Glossary

An FDA-registered facility that compounds sterile drugs in bulk under federal manufacturing standards. Many IV clinics source compounded vitamins from 503B facilities.

A severe, rapid allergic reaction that can cause throat swelling, trouble breathing, and low blood pressure. A medical emergency treated with epinephrine.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse — includes nurse practitioners. In Texas, APRNs may order elective IV therapy under a physician's delegation.

The share of a dose that reaches your bloodstream. IV bioavailability is 100%; oral bioavailability varies by nutrient, dose, and your gut.

The thin, flexible plastic tube left in your vein after the insertion needle is removed. Fluid flows through it during an infusion.

A pharmacy that prepares customized medications. Sterile compounded products used in IV therapy should come from licensed pharmacies or FDA-registered 503B facilities.

An IV fluid made of water and dissolved salts or sugars, such as normal saline and lactated Ringer's.

When your body loses more fluid than it takes in. Mild cases respond to oral fluids; moderate or severe cases, or cases with vomiting, may need IV fluids.

IV therapy requested by the patient for temporary symptom relief or wellness, as opposed to IV treatment ordered for a diagnosed medical condition. Regulated in Texas under Jenifer's Law.

Minerals that carry an electric charge in body fluids — sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate. They regulate fluid balance, nerves, and muscles.

When IV fluid leaks out of the vein into surrounding tissue, causing swelling and discomfort. Some substances, like iron, can stain or damage tissue if they leak.

A blood test that reflects your body's iron stores. Low ferritin is a common sign of iron deficiency.

Too much fluid for the heart and kidneys to handle, causing swelling and shortness of breath. A key risk for people with heart failure or kidney disease.

Broad lab panels that look at nutrients, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation. Useful for checking for real deficiencies before choosing IV therapy.

An inherited enzyme deficiency that makes red blood cells vulnerable to breaking down. High-dose IV vitamin C can trigger dangerous hemolysis in affected people.

The breakdown of red blood cells. Can be triggered by high-dose vitamin C in people with G6PD deficiency.

An allergic or allergy-like reaction to an infused substance, ranging from mild rash to anaphylaxis.

An intramuscular shot — a quick injection into a muscle, as with many vitamin B12 shots. Faster and cheaper than a drip for single nutrients.

A small volume of medication or nutrient injected directly into the IV line over a few minutes rather than dripped in slowly.

The Texas law, effective September 1, 2025, that regulates elective IV therapy outside physician offices and licensed facilities — requiring a qualified prescriber's order after assessment and administration by an RN or higher.

A balanced IV fluid containing sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate.

A compounded intramuscular shot usually containing methionine, inositol, and choline, often with B12. Marketed for fat loss; the evidence does not support that use.

The licensed physician responsible for a clinic's medical protocols, delegation, and supervision.

An IV vitamin formula popularized by Dr. John Myers in the 1970s — magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. The template for most modern wellness drips.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme essential to cellular energy that declines with age.

Sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution — the most common IV base fluid.

Inflammation of a vein, causing redness, tenderness, or a hard cord along the vein after an IV.

A licensed clinician who practices medicine under physician supervision. In Texas, PAs may order elective IV therapy under a physician's delegation.

A change in the heart's electrical rhythm that some medications, including ondansetron, can cause. Raises the risk of dangerous arrhythmias in susceptible people.

A licensed nurse. Under Texas law, RNs (and higher) are the minimum credential for administering elective IV therapy outside physician offices and licensed facilities.

A sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by needles, that can cause lightheadedness or fainting. Lying back helps.