IV Fluids and Medications Clinic Q&A

Many different types of medicines can be given by IV; some of the more common include:

• Chemotherapy drugs, such as:
• Doxorubicin
• Vincristine
• Cisplatin
• Paclitaxel
• Antibiotics, such as:
• Vancomycin
• Meropenem
• Gentamicin
• Antifungal drugs, such as:
• Micafungin
• Amphotericin
• Pain relief medications, such as:
• Hydromorphone
• Morphine
• Drugs for low blood pressure, such as:
• Dopamine
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine
• Dobutamine
• Immunoglobulin medications (IVIG)

Medicine is commonly administered intravenously by medical professionals as it provides a number of benefits over other forms of drug delivery. IVs are used for treating patients who cannot take oral medications, for faster onset of effects, and for administering more precise doses over a longer period of time.

Furthermore, oral medications need to bypass the gastrointestinal tract; the strong acids in the stomach can break down these medicines, negatively impacting their efficacy. In the case of urgent care, patients are almost always connected to an intravenous drug or fluid delivery system, especially in situations where the patient is unconscious.

IV therapy can be an effective way to quickly deliver fluids and nutrients to the body, as well as to administer medications and other treatments. The benefits of IV therapy include:

• Rapid Absorption — When fluids and other substances are administered intravenously, they are absorbed into the bloodstream much more quickly than when taken orally, meaning that the body gets the benefits of the treatment faster.
• Efficient Delivery — Intravenous therapy can be used to deliver fluids, nutrients, and medications directly to the target organ or tissue to help ensure that the body gets the most out of the treatment.
• Convenience — IV therapy can be administered at home or in a hospital setting, making it convenient for people who need regular treatments or for those who are unable to take medication orally.

Water is essential to every cell in our bodies; in fact, it is so important our bodies are made up of about two-thirds of water. When a person does not have enough water in their body, this is known as dehydration. When a person becomes dangerously dehydrated, they need IV fluids. Serious dehydration may occur when:

• Sick (vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea)
• Profusely sweating without drinking enough water
• A serious injury or burn occurs
• Undergoing a surgical procedure, especially when unable to eat or drink or when asleep for a long time

This is the most common use for intravenous fluids, which are primarily composed of saline. If water was injected instead of saline, it could result in a dilution of essential electrolyte levels in the blood; it may also lead to an osmotic effect in blood cells, causing them to expand and spill their contents into the plasma. Express Health Urgent Care is dedicated to providing you with all of your IV-related needs. To consult with our professionals, contact us or visit us today to book an appointment. We have convenient locations in East Harlem, NY, Metropolitan, NY, and Staten Island, NY. We serve patients from East Harlem, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Staten Island, Rossville, Tottenville, the Metropolitan New York City area, and surrounding neighborhoods in NY.