If your nurse asked whether you would like to receive a hydration infusion after your treatment, that is what we call Althea Standard Hydration. It is something we offer to every eligible patient at no additional charge, administered after your regular treatment and continuously monitored by your nurse.
A quick note before we go further: Althea Standard Hydration is a wellness-supportive infusion. It is not a treatment for your condition, and it does not replace anything your neurologist or provider has prescribed. It is simply something we offer to help you feel better on infusion day.
Here is what it involves and why we think it is worth offering.
What Is Althea Standard Hydration?
Althea Standard Hydration is an intravenous (IV) nutrient infusion delivered directly into your bloodstream through your existing IV line after your treatment is complete. It delivers a targeted blend of vitamins, minerals, and fluids that support hydration, energy, and recovery.
Unlike oral supplements, which must pass through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream, IV delivery allows nutrients to reach your cells immediately and at higher concentrations than what is typically achievable through oral intake alone.
The contents of your hydration infusion can vary from visit to visit. Your care team – including your nurse and provider – determines what goes into your specific bag based on your medical history, the medication you received that day, your individual tolerance, and clinical judgment. Every infusion requires provider approval before it is administered.
What Is Most Commonly Included?
While the formulation is customizable and not every component is included for every patient, Althea Standard Hydration most commonly contains the following:
Magnesium Chloride
Most people are running lower on magnesium than they realize – especially those managing chronic illness, fatigue, or stress. Magnesium supports muscle function, nerve signaling, and energy production. When delivered intravenously, it is absorbed immediately. Many patients notice they feel more relaxed and less tense after receiving it.
Calcium Gluconate
Calcium is not just about bone health. It plays a direct role in how your muscles contract and how your nerves communicate – which is particularly relevant for patients managing neuromuscular conditions. In the hydration infusion, it works alongside magnesium to support electrolyte balance and overall neuromuscular function.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological health and energy. It supports the integrity of the myelin sheath – the protective coating around nerve fibers – making it especially relevant for patients with neurological conditions. B12 deficiency is more common than most people realize and can contribute to fatigue, weakness, and cognitive symptoms. IV delivery ensures complete absorption regardless of how well your gut is absorbing nutrients that day.
Normal Saline 0.9% (500ml)
Normal saline is the base fluid that carries all the nutrients above. It rehydrates the body, supports blood volume, and helps the other components flow safely and comfortably through the IV line. Proper hydration also helps reduce the chance of headache or lightheadedness that some patients experience after infusion therapy.
Every Patient’s Infusion Is Different
What goes into your specific hydration bag is not a fixed formula. Your care team considers several factors when determining what is appropriate for you:
- The medication you received during your treatment that day
- Your current medical history and any conditions that affect electrolyte or nutrient handling
- Your individual tolerance and any previous reactions
- Input from your nurse and prescribing provider
This means your hydration infusion may look slightly different from another patient’s – and that is intentional. It is tailored to you.
Why We Offer This at No Charge
Infusion appointments are not always easy. Some medications can leave patients feeling fatigued, drained, or off after their visit. We wanted to do something about that.
Althea Standard Hydration is our way of making sure your body has what it needs to handle treatment well and recover more comfortably. We do not offer it as an add-on you have to pay for – we offer it because we think it is the right thing to do for every patient walking through our door.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most patients do not feel much at all. Some notice a gentle warmth or flushing during the infusion – this is normal and passes quickly. Your nurse will walk you through what to expect before it begins and will monitor you continuously throughout.
Possible side effects include warmth or flushing, lightheadedness, mild headache, nausea, or mild discomfort at the IV site. Serious reactions are rare. If anything feels off, let your nurse know immediately – the rate can be adjusted or the infusion paused right away.
How Do You Receive It?
Your nurse will ask you at every visit whether you would like to receive Althea Standard Hydration after your treatment. If you say yes, provider approval is confirmed, your nurse reviews the components with you, and it is administered through your existing IV line once your primary infusion is complete.
If you have specific health conditions – such as kidney disease or known sensitivities to any of the components – let your nurse know before your visit. Your care team will adjust the formulation accordingly or advise whether it is appropriate for you that day.
Questions? Ask Your Nurse
If you want to know more about what is in your specific hydration infusion, your Althea nurse is the best person to ask. We are happy to walk you through everything before we start.
You can also reach us directly at (949) 667-4325 (HEAL)
