Intramuscular vs intravenous treatments: what's the difference?

When you're feeling run-down, dehydrated, or deficient in vital nutrients, oral supplements aren't always effective enough. In fact, many people only absorb about 20-30% of nutrients through their gut, meaning they miss out on vital benefits. IM and IV therapies offer effective solutions, bypassing your digestive system entirely. However, they differ in several crucial ways, including the speed of absorption, convenience, cost, and comfort, particularly if needles make you uneasy.

IV therapy delivers fluids and nutrients directly into your bloodstream through a small catheter placed into a vein, ensuring 100% bioavailability. This means rapid absorption and instant benefits, perfect if you're severely dehydrated, exhausted, or recovering from illness or jet lag. REVIV’s IV drips, such as the popular Megaboost and Hydromax, are tailored to replenish and revitalise your body in around 30-60 minutes.

In contrast, IM injections deliver nutrients directly into muscle tissue, which then slowly enter your bloodstream. While still effective, they offer slightly lower bioavailability (typically around 75-100%, depending on the nutrient). IM shots, like REVIV's Vitamin B Family and Glutathione injections, are ideal for a quick energy boost, improved mood, or enhanced immunity.

With IV therapy, you'll comfortably relax in our clinic for approximately 30-60 minutes. Your session begins with a brief medical screening to tailor your treatment to your unique health needs. Our experienced medical staff ensure a comfortable, safe experience, closely monitoring your session for maximum benefit.

If needles in veins make you nervous, IM injections might be preferable, administered swiftly into your upper arm or gluteal muscle in less than five minutes. Ideal for those with busy schedules, IM shots allow you to receive the wellness benefits you need without taking significant time from your day.

In terms of cost, IV drips are usually priced higher due to the quantity and variety of nutrients delivered, while IM injections offer a budget-friendly way to regularly maintain your health and wellbeing.

A recent review titled “To IV or Not to IV: The science behind intravenous vitamin therapy” emphasises that IV administration:

• Bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating absorption inefficiencies
• Ensures near‑100% bioavailability, allowing for rapid uptake and targeted nutrient replenishment
• Is especially effective for people with malabsorption issues, chronic conditions, or those aiming for optimum health benefits.

Oral supplements must pass through digestion, where enzymes, pH changes, and gut health can degrade up to 70–80% of the dose, and only a fraction reaches circulation. IV delivers the full dose directly, making it far more efficient.

Choosing between IV drips and IM injections depends on your personal goals, schedule, budget, and comfort level. Whether you prefer rapid recovery through IV therapy or quick-and-easy IM shots, REVIV can tailor treatments specifically for you.
Our expert team is here to help you recharge and thrive. Find your nearest REVIV clinic and give your body the support it needs to feel its best.