The Essential Nutrients in Your Myers' Cocktail
Medically reviewed by Allison Lane, MD
Allison Lane • February 24, 2026
Table of Contents
What vitamins are in a myers cocktail is a question we hear frequently from people seeking faster recovery from fatigue, dehydration, or illness. The Myers' Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin therapy that typically contains:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - 2,000 to 5,000 mg
- B-Complex Vitamins - including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6
- Vitamin B12 (Hydroxocobalamin) - 1,000 mcg
- Magnesium Chloride - for muscle and nerve function
- Calcium Gluconate - for bone health and cellular support
- Optional add-ons - such as Glutathione and Zinc
This IV formula was originally developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1960s to treat chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and other conditions where nutrient deficiencies played a role. The current formulation was later refined by Dr. Alan Gaby, who administered approximately 15,000 Myers' Cocktail treatments over 11 years.
Unlike oral supplements that pass through your digestive system and lose potency, IV delivery sends these nutrients directly into your bloodstream. This means 100% bioavailability—your cells get the full dose without the limitations of digestion or absorption issues.
I'm Dr. Allison Lane, Medical Director of Pure IV and a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice. Throughout my career treating athletes, active individuals, and patients seeking rapid recovery, I've seen how understanding what vitamins are in a myers cocktail helps people make informed decisions about their wellness and recovery strategies.
What Vitamins Are in a Myers Cocktail? The Core Formula
To truly understand the power of this infusion, we have to look at the specific concentrations. While many providers offer a "base" version, others provide an "Ultimate" or "Revised" version with higher dosages for more intense recovery needs.
The following table breaks down the typical dosages you might find in a standard versus a revised formulation of the cocktail:
| Nutrient | Standard Dosage (Typical) | Revised/Ultimate Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 2,000 mg - 2,500 mg | 5,000 mg |
| B-Complex | 1 mL | 1 mL (high potency) |
| Magnesium Chloride | 5 mL (30%) | 5 mL (30%) |
| Calcium Gluconate | 3 mL (10%) | 3 mL (10%) |
| Vitamin B12 (Hydroxocobalamin) | 1,000 mcg | 1,000 mcg |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | 100 mg | 100 mg |
| Dexpanthenol (B5) | 250 mg | 250 mg |
| Glutathione | Optional | 1,000 mg |
The Intravenous nutrient therapy: the "Myers' Cocktail" review by Dr. Alan Gaby remains the gold standard for understanding how these ingredients work together. At Pure IV, we use these guidelines to ensure our drips are both safe and effective. You can explore our specific IV packages and pricing to see how we customize these blends for our clients in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nashville, and beyond.
Deep Dive into What Vitamins Are in a Myers Cocktail
When people ask what vitamins are in a myers cocktail , they are usually looking for the "heavy hitters." Let's break down the specific forms of these nutrients, as the type of vitamin matters just as much as the amount.
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): This is the ultimate antioxidant. It supports the immune system and cardiovascular health by protecting cells from oxidative stress. Research, such as The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections , suggests that high doses can be significantly more effective than oral doses in managing symptoms.
- Hydroxocobalamin (B12): This is a long-acting form of B12. It is essential for brain health, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
- Pyridoxine (B6): Vital for metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. It also plays a role in mood regulation and brain function.
- Dexpanthenol (B5): A derivative of B5 that is crucial for energy production and the health of your skin, hair, and digestive tract.
- Thiamine (B1) & Riboflavin (B2): These B vitamins are the "spark plugs" of your metabolism, helping your body convert food into usable fuel.
Understanding What Vitamins Are in a Myers Cocktail for Energy
If you are feeling "run down," the B-vitamin family is your best friend. Energy metabolism is a complex process that happens inside your mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells). Without adequate levels of B12 and B-complex, those powerhouses can't produce ATP—the energy currency of your body.
B12 deficiency is surprisingly common; statistics show that 31% of the US population is at risk for at least one vitamin deficiency. When you receive B12 intravenously, it bypasses the "absorption bottleneck" in the gut, which is especially helpful for those with malabsorption issues or those following a vegan diet. For a deeper look at how this works, check out our guide on IV for energy benefits.
Essential Minerals and Common Add-ons
While the vitamins get the spotlight, the minerals in a Myers' Cocktail do the heavy lifting for your physical comfort.
- Magnesium Chloride: Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. It helps relax muscles, supports heart rhythm, and can even help alleviate migraines and anxiety.
- Calcium Gluconate: Essential for bone strength, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction.
- Zinc: Often added for an extra immune boost, zinc is vital for wound healing and DNA synthesis.
- Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," it helps detoxify the liver and reduce oxidative stress.
These minerals are critical for maintaining electrolyte balance. If you've been working out in the heat of Scottsdale or Nashville, you know how quickly dehydration can set in. Our IV treatment for dehydration utilizes these minerals to restore balance faster than water alone.
Why IV Administration Outperforms Oral Supplements
Many people wonder why they can't just take a handful of multivitamins. The answer lies in the "digestive obstacle course." When you swallow a pill, it must survive stomach acid, be broken down by enzymes, and then be absorbed through the intestinal wall.
- Absorption Rates: Oral Vitamin C might only achieve a blood concentration of 9 mg/dl. In contrast, IV Vitamin C can reach up to 80 mg/dl.
- Bioavailability: IV therapy offers 100% bioavailability. The nutrients take a "direct highway" into your bloodstream, ensuring your cells get exactly what they need immediately.
- GI Comfort: High doses of magnesium or Vitamin C taken orally can often lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea. IV administration bypasses the GI tract entirely, eliminating these side effects.
This makes IV therapy the preferred choice for those dealing with fatigue or chronic conditions that interfere with normal digestion.
Safety, Side Effects, and Professional Oversight
At Pure IV, safety is our top priority. While the Myers' Cocktail is generally considered very safe, it is still a medical procedure. This is why we have a unique USP: Real-time Nurse Practitioner (NP) approval before every single treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Most people feel great during and after their infusion, but there are a few common sensations to be aware of:
- The "Magnesium Flush": Many patients experience a "cozy warmth" spreading through their body. This is a normal effect of magnesium dilating the blood vessels.
- Bright Urine: If your urine is bright yellow after a treatment, don't worry! That is just your body processing the excess B vitamins (specifically Riboflavin).
- Minor Bruising: Like any blood draw or injection, there is a small risk of a bruise at the site of the needle insertion.
Who Should Exercise Caution?
We take a full medical history to screen for contraindications. For example, individuals with kidney disease need modified dosages because the kidneys are responsible for filtering excess vitamins. We also look for G6PD deficiency before administering high-dose Vitamin C.
The FDA has raised concerns about "med spas" that don't follow strict sanitary protocols. Because Pure IV provides professional IV house calls , our licensed nurses and paramedics follow hospital-grade sterilization techniques in the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Myers' Cocktail Nutrients
How long do the effects of the vitamins last?
Most of our clients in cities like Denver and Boise report feeling an immediate boost in energy and mental clarity that lasts anywhere from a few days to two weeks . Your individual metabolic rate and hydration status play a big role. For chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or seasonal allergies, we often recommend maintenance sessions once or twice a month.
Who is a suitable candidate for this IV therapy?
- Athletes: For rapid rehydration and muscle recovery after a race or intense training.
- Busy Professionals: To combat the stress and fatigue of a high-pressure job.
- Frequent Travelers: To help with jet lag and immune support.
- Migraine Sufferers: Magnesium has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Are there any risks or contraindications?
While rare, some risks include hypotension (a drop in blood pressure) if the IV is administered too quickly, or arrhythmias if there is an underlying heart condition. This is why our medical team—including our Nurse Practitioners—reviews your history before we even start the drip.
Conclusion
Understanding what vitamins are in a myers cocktail is the first step toward taking control of your wellness. Whether you are looking to bounce back from a hangover in Las Vegas, recover from an athletic event in Boulder, or simply boost your immune system during the Nashville winter, this "kitchen sink" of nutrients offers a powerful, science-backed solution.
At Pure IV, we bring the clinic to you. Our mobile service ensures you get the highest quality ingredients, administered by licensed professionals, with the oversight of a Nurse Practitioner. We serve a wide range of locations across Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Tennessee, New Mexico, Texas, Idaho, and Montana.
Ready to feel your best? Book your Myers' Cocktail today and experience the difference that 100% bioavailability can make for your health.
Dr. Allison Lane is a board-certified physician who focuses on clear communication, patient safety, and personalized treatment plans. She works closely with our team to ensure care is safe based on each person’s medical history, needs, and goals. Her clinical interests include sports medicine, emergency medicine, and tactical medicine.
Dr. Lane has extensive experience providing medical support for athletes and major events. She is the Medical Director for the Tucson Roadrunners and has served as a team physician for University of Arizona athletics and multiple professional and community sports organizations. She also works as a ringside physician for boxing and MMA events.
She’s also active in community service and medical training, helping teach CPR, Narcan use, Stop the Bleed, and basic first aid. At Pure IV, Dr. Lane's focus is on medical compliance, patient safety, and helping scale Pure IV on the medical side.
Education & Training:
- University of Arizona College of Medicine (2010)
- Emergency Medicine Residency, University of Arizona (2013)
- Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, University of Arizona (2014)
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