Intravenous (IV) Fluids

Generic name: Intravenous (IV) Fluids [ in-truh-VEE-nuhs-FLOO-ids ]
Drug class: Intravenous nutritional products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Uses of Intravenous Fluids:

• It is used to give fluids to the body when more fluids and electrolytes are needed.
• It is used as a way to give other drugs as a shot.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Intravenous Fluids?

• If you are allergic to this medicine (intravenous fluids); any part of this medicine (intravenous fluids); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (intravenous fluids) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Intravenous Fluids?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (intravenous fluids). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If this product has potassium in it, check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• If this product has dextrose in it and you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Use with care in newborns. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (intravenous fluids) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Intravenous Fluids) best taken?

Use this medicine (intravenous fluids) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
• Your doctor may teach you how to give this medicine (intravenous fluids).
• Follow how to use carefully.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad dizziness or passing out, fast heartbeat, more thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, not hungry, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fever.
• Very bad irritation where the shot was given.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

Related/similar drugs

Lactated Ringers Injection, Normosol-R, lvp solution

What are some other side effects of Intravenous Fluids?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation or swelling where the shot was given.
• Pain where the shot was given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Intravenous Fluids?

• Most of the time, this medicine (intravenous fluids) will be given in a hospital or doctor's office. If stored at home, follow how to store as you were told by the doctor.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (intravenous fluids), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer