How to Prepare for IV Therapy — Complete Pre-Session Guide
Simple steps to get the most from your IV drip — what to eat, drink, wear, and tell your provider before your session.
Proper preparation makes a meaningful difference in your IV therapy experience. Well-hydrated patients have more accessible veins, which means easier insertion and less discomfort. A light meal prevents light-headedness. Disclosing your medications ensures your nurse selects a formula that is both safe and effective for your specific situation. Whether it is your first session or your tenth, this checklist covers everything you need to do in the 24 hours before your appointment.
5-Step Pre-Session Checklist
Hydrate Well — Drink 16–32 oz Water in the 2 Hours Before
Adequate pre-session hydration is the single most important thing you can do before an IV drip. Well-hydrated veins are plumper, more visible, and far easier to access on the first attempt. Aim for 16–32 oz (2–4 full glasses) of water in the two hours leading up to your appointment. Avoid arriving thirsty — dehydrated veins collapse more easily and can require multiple insertion attempts.
Eat a Light Meal 1–2 Hours Before Your Session
Have a light, easily digestible meal or snack about 1–2 hours before your IV therapy appointment. A banana, toast, yogurt, or a small sandwich works well. Avoid heavy, fatty, or greasy foods that sit in your stomach. Coming in completely fasted puts you at risk for light-headedness, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure during the infusion — none of which add to the experience.
Wear Loose, Short-Sleeved Clothing for Easy Vein Access
Dress practically for your appointment. A short-sleeved shirt is ideal — or wear loose layers you can easily roll up above the elbow. Your nurse needs unobstructed access to the inner elbow (antecubital fossa) or forearm to insert the IV catheter. Tight long sleeves, compression garments, or bulky sweaters create unnecessary obstacles and slow down your check-in.
Disclose All Medications, Supplements, Allergies, and Conditions
Before every session, your provider will complete a health intake. This is not a formality — it determines which drip formula is safe for your specific situation. Be thorough: disclose all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements, known allergies (especially to IV components like sulfites or preservatives), and any chronic health conditions. High-dose vitamin C, for example, is contraindicated in people with G6PD deficiency. Your safety depends on this information.
Avoid Alcohol for 24 Hours and Limit Caffeine Morning-Of
Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before your session. Alcohol is a diuretic that worsens dehydration, exactly the opposite of what you want going into an IV therapy appointment. On the morning of your session, limit caffeine intake. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor — it narrows blood vessels, making your veins harder to locate and access. One cup of coffee is generally fine; multiple espresso shots before your appointment are not ideal.
What to Bring to Your IV Therapy Appointment
Government-Issued ID
Most clinics require ID for patient records, especially on your first visit.
Medication List
Write down all current medications, dosages, and supplements — or take a photo of your medication bottles.
Payment Method
Bring your preferred payment (card, HSA/FSA card, cash). Check ahead whether the clinic accepts your method.
Entertainment
You will be seated for 30–90 minutes. Bring a book, headphones, podcast, or just plan to scroll your phone.
What NOT to Do Before IV Therapy
- ✗Don't fast completely: Skipping all food before your session is one of the most common mistakes. An empty stomach dramatically increases your risk of light-headedness, dizziness, and nausea during the infusion.
- ✗Don't arrive highly caffeinated: Multiple coffees or energy drinks before your session cause vasoconstriction — narrowing of your blood vessels — which makes vein access significantly harder and increases insertion attempts.
- ✗Don't conceal medical conditions or medications: Withholding health information from your provider is a genuine safety risk. Certain IV components interact with medications or are contraindicated in specific conditions. Always disclose everything, even if it seems unrelated.
A Note for First-Time IV Therapy Patients
It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first IV therapy session, especially if you are not a fan of needles. Know that the insertion process is quick — a small needle places a flexible catheter in your vein, the needle is then removed, and only the soft catheter remains. Most patients describe it as a mild pinch that lasts less than two seconds.
Your nurse will walk you through every step before they begin, explain what they are doing, and answer all your questions. If at any point during the session you feel uncomfortable, simply tell your nurse — they can adjust the drip rate, reposition, or stop entirely. You are in control throughout the entire session.