How IV Therapy Can Improve Hydration and Recovery

At Medallus Urgent Care, IV hydration therapy is an essential part of our acute care services, helping patients recover quickly from dehydration, illness, and other medical conditions. Our medical team is experienced in selecting and administering the most appropriate IV fluids based on each patient’s unique needs.

Types of IV Fluids Used

●Crystalloid Solutions
Normal Saline (0.9% sodium chloride): This is the most commonly used IV fluid at Medallus Urgent Care. Its composition closely matches the body’s natural fluids, making it ideal for quickly restoring hydration in cases of vomiting, diarrhea, heat exhaustion, or mild infections.

Lactated Ringer’s Solution: For patients who need not only fluids but also electrolyte replacement (such as after intense physical activity or certain medical conditions), we may use lactated Ringer’s. This solution contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate to support balanced recovery.

●Dextrose Solutions (e.g., D5W):
For patients who are unable to eat or need a temporary source of energy, our providers may administer dextrose-containing fluids. These provide both hydration and calories, supporting patients who are weak, fasting, or have low blood sugar.

●Hypotonic Solutions (e.g., 0.45% sodium chloride):
In some cases, such as when treating certain types of cellular dehydration, our clinicians may choose hypotonic fluids. These help move water into cells and are carefully selected based on clinical assessment.

Colloid Solutions:
While less common in routine urgent care, colloids like albumin may be used in special circumstances, such as severe dehydration with low blood protein levels, or when rapid expansion of blood volume is needed.

After receiving IV hydration therapy, many patients begin to notice the positive effects within minutes to an hour. This rapid response happens because the fluids, electrolytes, and essential nutrients are delivered directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for immediate absorption. As a result, your body can quickly use these fluids to correct dehydration and restore balance—helping you feel better, faster.

How quickly you experience the benefits of IV hydration depends on several factors, including your current level of dehydration, your overall health, and the specific formulation our medical team recommends for you. Some patients report an almost immediate boost in energy, improved mental clarity, and relief from symptoms such as headache or fatigue. For others, it may take a little longer, but most people notice improvement within thirty to sixty minutes after treatment.

Keep in mind that while the physical effects of hydration can be felt quickly, full recovery from significant dehydration or illness may require more time and, in some cases, additional treatments or supportive care. At Medallus Urgent Care, our experienced healthcare providers are here to ensure IV therapy is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. We’ll discuss what you can expect based on your specific situation and provide guidance for your continued recovery.

At Medallus Urgent Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, is one of the many services we offer to help our patients recover quickly and safely from dehydration, illness, and certain medical conditions. This technique involves delivering fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, or medications directly into your bloodstream for rapid and efficient absorption. Our experienced medical team may recommend IV therapy for:
●Moderate to severe dehydration (from illness, vomiting, diarrhea, or heat exposure)
●Recovery from certain infections or medical procedures
●Support during migraine attacks
●Other medically indicated reasons

IV therapy is generally safe when administered by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled clinical setting like Medallus Urgent Care. We follow stringent protocols to ensure sterility and patient safety at every step.

Some individuals seek IV therapy for general wellness, hangover relief, or athletic recovery. We emphasize that while IV fluids can provide rapid rehydration, their routine use for otherwise healthy individuals is not always medically necessary, and scientific evidence supporting these wellness claims is limited. Most people can recover and rehydrate effectively by drinking fluids and eating a balanced diet.

At Medallus Urgent Care, your IV therapy will only be administered by qualified medical professionals. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks—including infection at the injection site, irritation of the vein, allergic reactions, or, in rare cases, fluid overload. Our providers carefully assess your health needs to ensure IV therapy is safe and appropriate for you.

Noelle Riehl, BSN, MSN, FNP-C is dedicated to helping you recover quickly and safely when dehydration, illness, or fatigue slow you down. IV therapy is one of the advanced services she offers to provide immediate relief and support your body’s rapid recovery.

When you visit Medallus Urgent Care with symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue, or an inability to keep fluids down, Noelle Riehl will begin with a thorough assessment. She will review your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a focused physical exam to ensure that IV therapy is the best and safest treatment option for your specific needs.

If IV therapy is recommended, our skilled clinicians will administer fluids directly into your bloodstream through a sterile intravenous line. This method allows your body to absorb fluids, electrolytes, and essential nutrients much more quickly than oral hydration alone—making it especially effective if you are severely dehydrated, experiencing vomiting, or need rapid rehydration after illness or strenuous activity. Depending on your condition, your IV solution may also include vitamins and minerals to further support your recovery.

During your IV therapy session, our team will closely monitor your response to treatment to ensure your safety and comfort at every step. We are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns, providing personalized care in a welcoming environment. For more information, please contact us or see our business hours online. We serve patients from Jamestown ND, Valley City ND, Devils Lake ND, Fargo ND, West Fargo ND, Moorhead MN, Mapleton ND, Horace ND, Mandan ND, Bismarck ND, Lincoln ND, and surrounding areas.