In the last few years, a lot of people have tried to go down the path of IV therapy, but come back after finding themselves surrounded by a storm of questions. One of the most commonly asked questions of them all is: “How long will this actually take?”
The simple answer is that most IV drips take about 40 to an hour to finish. But there is a little more to the story here, and to assist you in planning your visit better, this guide is here to help. Let’s break down everything you need to know about IV drip session lengths and what you can expect during your appointment.
What factors affect the length of an IV therapy session?
Type of infusion
The specific purpose of your IV drip plays a bigger role in determining the session length than what most people think. To put things into perspective, an immune support drip might take longer than a hydration-focused treatment or an energy-boost infusion. The reason is that each formulation is designed with a specific flow rate in mind to ensure your body receives nutrients safely and effectively.
Specific ingredients
In the same vein as the previous factor, what actually goes into your IV bag matters quite a bit. Some of these ingredients need to be administered more slowly than others for safety and comfort. For example, high-dose vitamin C infusions often require a slower drip rate to prevent peak plasma concentration, while simpler hydration solutions tend to flow more quickly.
Total fluid volume
This one’s pretty simple – the more fluid your IV bag contains, the longer it will take to complete a session. A standard 500ml bag will obviously take less time than a 1000ml bag, even at the same drip rate. Depending on your treatment plan, the required nutrient concentration, and your health goals, the doctors will specify the amount of fluid you’ll need for each session.
IV push vs. IV drip
You may not know this, but there are actually two methods of administering an IV drip – both of them also happen to differ significantly in terms of duration. An IV drip, which you’re likely familiar with, involves hanging a bag of solution that drips naturally into your vein through a cannula. This typically takes about 40–45 minutes, as mentioned earlier.
An IV push works quite differently from the drip. Here, a healthcare professional manually pushes the solution through the cannula using a syringe. Since this one’s administered more directly, it is much faster than the drip, taking about 20 minutes of your time. That said, not all treatments are suitable for the push method, and the choice between push and drip will depend on the nutrients you’re receiving and your specific health needs.
What happens during an IV therapy session?
Initial consultation and health check
Before anything else, your doctor will sit down with you for a thorough consultation – reviewing your medical history, understanding your health goals, and addressing all your doubts. This is a very important safety step that ensures IV therapy is appropriate for you and that the chosen formulation meets your specific needs. If it’s your first visit, you should expect this meeting to run 15–20 minutes longer to cover all the bases.
IV insertion process
Once you’re cleared for treatment, the IV cannula is inserted into your body next. A trained professional will clean the insertion site (usually in your arm) and insert a small, thin tube into your vein. There will be a brief pinching feeling, but most people find it no worse than a standard blood test. The whole insertion process typically takes just a couple of minutes, and once it’s in place, you’re unlikely to feel any discomfort afterwards.
Infusion time
As you settle into a chair, all that’s left is to relax while the IV does its work. Many people use this time to catch up on emails, scroll through their phone, read a book, or even have a little nap. Some clinics offer blankets, pillows, and entertainment options to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Throughout your session, staff will check on you periodically to ensure everything’s going smoothly.
How can you best prepare for an appointment?
Arrive hydrated
This may come across as counterintuitive – considering you’re going for an IV therapy – but drinking water beforehand helps a lot with the process. When you’re well-hydrated, your veins are fuller and easier to access, which means a smoother insertion process. Aim to drink at least a glass or two of water in the hours leading up to your appointment.
Allow extra time for your first visit
Your first appointments will take a bit longer than all your subsequent visits. With the initial consultation, paperwork, and getting familiar with the process, this first session can easily go beyond that standard 45-minute mark. In fact, it’s not unusual for first appointments to take closer to 90 minutes, so plan your first visit accordingly.
Plan for 1–2 hours
To be on the safe side, especially for your first visit, block out a full 1–2 hours in your schedule. This extra time will include your arrival, any pre-paperwork (if it’s your first time), the consultation, the treatment itself, and a few extra minutes afterwards to ensure you are fit to leave. So while the actual procedure may only take 45 minutes, these additional steps will bring it to a couple of hours. Then, once you’re an established patient, your subsequent visits will likely take less time – maybe even less than an hour.
What should you do after the session completes?
Return to your everyday life
Unlike other medical procedures, an IV therapy session typically requires little recovery time for most people. Once your session is complete and the cannula is removed (and there are no side effects), you can typically resume your day as planned. That said, everyone’s body functions differently, so listen to yours and plan your day accordingly.
Stay hydrated (even after the session)
Drinking water after your session can also enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. When supporting your body with IV therapy, it becomes even more important to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. Aim for at least six to eight glasses of water in the hours and days following your treatment.
Stay aware of any side effects
While many studies through the years have shown that IV therapy is safe, you still need to listen to your body when it suggests that something is amiss. Minor side effects, such as slight bruising at the insertion site or a cool sensation along your vein, are within expectations. But if you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling, dizziness, or any similarly concerning symptoms, make sure to let the doctors know. Even then, you need not worry, as a good clinic will always have protocols for every possible situation, meaning that you’ll be in safe hands throughout the process.
Your Time, Your Wellness
At the end of the day, 40–45 minutes is a small time investment and trade-off for all the benefits that IV therapy can offer. So, if you’re ready to explore this therapy, start your journey today by choosing a reputable, certified clinic that prioritises your safety and takes the time to personalise the treatment to your case. Remember: Your health deserves that level of care, and when done properly, those 45 minutes can make a genuine difference in how you feel.
