Abstract: Cyclic total parenteral nutrition is safely administered by tapering the infusion rate over a substantial period of time at the beginning and end of the infusion cycle. An infusion pump is disclosed which automatically calculates and performs a cycle profile having an appropriate steady-state rate and appropriate tapers in accordance with pre-established criteria when total volume and total infusion time per cycle are entered. The pump has a sleep mode for energy conservation without loss of memory when predetermined periods of inactivity occur.