What Is an IV Bar?

What Is An IV Lounge?

An IV lounge or bar is like a clinic where you can get an IV infusion. These infusions supply fluids rich in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to your bloodstream to keep your body well-hydrated. These IVs target dehydration, which is a symptom or side effect of many health issues. 

Usually, an IV lounge has multiple stations to accommodate several clients at once. Some lounges have one large room with couches, recliners, and chairs set in groupings so clients can socialize during treatments, while others may have private treatment rooms. Some hydration bars may even provide outdoor IV infusions on patios or other spaces.

IVs may be the specialty of the house at these lounges, but they may not be the only thing on the treatment menu. Many IV bars offer other services ranging from vitamin shots to genetic testing. Also, some wellness clinics or med spas have opened IV lounges as part of their business model. 

An IV bar allows you to seek treatment for a variety of health concerns without needing to make an appointment at a clinical facility or get approval in advance from a doctor. At a drip bar, IV therapy may be used for many conditions, including:

• Dehydration
• Fatigue or low energy
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Hangovers
• Jet lag

It’s important, however, to seek treatment at an infusion bar with staff members who are trained in IV therapy. Regulations are different from state to state, so you may want to ask who performs infusions: a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or another medical professional.

What Can You Get At An IV Drip Bar?

IV lounges usually offer a treatment menu of different drip bags. Each one features specific ingredients such as vitamins and minerals that support your overall well-being. The following are some of the ingredients you might find:

• Vitamin B12

Also called methylcobalamin, B12 does the necessary task of red blood cell formation. It can also help maintain healthy cognitive function.

• B Complex

This group of vitamins supports the immune system and cardiovascular health. It also converts food into energy, which is why B Complex helps fight fatigue. B Complex typically consists of B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine).

• Vitamin C

This is a vitamin and antioxidant, so it can help slow the aging process and enhance the power of your immune system.

• Magnesium

Your body needs this mineral to make DNA and RNA. It also helps regulate blood pressure.

• Zinc

This healing mineral helps with wounds and may help guard the body against disease or illness.

• Glutathione

This antioxidant can help slow down the signs of aging and detoxify the body. It may play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative diseases, and provide symptom relief for many chronic health conditions. 

• Medications

Potent medications target certain issues to give your IV infusion greater effectiveness for symptom relief.

People usually get an IV to alleviate dehydration, whether it’s caused by illness, intense athletic activity, or extensive heat exposure. IVs are also sought out by people who need to find symptom relief from a temporary illness or a chronic medical condition. However, IVs are good in sickness and health — you can regularly book infusions for regular wellness support and everyday vitality.

The Myers’ Cocktail is one of the most common drip bags offered at IV bars. It contains all of the above ingredients in a sterile solution and helps provide energy while rehydrating. 

You also may have the option to add specific ingredients to a drip bag. For instance, you could get a Myers’ Cocktail with an extra non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain or anti-nausea medication for food poisoning or flu.

Drip bar prices will vary depending on the type of IV treatment you select and whether you add extra ingredients. Some IV bars may be more expensive than others, offering certain ingredients at higher prices.

What To Expect At An IV Bar

When you come in for your appointment at an IV lounge, you’ll be greeted at the reception desk and asked to fill out some kind of waiver. You may also be asked to provide a brief health history, as well as a list of medications or supplements you’re taking. 

The IV technician will discuss your treatment with you before getting started. This is the time to talk about your specific reasons for getting an IV — easing a hangover, rehydrating after illness, or looking for some anti-aging prevention — so you can customize your treatment with the right blend of vitamins and minerals. Drip IV lounges also offer premade IV blends to take the hassle out of making your selection. This is also a good time to ask questions if you want any details of IV therapy explained to you.

An IV infusion may take around 45 to 60 minutes to complete. You can read, chat, or work on your laptop or phone while the drip bag works. The technician will insert a catheter into your arm and connect it to the IV bag of fluids while you sit back and relax. The fluids steadily flow down the drip IV line and enter the bloodstream, so the IV ingredients are absorbed into the body right away. This means you may feel the effects of treatment fairly quickly.

There’s no downtime, so you can schedule IVs during your lunch hour or before or after work. Some IV lounges also offer amenities such as phone chargers and water bottles you can enjoy during your visit. 

You may feel like you are in a trendy boutique or a hip spa, depending on the IV cocktail bar you visit. Some of these businesses even host special events or provide IVs for parties, while others offer memberships that guarantee you receive a certain number of IV treatments each month for a preset price. The cost for an IV treatment varies according to location, the type of IV bag you request, and whether you add supplemental ingredients. 

An IV hydration bar has attractive benefits, but you may find greater satisfaction with a mobile IV service that’s the ultimate in convenient IV therapy.