What is in a Myers cocktail IV?

What goes into the classic formula?

Four groups of nutrients. A 2002 paper by Alan Gaby, building on the work of the late John Myers, describes the modified Myers’ cocktail as magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C given intravenously.

Here is what each ingredient normally does in the body, which is what it is meant to support in a drip. Giving it by vein raises blood levels quickly; whether that adds a benefit for someone who is not deficient is the open question.

The exact doses, the specific B vitamins and the fluid used vary between clinics, and some add other ingredients. That is why the name alone does not tell you what you are getting.

What has the Myers’ cocktail been used for?

A wide range of complaints. Gaby’s paper reports using it for acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergies and cardiovascular disease, among others.

That list comes from the author’s clinical experience and his review of earlier research, not from large controlled trials. It explains why the drip became popular, but it is not the same as proof that it works for each condition.

What does the controlled evidence show?

When it was put to a proper test, the results were inconclusive. In a 2009 randomized, double-blind pilot study, 34 adults with fibromyalgia had weekly Myers’ cocktail infusions or weekly infusions of plain lactated Ringer’s solution for eight weeks.

Both groups improved from baseline. Because of a high placebo response and the small sample, the difference between the vitamin drip and the plain fluid was not statistically significant on any outcome, and the authors called the drip’s efficacy compared with placebo uncertain. Only one minor side effect was reported in the vitamin group, so the drip was well tolerated in that setting. For a broader look at the evidence on vitamin drips, see does IV vitamin therapy actually work.

How do Ultimate Male’s energy and recovery formulas compare?

They come from the same family of ingredients but are not sold as a fixed “Myers” recipe. Ultimate Male describes its IV blends as combinations of multivitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and minerals, chosen with a provider based on your goals and health history. The clinic has not published set ingredient lists for its energy IV or recovery IV, so the contents are confirmed at the pre-drip review.

When comparing any formula to a classic Myers’, ask:

• Which vitamins and minerals are in it, and how much of each?
• Is there anything beyond the classic four groups, such as amino acids?
• How much fluid is in the bag, and how long will it run?
• Is anything in it a concern for your kidneys, heart or medicines?

Related question: who should check before having one?

Men with kidney disease, heart failure, a history of kidney stones or G6PD deficiency should not have a Myers-style drip without a provider review. MedlinePlus notes that side effects from high magnesium intake are uncommon except in people with significantly reduced kidney function, and IV vitamin C has its own cautions. Our answer on who should not get IV therapy covers the full list.

Getting a Myers-style drip at Ultimate Male

At our San Gabriel and Downey clinics, every IV therapy visit starts with a provider review of your goal, history and medicines. If you are interested in a Myers-style blend, say so; the provider can tell you which formula on the menu is closest and exactly what it contains.

If your reason is ongoing tiredness, the provider may suggest labs first, since a vitamin drip cannot fix low iron, low testosterone or a thyroid problem. You agree on the formula before the line goes in.