IV drip therapy or IV drip infusion is a fast-growing beauty and wellness trend that delivers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, allowing for rapid absorption and quick results. IV drip originally used in medical settings to treat dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, IV drips are now popular in spas and wellness clinics for their skin, energy, and hydration benefits. This method provides near-instant effects, often seen in brighter skin, increased energy, and a refreshed appearance. Customizable IV drip options target specific goals, from “immune boost” to “skin glow” formulas, making it easy to personalize treatments. Celebrities and influencers have further popularized IV drips for quick recovery and on-the-go wellness, making it a convenient, non-surgical solution for those seeking proactive beauty care.
How Does IV Drip Work?
An IV drip, or IV drip infusion, delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream through an IV line in your arm. This method bypasses your digestive system, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed quickly and efficiently. IV drips are popular in clinics, and wellness spas for people looking for a quick boost in energy, hydration, or overall wellness.
Who Is IV Drip Suitable For?
IV drip infusion is ideal for those who want to take a proactive approach to their health and are seeking fast, visible results. It’s especially popular among people looking for a quick, safe, and effective wellness boost, as IV drip provides quicker results than oral supplements by bypassing the digestive process.
Benefits of IV Drip
- IV drip provides essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to the body
- IV drip enhances the immune system and helps maintain internal balance.
- Reduces inflammation associated with vitamin deficiency.
- IV drip helps alleviate pain, fatigue, and exhaustion from daily life.
- Increases antioxidants in the body, promoting bright and healthy skin.
- Revitalizes and supports the body’s functions against aging.
- IV drip helps relieve symptoms or supports treatment for certain conditions.
- Other benefits of IV drip as recommended by a healthcare provider.
IV Drip vs. Taking Vitamin Supplements
When you take vitamins by mouth, they go through your digestive system, which limits how much your body absorbs. With an IV drip, the vitamins go straight into your bloodstream, meaning you get almost 100% absorption. Thus, IV drip can lead to faster and stronger effects compared to oral supplements.
IV Drip Options
Here are some popular IV drip types and what they contain:
- Myers’ Cocktail: Contains multi-vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin C. This IV drip is popular for general wellness, boosting energy, and immune support.
- Anti-Aging Drip: Often includes antioxidants like glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) to slow down the aging process.
- Immunity Boost Drip: High doses of vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione are main component of this IV drip to strengthen immune defenses.
- Weight Loss Drip: This IV drip option typically includes a combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, such as B-complex vitamins, and carnitine to help boost metabolism, support fat burning, and increase energy levels. This IV drip is intended to complement a healthy lifestyle and may enhance energy levels for those on a weight-loss program.
- Hangover Drip: Contains a mix of saline, B vitamins complex mix, Glutathione, Vitamin C, and sometimes medications like anti-nausea or pain relievers to alleviate common hangover symptoms, such as dehydration, nausea, and headache. This IV drip helps rehydrate the body, replenish essential nutrients, and cure hangover discomfort.
- Hydration Drip: Includes saline and electrolytes, the ideal IV drip for recovering from dehydration.
These options show how IV drip infusion can be tailored to support different wellness goals, from boosting energy and immunity to promoting skin health and recovery. In our Bangkok Hospital Samui, we offer the following IV drip packages:
- Package Revitalize booster: IV energy booster – Ideal for those who want to reduce fatigue and tiredness while boosting energy levels with an IV drip.
- Package Travel Refresher Booster: IV Jetlag – Perfect IV drip for alleviating fatigue, enhancing sleep quality, and addressing Jet Lag issues.
IV Drip Procedure Details
IV Drip procedure:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Blood test to compare before and after result of IV drip
- Assessment of vitamin supplementation needs to choose the appropriate IV drip option
- Administration of IV drip therapy, lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour. Typically given once a week for 4-5 consecutive weeks or longer if necessary.
Post-IV Drip Therapy Care Tips
- During IV drip, the kidneys will work harder to remove waste. After treatment, drink water frequently.
- If you have an underlying disease, you can continue your regular medications and take any additional supplements prescribed by your doctor.
- Ensure adequate rest, about 6–8 hours per night.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day for three days following IV drip.
IV Drip Safety and Side Effects
Receiving vitamins through an IV is similar to standard IV drip procedures and carries some risk of infection, as with any IV drip treatment. However, these risks can be minimized through sterile techniques and hygiene practices. It’s essential to choose an experienced physician and a reputable facility that maintains high standards of cleanliness. The amounts of vitamins and minerals should be carefully calculated by a skilled doctor to match the individual’s needs and physical condition. Patients with kidney disease or allergies must receive special attention and should inform their doctor before every IV drip treatment session.
Who Should Be Cautious About IV Drip Therapy?
Before receiving IV drip therapy, certain individuals should exercise caution and consult their physician:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with a history of allergies, such as allergies to medications or vitamins
- Those with kidney impairment or chronic kidney disease
- Individuals with G6PD enzyme deficiency
- Patients taking antiplatelet medications
- People who are fasting or on a strict weight management plan
- Individuals with heart conditions may be at risk from the side effects of rapid IV drip.
IV Drip Side Effects
While IV drips are generally safe, some side effects can occur. Here’s a look at common ones and ways to manage them:
- Pain or Bruising at the Injection Site: Some mild pain or bruising can happen where the needle is inserted. You can reduce this by applying a cold pack after the IV drip or asking the provider to apply numbing cream before the IV drip treatment.
- Allergic Reactions: Reactions to certain ingredients are rare but can occur. To avoid this, make sure your provider knows about any allergies before doing IV drip treatment. A good provider should review the ingredients with you and monitor you for any signs of allergy. If you’re prone to allergies, consider asking for a “test dose” (a smaller dose) to check for any reaction.
- Fluid Overload: Receiving too much fluid too quickly can cause headaches, nausea, or more serious issues like fluid retention. You can manage this by asking to drip slower—a slower IV drip infusion allows your body more time to adjust.
How Many Times Should I Get an IV Drip to See Results?
IV drip therapy can be done as often as needed, typically about once a week under the supervision of a specialist. Most people feel refreshed after the first session of IV drip, and improvements in skin quality may be noticeable after 3–5 sessions. IV drip results can vary depending on individual response and existing levels of free radicals in the body.
If you’re interested in IV drips, you can check out the details at Bangkok Hospital Samui. We offer a variety of health and beauty packages to suit your needs. Click here to view all our health and beauty packages.
Reference
- Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN THERAPY. (2022). https://thaicam.dtam.moph.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/draft-%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94-.pdf
- Dayal, Sahil & Kolasa, Kathryn. (2021). Consumer Intravenous Vitamin Therapy: Wellness Boost or Toxicity Threat? Nutrition Today. 56. 234-238. 10.1097/NT.0000000000000500.
