IV therapy should not be a painful process. Practitioners trained in parenteral therapy learn the safe dosages of nutrients that can be administered and how to dilute them properly to prevent vein irritation. The only part of the process that may be expected to be uncomfortable is the initial insertion of the needle – fortunately, the needle gauge that is used is significantly smaller than that used for laboratory blood draws, and oftentimes any discomfort is mild and short-lived.
IV therapy is safe if it is administered in a careful, cautious manner. Adverse reactions to injected substances are rare, with most unwanted side effects coming from administering high doses too soon or too quickly. Allergic reactions to IV therapeutics are very rare but possible, thus a detailed history of patient allergies is crucial.
