Myers' Cocktail IV Infusion: Ingredients and What to Expect

What a Myers' cocktail is

A Myers' cocktail is an intravenous (IV) infusion of vitamins and minerals. It is named after Dr. John Myers, a physician in Baltimore who gave vitamin and mineral infusions to his patients. Because the fluid goes directly into a vein, the nutrients enter the bloodstream without passing through the digestive system.

People usually choose a Myers' cocktail as a wellness treatment. It is not used to diagnose or treat a specific disease.

What is in a Myers' cocktail

The infusion offered at our clinics contains the following vitamins and minerals. The list below describes the general role of each nutrient in the body.

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Helps the body turn food into energy.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Helps with energy production and cell growth.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin). Helps the body use fats and carbohydrates.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Helps the body make and break down fats.
• Vitamin B6. Helps with protein use and brain chemistry.
• Vitamin B12. Helps keep nerves healthy and helps make red blood cells.
• Vitamin C. Acts as an antioxidant and helps with tissue repair and immune function.
• Magnesium. Helps muscles and nerves work and helps control blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Calcium. Supports bones and helps muscles, nerves and the heart work.

Amounts can differ from one clinic to another. Ask your provider what is in the infusion you will receive.

What the research shows

Research on Myers' cocktails is limited. Most studies have been small, and results have been mixed. Most healthy adults who eat a varied diet get enough of these vitamins and minerals from food. An infusion does not replace a balanced diet, regular checkups or treatment for a medical condition. Talk with your provider about whether an infusion makes sense for your health and your goals.

Who should talk with a provider first

Myers' cocktails at our clinics are physician-supervised. Tell the provider before your first infusion if any of the following apply to you:

• You have kidney disease.
• You have heart disease, a heart rhythm problem or heart failure.
• You have high or low blood pressure.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You take prescription medicines, vitamins or other supplements.
• You have had a reaction to an IV infusion or injection in the past.

Some of these conditions change how the body handles fluids and minerals. Your provider may suggest a different approach or more monitoring.

What happens during the visit

1. You check in and confirm your health history and medications.
2. A staff member places a small IV catheter in a vein, usually in your arm.
3. You sit in a chair while the infusion runs slowly. The infusion takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
4. When the infusion is done, the IV is removed and a small bandage is placed over the site.

You can read, use your phone or rest during the infusion. Tell staff right away if you feel unwell at any point.

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. They can include:

• A warm or flushed feeling during the infusion, which is often linked to magnesium
• Soreness, bruising or swelling where the IV was placed
• Feeling lightheaded

Less often, an IV can cause vein irritation or infection at the site. Call our office if you have redness, warmth, pain or swelling at the IV site that gets worse after your visit.

How often infusions are scheduled

At Woodlands Primary Healthcare, infusions are offered monthly by appointment, with a follow-up visit with your provider about every three months. Follow-up visits can be done through telemedicine. Your provider will set a schedule that fits your health.

How to prepare

• Eat and drink water as usual before your visit unless your provider tells you otherwise.
• Wear a shirt with sleeves that roll up easily.
• Bring a list of your medications and supplements, with doses.
• Plan for about an hour at the clinic, including check-in.

How to book

Myers' cocktail infusions are available at our Woodlands clinic at 25511 Budde Rd, Suite 3901, and our Katy clinic at 2715 N Mason Rd. Use the Book Appointment button at the top of this page or call (281) 466-4644. You can also use the Book Now button in the site menu or chat with our bilingual assistant. For more about the service, see our Myers' cocktails page. For insurance questions, see our insurance page or call our office.