for a 100% soybean oil-based intravenous fat emulsion manufactured by Fresenius Kabi. It is a milky white liquid that is given intravenously (directly into a vein) as part of a parenteral nutrition (PN) regimen — which is medical-grade IV feeding for patients who cannot eat or absorb nutrients through their digestive system.

Intralipid has been in clinical use since 1962 (Europe) and received its initial US FDA approval in 1975. It has been administered in more than 200 million infusions globally, making it one of the most established IV nutritional products in medicine.

What Is Intralipid Used For?

Intralipid has two FDA-approved uses:

Parenteral nutrition (PN): Providing calories and essential fatty acids to adults and pediatric patients who cannot receive nutrition orally or through a feeding tube. Intralipid is mixed with amino acids, dextrose, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to form a complete IV nutritional solution called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or All-in-One (AIO) nutrition.

Prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD): Patients who cannot take fat orally or enterally for extended periods can develop a deficiency of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid — fatty acids the body cannot make itself. Intralipid provides these essential fatty acids. When used for EFAD prevention, it supplies 8-10% of total caloric intake.

Common conditions that require Intralipid-based PN include:

Short bowel syndrome / intestinal failure

Crohn's disease with severe GI complications

Critical illness in the ICU requiring complete nutritional support

Premature infants in the NICU who cannot be fed orally

Cancer patients undergoing treatments that prevent oral intake

Post-surgical patients with prolonged recovery requiring IV nutrition

What Are the Different Forms of Intralipid?

Intralipid is available in three concentrations:

Intralipid 10%: 10 grams of soybean oil per 100 mL; can be used via peripheral or central vein

Intralipid 20%: 20 grams of soybean oil per 100 mL; the most commonly used clinical concentration; available in 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 mL bags

Intralipid 30% Pharmacy Bulk Package: Used by pharmacies to compound TPN admixtures; NOT for direct IV administration

How Is Intralipid Dosed?

Intralipid dosing is individualized based on body weight, age, clinical status, and energy requirements. General guidelines:

Adults: Initial rate 0.1 g/kg/hour; maximum 3 g fat/kg/24 hours; maximum infusion rate 0.75 mL/kg/hour (for 20%)

Pediatric patients: Starting dose 0.5-1 g/kg/day, advancing to maximum 3 g fat/kg/24 hours

Premature infants: Starting dose 0.5 g/kg/24 hours; advance slowly; maximum 3 g fat/kg/24 hours; never exceed 0.125 g/kg/hour infusion rate

The energy content of Intralipid 20% is approximately 2.0 kcal/mL. For an average adult requiring 2,000 total daily calories, the lipid component of PN typically provides 25-40% of total calories.

How Is Intralipid Given?

Intralipid is given intravenously — either through a central venous catheter (like a PICC line or port) or a peripheral IV. Key administration rules:

Always use a 1.2-micron in-line filter

Use a dedicated infusion line — do not run multiple medications in series with Intralipid

Protect PN admixtures from light (photodegradation)

Refrigerate at 2-8°C; once removed, infuse within 24 hours

Never freeze Intralipid — discard if accidentally frozen

Is Intralipid a Controlled Substance?

No. Intralipid is not a controlled substance. It has no potential for abuse or addiction and is not scheduled by the DEA. Any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with prescribing authority can prescribe Intralipid. However, because of the complexity of managing home PN, it is typically prescribed and managed by specialists.

Want to understand how Intralipid actually works inside your body? Read our deep dive: How Does Intralipid Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English.

If you have a prescription for Intralipid and need help finding it, medfinder can locate infusion pharmacies with it in stock near you.