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How long does an IV drip actually take?

21 September 2026 · 1 min read · Care at Home by DrypSkin · Medically reviewed by Dr Khan

The honest answer is "it depends," but not by much. Here's what actually decides how long you'll be sitting with a cannula in your arm.

The typical range

Most express and specialised drips run 30 to 60 minutes once the bag is connected. A smaller bag at a faster drip rate finishes nearer 30 minutes; a larger volume, or a formula that needs to go in more slowly, stretches closer to 60. NAD+ is the main exception on our menu — it's infused much more slowly, often over one to two hours, because pushing it in faster commonly causes flushing, chest tightness or nausea.

What adds time before and after

The infusion itself is only part of the visit. Your nurse will also take a few minutes to review your health history, confirm you're a good fit for the drip you've chosen, and prepare everything under sterile conditions before the cannula goes in. Afterwards, they'll remove the line and make sure you're comfortable before heading off. Budget a little extra time around the stated session length, especially for your first visit.

Can you do anything else during it

Yes — most people work on a laptop, read, watch something or just rest. The cannula is secured so you can move your arm reasonably freely, and your nurse will be nearby for the duration.

Booking around your schedule

We're open every day from 8:30am to 12:30am, specifically so a drip can fit around your schedule rather than the other way round. If you're on a tight timeline, let us know when you book on WhatsApp and we'll pick a formula and time slot that works.

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