IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, delivers fluids, medications, or vitamins directly into the veins of the body. It is the fastest way to deliver blood products, vitamins, medications, or other necessary fluids directly into a person's circulatory system.

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There are several reasons why you might need to have fluids administered intravenously. For instance, some treatments rely on IV delivery. These include:

• rehydration after becoming dehydrated from illness or excessive activity

• treatment of an infection using antibiotics

• cancer treatment through chemotherapy drugs

• management of pain using certain medications

 

Fluids for such treatments consist of water with electrolytes, sugar, or medications added in concentrations that depend on your needs.

The rate and quantity of intravenous fluid given depends on your medical condition, body size, and age. Regulation ensures the correct amount of fluid drips from a bag down the IV into your vein at the correct rate. Complications can result from receiving too much too quickly, or not enough too slowly.