Does an IV drip break my fast?

Nutritional drips

A drip that gives you fluids, sugar or nutrients keeps your body going in place of eating and drinking. For that reason, the Islamic Fiqh Academy and most scholars today say it breaks the fast, and you make that day up later. A minority of scholars say nothing breaks the fast unless it enters through the mouth or nose, but the majority view is the safer one to follow.

Medicine-only drips

Some drips carry only medication, like antibiotics or pain relief, with no real nutritional value. Many scholars treat these like injections, which don't break the fast. Others are more cautious because the medicine is usually mixed in saline. Since this is a real difference of opinion, ask a scholar you trust if it applies to you.

Illness comes first

In practice, the question is often less important than it seems. If you're in hospital or sick enough to need a drip, Allah has already given you permission not to fast:

So you can accept whatever treatment you need, rest, and make up the days once you're well. If your illness is long-term and you can't make the days up, scholars say to pay fidyah (feeding a poor person for each day) instead. For a chronic condition, see Do I have to fast during Ramadan if I have diabetes?

Day-case drips and IV vitamin treatments

• Hospital day procedures: if you're given a fluid drip during a procedure, most scholars say make the day up.
• "IV vitamin" or hydration bars: these are nutritional and would break the fast. Book them after iftar if you want one at all.
• Cannula without fluids: a needle left in a vein with nothing running doesn't break the fast.
• Blood tests and vaccines: these are different, and most scholars say they don't break the fast. See Are vaccines halal for Muslims?