Feeling run-down, dehydrated, or struggling to bounce back after illness, heat exposure, or a big workout? Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy can help you rehydrate and recover quickly. At Express Urgent Care in Diamond Bar, our medical team offers IV hydration as a safe, efficient option when you need more than water and rest.
In this guide, we’ll explain how IV hydration works, who it helps, what to expect, and common questions our patients ask.
What Is IV Hydration Therapy?
IV hydration therapy delivers fluids, electrolytes, and—in select cases—vitamins or medications directly into your bloodstream through a small catheter in your arm. Because it bypasses your digestive system, IV therapy can rehydrate you faster and more effectively than drinking fluids alone, especially when you’re nauseated, vomiting, or too fatigued to keep up with oral intake.
Top Benefits of IV Fluid Therapy
1) Rapid Rehydration
IV fluids restore volume quickly, improving symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and fast heart rate often associated with dehydration.
2) Electrolyte Balance
Balanced solutions (e.g., normal saline or lactated Ringer’s) replenish essential electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride—which support blood pressure, heart rhythm, and muscle function.
3) Better When You Can’t Keep Fluids Down
If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhea, drinking may be difficult. IV fluids bypass the stomach so you can rehydrate without worsening nausea.
4) Supports Recovery From Illness
Common illnesses that benefit from IV hydration include viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”), influenza, COVID-19–related dehydration, migraine with vomiting, and heat exhaustion.
5) Headache & Migraine Relief
Hydration plus targeted medications (when clinically appropriate) can shorten the duration and intensity of migraine or severe headache.
6) Post-Exercise & Heat Recovery
Athletes, outdoor workers, and weekend warriors who lose fluids and electrolytes through sweat may feel immediate energy and mental clarity after IV rehydration.
7) Medication Delivery
When needed, anti-nausea medicine, pain relievers, or other treatments can be added to your IV under clinician supervision to help you feel better faster.
Important: IV hydration is a medical treatment. We tailor every infusion to your symptoms, medical history, and vital signs to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
Who Might Benefit?
- Dehydration from illness (vomiting, diarrhea, fever), heat exposure, or strenuous exercise
- Headaches/Migraines with nausea or poor oral intake
- Heat Exhaustion (not heat stroke—see “When Not to Use IV Therapy” below)
- Travelers feeling jet-lagged and dehydrated
- People with GI upset who can’t keep fluids down
Who Should Avoid or Use Caution?
IV fluids may not be right for everyone. We’ll review your history and vitals before treatment. Caution or avoidance is needed if you have:
- Heart failure or certain heart/kidney conditions (risk of fluid overload)
- Severe kidney disease
- Severe electrolyte abnormalities that require hospital-level monitoring
- Heat stroke, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other emergency symptoms (call 911)
What to Expect at Express Urgent Care
- Triage & Exam: We check vital signs, medical history, and symptoms to confirm IV therapy is appropriate.
- Personalized Plan: Your clinician selects the type/amount of fluid and any add-on medications (e.g., anti-nausea) based on your needs.
- IV Start: A small catheter is placed in a vein—usually in the forearm or hand. You’ll be seated or reclining comfortably.
- Infusion Time: Most infusions take 30–60 minutes. We monitor you throughout.
- Post-Infusion Check: We reassess symptoms and provide guidance for rest, nutrition, and follow-up.
Common IV Fluids & Add-Ons
- Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl): The most common rehydration fluid.
- Lactated Ringer’s: Balanced electrolytes; often used for dehydration and post-exertion recovery.
- Medications (as appropriate):
- Ondansetron (anti-nausea)
- Ketorolac (non-opioid pain relief) for certain headaches or musculoskeletal pain
- Electrolyte supplementation (e.g., potassium) when clinically indicated
We do not recommend “one-size-fits-all” or excessive vitamin/booster infusions. We use evidence-based, safety-first protocols focused on your medical needs.
Hydration: IV vs. Oral
| Feature | Oral Fluids | IV Hydration |
| Onset of Relief | Gradual | Rapid |
| When Nauseated/Vomiting | Often difficult | Still effective |
| Precision | Varies | Precisely measured |
| Electrolyte Correction | Limited | Targeted & monitored |
For mild dehydration, oral fluids with electrolytes are typically enough. For moderate to severe dehydration—or when you can’t keep fluids down—IV therapy is usually the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
A: Common signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness/lightheadedness, headache, and reduced urination. Severe dehydration may cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, or fainting—seek medical care promptly.
Q: Is IV hydration safe?
A: For most healthy adults, yes—when administered by trained clinicians. We review your medical history and monitor vitals to minimize risks such as bruising at the IV site, temporary discomfort, or very rarely infection or fluid overload.
Q: Will I feel better right away?
A: Many patients notice improvement in 30–60 minutes, especially with symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea. Full recovery depends on the underlying cause and your overall health.
Q: Can IV therapy help with a hangover?
A: IV fluids can correct dehydration and electrolyte loss, which may ease some hangover symptoms. However, prevention (moderation, hydration, nutrition, sleep) is best, and we’ll always evaluate for other causes of severe symptoms.
Q: Do you offer vitamin or “booster” infusions?
A: We prioritize clinically indicated treatments. If labs or your medical picture suggest specific deficiencies or needs, we’ll discuss safe options. We avoid unnecessary or unproven add-ons.
Q: How long does the appointment take?
A: Plan for about 45–90 minutes including evaluation, IV placement, infusion, and post-treatment reassessment.
Q: Can I drive afterward?
A: Most patients can, but if you received medications that cause drowsiness (or you still feel weak), arrange a ride.
Q: Is IV hydration covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. Our team can help you understand any costs before treatment.
Q: How many bags of fluid will I need?
A: Many patients respond to one liter. We tailor the amount based on your vitals, symptoms, and medical history.
Q: When is IV therapy not appropriate?
A: Symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, fainting, or signs of heat stroke (very high body temperature, altered mental status) require emergency care (call 911), not urgent care IV hydration.
Tips to Prevent Dehydration
- Drink water regularly; increase intake in heat or during exercise.
- Include electrolyte solutions for prolonged sweating, illness, or heavy exertion.
- Eat water-rich foods (fruits/vegetables).
- Limit alcohol and caffeine during hot weather or illness.
- Listen to your body—thirst, dark urine, and fatigue are early warning signs.
Same-Day IV Hydration at Express Urgent Care
If you’re feeling depleted, we can help you feel like yourself again—safely and quickly. Walk in or call ahead for same-day evaluation and treatment.
Express Urgent Care
750 N Diamond Bar Blvd, Suite 102
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Phone: (909) 718-2455
Website: expressurgentcareinc.com
Open 7 days with extended hours. Walk-ins welcome.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.