CPOE.org IV Therapy
Intravenous Therapy, or IV Therapy, is a kind of medical therapy that convey vital fluids directly into a person’s veins. It is the fastest way to deliver medicines, rehydration fluids and more to the patient and is typically administered by a highly trained healthcare professional. The following are some of the most common reasons people are prescribed or seek out IV Therapy:
- Dehydration: People suffering from dehydration often undergo IV Therapy to correct the problem. IV Therapy enables fast and complete recovery from this debilitating condition.
- Athletic recovery: Athletes often find themselves feeling drained after an intense workout. IV Therapy can deliver the fluids and nutrients they need to make a quick recovery.
- Hangovers: A night of overindulgence can result in headaches, dehydration, nausea and more. IV Therapy can provide the fluids and medications needed to overcome a hangover.
- Relief from morning sickness: Most pregnant women experience morning sickness to some degree. IV Therapy can reduce the severity of morning sickness.
- Cold and flu relief: An IV drip will help keep you hydrated and deliver various medications that can help relieve the worst symptoms of a cold or flu, including body aches and fever.
IV Therapy: What’s in the Bag?
People often have questions about what exactly is in the IV bag when they are undergoing IV Therapy. The answer is, it depends on the condition being treated. Some of the most common components of IV fluid include:
- Saline: Saline is the most common “ingredient” found in an IV bag. Saline solution is composed of water and sodium chloride and is used as a base into which nutrients and medications are added.
- Antibiotics: People suffering from severe infections will often need to undergo an antibiotic drip. Penicillin, cephalosporin and other antibiotics are commonly used in an antibiotic drip.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals are typically added to IV drips to combat dehydration, bolster the immune system and combat conditions like hypoparathyroidism.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are the body’s only defense against so-called “free radicals”. Antioxidant IV Therapy may include vitamins C, E and A along with selenium and more.
- Dextrose: Dextrose is used in IV Therapy to help bring low blood sugar levels back to normal. Dextrose can also provide an energy boost.
- B-Vitamins: B vitamins play an important role in, among other things, metabolic and nervous system function.
IV Therapy: Benefits
IV Therapy provides a range of benefits including, but not necessarily limited to:
- It’s the fastest way to deliver much-needed medications and nutrients to the body.
- It’s an excellent way to overcome dehydration.
- It can be used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and more.
- It can provide an effective energy boost.
- It can help to lessen the worst symptoms of morning sickness.
- It can help you recover from a hangover, intense workout and even migraines.
- It may reduce signs of aging by delivering antioxidants and other important nutrients.
IV Therapy is a simple, safe and effective way to treat or prevent a variety of health conditions.