One litre of saline with thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, a multivitamin and magnesium, given into a vein over 60 to 90 minutes. Some people know it as a “banana bag” because the vitamins turn the bag yellow. We give it only after our Nurse Practitioner has assessed you and found a reason for it.
When it may help
- Dehydration after a stomach bug, once you are starting to keep fluids down
- Migraine with nausea or vomiting
- Poor intake of food and fluids, or after a period of heavy drinking, when you are otherwise well
Tell us first if you
- Have kidney or heart disease
- Are pregnant or could be
- Have reacted to an IV or a vitamin injection before
- Have had shakes, sweats or confusion after stopping alcohol
How it works
- Our Nurse Practitioner reviews your history and checks your blood pressure and other vital signs at your first visit.
- We explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and you decide.
- A nurse places a small IV in your arm and runs the infusion over 60 to 90 minutes.
- We check you after the infusion before you go home. Plan up to 2 hours in total.
Please bring
- Your medication list and any allergies
- A recent blood test if you have one (kidney function or magnesium)
- Eat and drink normally beforehand
Fee
| Service & inclusions | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Hydration and vitamin infusionNP assessment at your first visit · nurse-administered · in clinic only · allow up to 2 hours | $199 + HST |
Not for emergencies. Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or confusion: call 911. Vomiting for more than two days, or shakes and sweats after stopping drinking: go to the emergency department. This infusion is not a treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
Common questions
What is in the IV?
One litre of normal saline with thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, a multivitamin and magnesium.
How long does it take?
The infusion runs over 60 to 90 minutes. Allow up to 2 hours, including the assessment and a check afterwards.
Is IV hydration covered by OHIP or insurance?
It is not covered by OHIP, and many extended health plans do not reimburse it. The fee is $199 plus HST, and we give you an itemized receipt.
Can anyone have it?
Not everyone. Our Nurse Practitioner assesses you first. It may not be suitable with some heart or kidney conditions, in pregnancy, or after recent heavy drinking with withdrawal symptoms.
Book your visit
No referral or OHIP card needed. We confirm the service and total fee before your appointment.