Feeling a bit down? Lacking energy? A bit too dry? Maybe a good IV with a bag of nutrients will do the thing! You don’t need to get admitted to a hospital to get that. There are tons of aesthetic and wellness clinics out there that offer intravenous therapy that has bags full of vitamins, nutrients, or electrolytes to perk you up!

Intravenous therapy is a great way to get nutrients into your body quickly. Let’s take a closer look at this method and see the pros and cons and if this is great for you.

What is Intravenous Therapy?

Intravenous therapy, also known as IV therapy, is a medical treatment involving delivering medication or other fluids directly into the bloodstream. IV therapy is often used to provide intravenous fluids, which can help to maintain hydration levels and provide essential nutrients. 

However, intravenous therapy can also deliver medications, such as antibiotics or pain relief. In some cases, intravenous therapy may also be used to administer contrast agents, which can help improve diagnostic imaging test quality. 

Today, IV therapy is used to deliver other medications that help with many problems, from dehydration to insomnia, and even skincare-related medications or formulas. Delivery of these agents through IV helps the body absorb them faster and lets the body utilize these agents and medications quicker than other forms, such as over-the-counter prescriptions that are ingested or topical creams or gels. 

How does intravenous therapy work?

The process of intravenous therapy begins with the placement of an IV catheter, which is a small tube that is inserted into a vein. Once the catheter is in place, intravenous fluids can be slowly dripped into the vein. The rate at which the fluids are administered will depend on the patient’s specific needs. 

Common IV therapy forms are the Hangover Cure and the Glutathione drip. The Hangover Cure is an IV drip packed with rehydrating nutrients to revitalize your body after a night of drinking. These nutrients are packed full of electrolytes to get you out of the morning after a slump. The Glutathione drip is a famous cosmetic procedure where Glutathione is brought into the body via IV therapy. Glutathione helps maintain a clear complexion and is popular in the Asian market.

Intravenous therapy can be used on an outpatient basis or as part of a hospital stay. The length of treatment will also vary depending on the reason for intravenous fluids. Some patients may only need intravenous fluids for a few days, while others may need them for weeks or even months. 

Overall, intravenous therapy is a safe and effective way to administer fluids to patients. This medical procedure can help to improve hydration, provide nutrients, and deliver medication directly to the bloodstream.

Alternatives to Intravenous Therapy

IV therapy has been popularly used for a long time. For one, the simple injection of fluids when you go to a hospital is already a form of IV therapy. What has changed over time are the types of medications, nutrients, and formulas that can be administered to people via the IV. 

The main alternative to IV therapy is other forms of ingesting medication, be it via over-the-counter or prescribed medicine or other medical processes. One common alternative is an intramuscular injection, which can deliver medications that cannot be given intravenously or when intravenous access is unavailable. 

Another is subcutaneous injection, often used for poorly absorbed drugs from the gastrointestinal tract or when intravenous access is impossible. Oral administration may be possible, although this may not be adequate in situations where rapid absorption is needed. 

Ultimately, the best option for each patient will depend on the specific circumstances. However, if you need IV therapy for cosmetic or enhancing nutrients, fluids, or formulas, IV therapy would be the best since it directs these straight to your bloodstream for faster absorption. 

Benefits of Intravenous therapy

Intravenous therapy has many benefits, including delivering medications and other treatments directly to the bloodstream and bypassing the digestive system. This allows intravenous therapy to be used for treatments that would otherwise not be possible, such as cancer chemotherapy. Intravenous therapy can also rehydrate patients or provide nutrients to patients who cannot eat. 

Alternatives to IV therapy, like intramuscular injections, can have some downtime, and the patients may experience soreness in the area for as long as a week. On the other hand, subcutaneous injections may not be as potent or have a faster absorption rate than IV therapy which directs the fluids straight to the bloodstream for absorption. 

Intravenous therapy is also less invasive than surgery and has a lower risk of infection. Intravenous therapy can be used for various conditions, making it a versatile and valuable treatment option.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

One of the most common side effects of IV therapy is bruising or soreness at the injection site. This is usually caused by the needle inserted into the vein. Intravenous fluids can also cause bruising and soreness. If you have allergies, let your doctor know before you start IV therapy. 

Bacteria are introduced into your blood when the needle is inserted into your vein. If you develop an infection, you may develop an infection. Signs of an infection include redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. If you develop these symptoms, let your doctor know immediately.

Additionally, make sure the IV therapy you are getting isn’t something that needs a doctor’s prescription. Some clinics offer IV therapy that drips in medicine that isn’t over-the-counter. You may risk poisoning yourself or having medication you don’t need in your bloodstream. 

If you are planning to have IV therapy done, make sure you consult first with a doctor to see if the drips offered to you are safe. Cosmetic-related IV drips are relatively safe, but it would be better to consult first with a doctor. Hydration IV therapy is standard as long as the components of the IV drip are electrolytes. 

Conclusion

IV therapy is an effective and great way to get nutrients and hydration into your body quickly. It’s also a great way to let your body recover faster from the flu, a hangover, or any sickness that may affect your immune system and productivity. 

If you’re interested in having IV therapy done on you, go ahead and visit JSJ Aesthetics. They offer IV therapy with terrific options and other fantastic treatments and procedures to give you that natural glow and energy!