How Long Does IV Therapy Take?

In recent years, IV therapy has become popular as a quick and trusted method for enhancing wellness and addressing specific health concerns. This safe and effective treatment carries a long list of health benefits by providing your body with key essential nutrients, vitamins, and fluids, from boosting immunity and energy levels to replenishing hydration, enhancing athletic performance, and supporting skin health.

A common question that arises when considering IV therapy is how long the treatment takes. Are you considering getting IV therapy but want to learn more about the process and what to expect during a treatment session? Keep reading as we explore the benefits of IV therapy and the different factors that impact the duration of IV treatments. We also look deeper into what to expect during a typical IV therapy session.

What Is IV Therapy?

IV therapy, or intravenous infusion, involves delivering essential fluids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a catheter. This type of delivery system bypasses the digestive system and is a faster and more efficient way of replenishing essential nutrients that the body is lacking.

With IV therapy, you can administer a high concentration of nutrients that would be difficult to achieve through oral administration. This form of delivery supports rapid absorption of nutrients and boosts wellness levels and quick relief from symptoms of chronic health conditions.

Different Types of IV Therapy

Different types of IV therapy target specific health needs and rejuvenate your body quickly and efficiently. Vitamin infusions can contain a single vitamin, such as Vitamin C, or a cocktail of vitamins and minerals. Some of the most common forms of IV therapy include:

  • Hydration Therapy: replenishes lost fluids due to illness, diarrhea, vomiting or hangovers. It can also support athletic performance.

  • Vitamin Therapy administers antioxidants, amino acids, and nutrients to boost energy, immunity, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  • Mineral Therapy: includes a mix of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc to treat deficiencies and reduce toxicity and inflammation.

  • Immunity Therapy delivers potent antioxidants like glutathione and arginine to help boost immunity and ward off colds and flu.

  • NAD+ Anti-Aging Therapy: This infusion contains NAD+, an essential enzyme that supports cellular repair and reduces the effects of aging on the body. NAD+ benefits also include improving cognitive function, sleep patterns, athletic performance, and more.

Depending on the form of IV therapy, an IV infusion is made with either a saline or a glucose solution. A saline solution contains water and salt, which provides hydration and promotes electrolyte balance in the body. A glucose solution is made of water and glucose and provides energy to the body.

How Long Does IV Therapy Take?

With all of the amazing potential benefits of an IV infusion, you may be wondering, how long does IV therapy take? On average, it lasts 30 to 90 minutes. The duration varies depending on the patient, their symptoms, health needs, and the type of infusion.

During an IV treatment session, you will sit in a chair while a medical professional takes your vitals and disinfects your arm. Next, they insert a fine needle into a vein in your arm. This may feel like a slight pinch or prick, but it should not be painful. This part of the treatment may be uncomfortable for some; however, the rest of the IV treatment is generally relaxing and painless.

After inserting the needle, they insert a catheter into the vein. This small plastic tube will deliver your IV infusion directly into your bloodstream. On average, this part of your IV therapy treatment should last about 30-45 minutes. You can relax, nap, or go on your phone during this time. Once your infusion is done, you can get right back to your daily routine. Most individuals feel an immediate increase in energy, vitality, and overall well-being right after IV therapy.

Factors That Affect Duration of IV Therapy Session

The duration of an IV infusion can vary for each person depending on a combination of factors. The type of therapy you are getting, your unique health needs, and the medical professional's experience can all impact how long an IV therapy session will take.

Common factors that can affect the duration of IV vitamin therapy include:

Type of Infusion

The type of infusion will impact how quickly or slowly your IV therapy will take. Some infusions, such as NAD+ therapy, may require a longer treatment session and can take up to several hours, depending on the medication and dosage. Other infusion therapies like IV hydration therapy or Myers’ Cocktail take significantly less time, about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Size of Infusion

Most medical spas offer different IV bag sizes, ranging from 50 mL to 1000 mL. The bags contain the same amount of vitamins and nutrients but have different amounts of fluids and electrolytes. For example, a 500mL IV infusion takes around 20 to 40 minutes, while the larger 1000mL IV drip can take up to an hour.  Additionally, the rate of infusion can be modified to ensure patient comfort.

Infusion Rate

The rate at which the solution is delivered into your body can also impact the duration of an IV therapy session. The infusion rate depends on the infusion you receive and your health condition. If an infusion is highly concentrated or infused too quickly, this can cause serious complications. On the other hand, if the infusion rate is too slow, the therapy can be extended.

Age, Weight, and Health

Age, weight, and overall health can impact how quickly your body absorbs the vitamin infusion and how long the therapy session lasts. Individuals with a higher body weight or weak immune systems may require a longer IV therapy session.

Your organ function can also play a key role in how long your IV therapy will take. If you have reduced liver or kidney function, your IV therapy treatment session may take longer to complete. Your vital signs and blood levels may also need additional monitoring to ensure your infusion is safe.

The Expertise of Medical Professional

External factors also affect the duration of IV therapy. The skill of the healthcare provider administering the therapy and the efficiency of the IV equipment can both impact the duration of an IV therapy session.

How Long Does IV Therapy Take to Work?

IV therapy begins working instantly to boost your health, even if you don't feel the effects immediately. Many patients feel a difference as soon as treatment is complete. Generally, most people may feel the impact of vitamin IV therapy within a few hours to a day after receiving the treatment. Some may take a couple of sessions before noticing a significant difference in energy levels, immunity, or overall well-being.

Overall, the time it takes for vitamin IV therapy to work varies depending on your health and the specific infusion you are receiving. With consistent IV therapy sessions, you can enjoy significant, positive effects and support overall health and wellness.

How Long Do The Effects of IV Therapy Last?

Fluids from IV therapy stay in your bloodstream for about 24 hours. The perceivable effects of treatment can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, everyone has a different experience with IV vitamin therapy. Therefore, the results will depend on various factors, including the type of therapy you choose and your unique body chemistry. 

For some individuals, the effects of IV vitamin therapy may be more noticeable or consistent. However, everyone’s body will respond to treatment differently. Things like metabolism, lifestyle, illness, and diet can all impact the duration of the effects. Additionally, if you engage in strenuous physical activities or intense workouts, you may shorten the perceivable effects of your hydration boost or vitamin infusion.

Experience the Best IV Therapy in Staten Island, NY

Whether you want to boost your overall health or you are seeking relief from a hangover or chronic fatigue, IV therapy can help. With an IV infusion, your body receives essential vitamins and nutrients quickly and efficiently. At Emerson Medical, our IV drips contain custom infusion combinations to resupply your body with antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Our team of experienced medical professionals provides safe, high-quality, and relaxing IV therapy treatments for residents in Staten Island.

If you are ready to experience relief from symptoms of chronic conditions or are just looking for a quick wellness boost, call (718) 448-3800 to schedule an IV treatment in Staten Island at Emerson Medical. Speak with one of our team members about the different IV packages and pricing we offer so you can choose the best option for your health goals. We look forward to supporting your wellness journey so you can experience incredible mind and body rejuvenation in no time.

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