What Not to Do After Getting an IV: Essential Post-Infusion Care

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to some medical reports, up to 50% of peripheral IVs may fail, often due to preventable complications, highlighting the importance of understanding what not to do after getting an IV. Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and to ensure the full benefit of your treatment.

Quick Summary

After an IV infusion, patients must follow specific guidelines for proper aftercare. Avoiding strenuous activity, keeping the site dry, and abstaining from alcohol are key steps to minimize complications and ensure effective treatment outcomes.

Key Points

Keep the bandage on: Do not remove the bandage for at least 30-60 minutes after the IV is discontinued to prevent bleeding and infection.
Avoid strenuous activity: Refrain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, and anything that puts a strain on the affected arm for at least 24 hours.
Keep the site dry: Prevent the IV site from getting wet by avoiding baths, swimming, and covering the site securely during showers.
Abstain from alcohol and caffeine: Avoid these dehydrating substances for at least 24 hours to maximize the benefits of the IV infusion.
Monitor for complications: Watch for signs of infiltration (swelling, pain, coolness) or infection (redness, pus, fever) and report them to your provider.
Avoid excessive heat: Stay away from hot tubs, saunas, and intense sun exposure to prevent increased bleeding or swelling at the site.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel and rest as needed, especially if you received sedating medications.

Receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion is a common medical procedure for delivering fluids, nutrients, or medication directly into the bloodstream. While the procedure itself is typically straightforward, the period immediately following an IV can present a risk of complications if proper aftercare is neglected. To ensure a safe and effective recovery, patients must understand the crucial actions they should avoid.

Immediate Post-IV Precautions

Don't Remove the Bandage Prematurely

Once your IV is removed, a healthcare professional will apply a bandage to the puncture site. This dressing serves a vital purpose, helping to control any minor bleeding and preventing bacteria from entering the wound.

Bleeding control: The first 30 to 60 minutes after removal are critical for the small puncture site to form a clot and stop bleeding. Removing the bandage too early can disrupt this process and lead to further bleeding or bruising.
Infection prevention: The skin is the body's first line of defense against infection. The dressing keeps the vulnerable puncture site covered and clean while it heals. Removing it prematurely exposes the site to potential contamination.

Avoid Strenuous Activity and Heavy Lifting

Immediately after an IV infusion, your body needs time to rest and recover. Engaging in intense physical activity or heavy lifting, especially with the arm used for the IV, can have negative consequences.

Increased blood pressure: Strenuous exercise elevates your blood pressure and heart rate, which can increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, or bruising at the fragile puncture site.
Vein strain: The vein used for the IV needs time to heal. Heavy lifting can put a strain on the vein and the surrounding tissue, potentially re-opening the insertion site. Most providers recommend avoiding intense exercise for at least 24 hours.

Keep the Area Clean and Dry

It is essential to keep the IV insertion site dry for at least the first 24 to 48 hours to minimize the risk of infection.

Avoid water immersion: This means refraining from baths, hot tubs, and swimming. Soaking the site can introduce bacteria from the water into the vulnerable wound.
Cover the site when showering: If you must shower, cover the area with a waterproof dressing or plastic wrap. Keeping the site dry is paramount to preventing a localized infection.

Extended Aftercare Considerations

Do Not Consume Alcohol or Excessive Caffeine

For at least 24 hours after your IV infusion, you should avoid drinking alcohol and excessive caffeine.

Dehydration: Both substances are diuretics, meaning they increase urine production and can cause dehydration. This directly counteracts the rehydrating benefits of an IV drip.
Interference with medications: Alcohol can interact negatively with certain medications, and both alcohol and caffeine can hinder the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively.

Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure

Exposure to high heat, such as from hot showers, saunas, or prolonged sunbathing, can cause blood vessels to dilate. This can increase the risk of bleeding and swelling at the IV site and may interfere with the body's recovery process. It is best to stick to lukewarm showers and avoid intense heat for at least 24 hours.

Don't Ignore Unusual Symptoms

While minor bruising or discomfort is common, ignoring more serious symptoms can lead to complications. You must be vigilant and monitor the site and your overall well-being. Signs of complications like infiltration or infection include:

Redness, swelling, or warmth at the IV site.
Pain or tenderness that worsens over time.
Pus or fluid oozing from the insertion site.
A fever or chills.

Comparison Table: Aftercare Do's and Don'ts


Action to Avoid	Reasoning	Recommended Action
Removing the bandage too early	Risk of bleeding and infection at the puncture site.	Keep the bandage on for at least 30-60 minutes.
Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting	Can cause bleeding, bruising, and strain the vein.	Engage in light activities like walking and rest to recover.
Getting the site wet	Increases the risk of a localized infection.	Keep the site dry; cover it securely when showering and avoid baths.
Consuming alcohol or caffeine	Causes dehydration and can interfere with treatment.	Stay hydrated with water and avoid diuretics for 24 hours.
Ignoring site pain or swelling	Can be a sign of a serious complication like infiltration.	Monitor the site and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms arise.
Driving or operating heavy machinery	Sedatives or other medications can cause drowsiness.	Wait until the effects of any sedating medication have fully worn off.

Conclusion

While an IV infusion is a relatively routine procedure, the patient's role in aftercare is paramount to a successful outcome. By understanding what not to do after getting an IV, you can actively prevent potential issues like infection, bleeding, or bruising. Always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider, and do not hesitate to contact them if you experience any concerning symptoms. Rest, stay hydrated, and protect the insertion site to ensure a swift and uncomplicated recovery. Following these simple steps maximizes the benefits of your treatment and safeguards your health.

For more detailed information on specific IV therapies, always consult with a qualified medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep the bandage on for at least 30 to 60 minutes. If you are on blood thinners or bruise easily, your provider may recommend keeping it on longer to ensure the puncture site has clotted and to prevent re-bleeding.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or any activity that puts significant strain on the affected arm for at least 24 hours. Gentle walking is generally acceptable, but listen to your body and avoid overexertion.

It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your infusion. Alcohol can be dehydrating and counteract the hydrating and therapeutic benefits of the IV treatment.

Signs of a complication like infiltration or infection include increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth at the site. A fever, chills, or pus from the area should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

You should avoid baths or submerging the IV site in water. Wait until the bandage is removed and the puncture is fully healed. To shower safely, cover the site with a waterproof dressing or plastic wrap to keep it completely dry.

If you experience pain, swelling, or tightness, elevate the arm. If directed by your provider, you may apply a warm or cold compress. Contact your healthcare provider immediately, especially if symptoms worsen, as it could indicate infiltration.

Excessive heat from hot tubs, saunas, or direct sun exposure can cause blood vessels to dilate, which increases the risk of bleeding or swelling at the IV site. Avoid these for at least 24 hours after your treatment.

If your IV infusion included sedatives or other medications that cause drowsiness, it is not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery. Wait until the effects have fully worn off and you feel completely alert.