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What Is a Myers' Cocktail IV?

Writer's picture: White Lotus Medical Aesthetics White Lotus Medical Aesthetics

A Myers' cocktail is an increasingly popular intravenous therapy. The late John Myers, MD, was the first to introduce this vitamin and mineral treatment. He designed this formula to potentially treat several clinical conditions including fatigue, fibromyalgia, metabolism, muscle spasms, and many more. 








Q: What Ingredients are Included in a Myer's Cocktail?

The standard Myer's Cocktail Includes:

  • Vitamins: Vitamin CB-Complex vitaminsVitamin B12

  • Calcium: Calcium aids bone formation and strength. It also can help control irregular heartbeats.

  • Magnesium: Generally stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues. It has been found to reduce fatigue, migraines, muscle spasms and may even help those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  • Zinc: Zinc has been proven to help regulate the immune system. Zinc is not naturally created in the body. Deficiency of zinc can lead to subsequent health issues. 

  • Glutathione: Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that naturally occurs in the body. Glutathione aids the immune system and has been found to help in the prevention of cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and the normal aging process.  

  • Saline Solution: All ingredients for the Myers’ cocktail are combined in an IV bag usually consisting of normal saline. 


Q: Who Needs a Myer's Cocktail?

When asked who should consider a Myers' cocktail infusion, there is no single answer. Because of the high dose of antioxidants, nutrients, and other immune-boosting factors, individuals who have weakened immune systems or diseases that negatively impact immune resilience may benefit from receiving a Myers' cocktail IV treatment. Studies have found the Myers' cocktail may be benefit patients who:  

  • Suffer from low energy 

  • Perform athletic exercises 

  • Suffer from chronic fatigue  

  • Require intravenous hydration   

  • Seek relief from hangover or withdrawal symptoms2

  • Suffer from depression or anxiety 

According to Myers' cocktail studies and reviews, since the cocktails are made of vitamins and minerals, they tend to be well tolerated by many patients. Since treatment is administered intravenously vs. passing the digestive system, higher concentrations of the vitamins are more easily absorbed and thus bioavailable to the body.







Safety Information and Possible Side Effects  

A Myers’ cocktail may have relatively mild side effects. These typically are the same as with any IV:  

  • Discomfort at infusion site  

  • Lightheadedness  

  • Vasovagal reaction (fainting)  


A common effect from intravenous doses of magnesium is a warming or "flushing" sensation. It can be felt on the skin in the chest area, pelvic area, or face. It is not usually something that is unpleasant for the patient. Calcium has also been known to have similar effects in some cases. Since magnesium may effectively lower blood pressure, there may be a risk for hypotension or low blood pressure, but this is rare. Patients who experience any sensations that feel abnormal should inform the healthcare practitioner who is administering their IV—feeling excessively hot or lightheaded could indicate the onset of hypotension. It could be that the magnesium is being infused too quickly.  

If the patient experiences these symptoms, the practitioner should discontinue treatment until symptoms dissipate. Usually, this takes 10-30 seconds. Responses vary between IV recipients. For the first time treatment, a prescriber may only administer a dose of 500-1,000 mg of magnesium before deciding to give a higher dose; this is especially recommended for elderly patients. Reactions usually tend to show within the first 10-30 seconds of treatment. After the patient shows they accept the treatment well, the practitioner can adjust the treatment as needed. 

Combining magnesium and potassium may also cause some individuals issues since magnesium can promote an intracellular uptake of potassium. This uptake can trigger hypokalemia and cramping up to several hours after infusion. There is also a minimal risk of digoxin-induced cardiac arrhythmias. If giving thiamine in the Myers’ cocktail infusion, there is also a slight risk for arrhythmias in some patients. Again, this is not common and usually stems from its combination with magnesium.  

It should also be noted that anytime the body has excess vitamins, it naturally increases excretion. Patients on dialysis or who have kidney issues may not need the same amount of vitamins than a person with healthy kidneys. A patient's healthcare provider should modify treatment accordingly.

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