The Myers' Cocktail Explained
Medically reviewed by Allison Lane, MD
Allison Lane • February 19, 2026
Table of Contents
What is a Myers cocktail? A Myers' Cocktail is an intravenous (IV) vitamin and mineral therapy that delivers nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption. Named after Baltimore physician Dr. John Myers, who developed it in the 1960s, this therapeutic infusion typically contains:
- Vitamin C - Powerful antioxidant for immune support
- B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) - Energy production and metabolism
- Vitamin B12 - Nerve health and red blood cell formation
- Magnesium - Muscle function and enzyme reactions
- Calcium - Bone health and nerve signaling
- Zinc - Immune function and wound healing
- Electrolytes and fluids - Hydration and balance
The treatment is administered over 30-90 minutes and has been used for conditions ranging from chronic fatigue and migraines to athletic recovery and jet lag.
Why the growing interest? Despite consuming an average of 3,600 calories per day—a 24% increase since 1961—approximately 31% of Americans are at risk for at least one vitamin or mineral deficiency. This paradox of overconsumption but under-nutrition has driven many to seek direct nutrient delivery through IV therapy.
The key advantage of IV delivery is bioavailability . While oral supplements may only deliver 20-50% of nutrients due to digestive breakdown, IV therapy provides 100% bioavailability by delivering nutrients straight into the bloodstream.
However, it's important to understand both the potential benefits and limitations of this therapy. While some studies show promise—including a 2018 double-blind trial that found significant decreases in pain and anxiety for fibromyalgia patients after 10 Myers' Cocktail sessions—the overall scientific evidence remains limited. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission even charged a company for making deceptive health claims about treating serious diseases like cancer and diabetes with Myers' Cocktail.
I'm Dr. Allison Lane, Medical Director at Pure IV and a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience. Throughout my career treating athletes, emergency patients, and individuals seeking wellness optimization, I've seen how understanding what is a Myers cocktail helps patients make informed decisions about IV nutrient therapy as part of their overall health strategy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the science behind the therapy to who might benefit and important safety considerations.
Understanding What is a Myers Cocktail
To truly understand what is a Myers cocktail , we have to look back at the mid-20th century. While IV therapy feels like a modern wellness trend seen in boutiques from Scottsdale to Nashville, its roots are firmly planted in clinical practice.
The Legacy of Dr. John Myers
The therapy is named after Dr. John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland. In the 1960s, Dr. Myers began administering a unique "therapeutic blend" of vitamins and minerals intravenously to patients struggling with chronic conditions. He found that by bypassing the digestive tract, he could provide a "boost in resources" that helped his patients handle chronic fatigue, respiratory problems, and even cardiovascular issues more effectively.
Dr. Myers didn't leave behind a strictly "standardized" recipe in the medical journals of his time. Instead, he worked with his patients individually, adjusting the micronutrient infusion based on their specific needs. When he passed away in 1984, many of his patients sought out other doctors to continue the treatments they had come to rely on.
The Role of Dr. Alan Gaby
The modern version of the "cocktail" we use today was largely popularized by Dr. Alan Gaby. He took the foundational work of Dr. Myers and modified the formula to enhance safety and efficacy. Dr. Gaby’s modified Myers’ cocktail became the gold standard in integrative medicine.
In our mobile practice at Pure IV, we follow this evolution by ensuring every drip is not just a "one-size-fits-all" bag of fluid, but a carefully balanced micronutrient infusion. Whether we are visiting a home in Denver or an office in Las Vegas, we carry on this history of using vitamins as a proactive health tool.
Ingredients and Bioavailability
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Why can’t I just take a multivitamin?" It’s a fair question! But the science of the human gut is a bit like a nightclub with a very picky bouncer. Not everything you swallow gets through to the "main floor" (your bloodstream).
The Bioavailability Gap
When you take a vitamin orally, it has to survive the acidic environment of your stomach and then be processed by your liver—this is known as the "first-pass effect." By the time it’s finished, your body might only absorb 20% to 50% of the nutrients.
In contrast, IV therapy provides 100% bioavailability . By injecting the nutrients directly into the vein, we ensure that the high concentrations needed for therapeutic effects are reached instantly.
| Feature | Oral Supplements | Myers' Cocktail IV |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption Rate | 20% - 50% (approx.) | 100% |
| Speed of Delivery | Slow (hours) | |
| Digestive Stress | Can cause upset stomach | Bypasses the gut entirely |
| Nutrient Concentration | Limited by gut transporters | High therapeutic levels |
The Power of Magnesium
A standout ingredient in the Myers' Cocktail is Magnesium. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. It helps with everything from muscle relaxation to nerve transmission and energy production. Many Americans are chronically low in magnesium, which can lead to muscle spasms, anxiety, and fatigue. When administered via IV, magnesium can have a profound, immediate effect on muscle tension and stress levels.
The Core Ingredients of What is a Myers Cocktail
Beyond magnesium, the "magic" of the cocktail lies in the synergy of its components. Here is a closer look at the heavy hitters:
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Essential for brain health and red blood cell production. It’s often the "energy" vitamin that gives you that post-IV "zing."
- B-Complex Vitamins: This includes Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), and Pyridoxine (B6). These work together to turn food into fuel and support the nervous system.
- Vitamin C: A high-dose antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with collagen production.
- Calcium: Crucial for bone health, but also vital for how your heart and muscles contract.
- Zinc: A trace element that is a powerhouse for immune function and wound healing.
For those looking for specific combinations, you can check out our IV packages & pricing to see how we tailor these ingredients for different needs.
Benefits and Scientific Evidence
We live in a world where "wellness" can sometimes feel like a lot of buzzwords. However, there is legitimate research and decades of clinical observation behind the Myers' Cocktail.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
One of the most significant pieces of evidence for the Myers' Cocktail comes from a 2018 double-blind randomized controlled trial. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia who received 10 sessions of IV Myers' cocktails experienced significant decreases in pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety compared to the placebo group. For people living with chronic pain in cities like Albuquerque or Boise, this represents a non-pharmaceutical option for symptom management.
Migraine Relief
If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know it’s not "just a headache." It’s a debilitating event. The magnesium in the Myers' Cocktail acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and can help relax the blood vessels in the brain, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of attacks.
Immune Support and Respiratory Health
Dr. Myers originally used his infusions for asthma and upper respiratory infections. While it is not a "cure" for the flu or COVID-19, the high doses of Vitamin C and Zinc provide the immune system with the raw materials it needs to fight off pathogens. We often see a spike in requests for the Myers' Cocktail during the winter months in colder climates like Salt Lake City or Bozeman, as people look for an immune boost.
Athletic Performance and Recovery
Athletes are among our most frequent clients. Whether you’re training for a marathon in Phoenix or recovering from a weekend of skiing in Park City, the Myers' Cocktail helps by:
- Rapid Rehydration: Replacing fluids much faster than drinking water.
- Reducing Inflammation: Vitamin C and Magnesium help lower markers of muscle damage.
- Energy Metabolism: B vitamins help your body repair tissues at a cellular level.
Who Should Consider What is a Myers Cocktail?
While almost anyone can benefit from better hydration and vitamins, certain groups tend to see the most dramatic results:
- The "Run-Down" Professional: If you're stressed, sleep-deprived, and living on coffee, the cocktail can help reset your system.
- Frequent Travelers: Excellent for combating jet lag and the "airplane crud."
- Those with Chronic Fatigue: For people who feel tired regardless of how much sleep they get.
- Hangover Recovery: It’s no secret that the Myers' Cocktail is a favorite for those who overindulged in Las Vegas or Nashville. It replaces the electrolytes and B vitamins that alcohol depletes.
If you’re ready to see if it’s right for you, you can book online and have a nurse come directly to your door.
Safety and Administration
Safety is our top priority at Pure IV. Because we are a mobile service, we bring the clinical standards of a hospital into your living room.
The Administration Process
A typical Myers' Cocktail session takes between 30 and 90 minutes . A licensed nurse or paramedic will insert a small IV catheter (often using a butterfly needle for comfort). The nutrients are then slowly dripped into your system.
We emphasize the word slowly. Administering magnesium too quickly can lead to a "magnesium flush"—a sudden sensation of heat throughout the body. While usually not unpleasant, it can cause lightheadedness if the drip rate isn't managed correctly.
Potential Side Effects
Most people feel great during and after their infusion, but like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects:
- Flushing or Heat: As mentioned, from the magnesium.
- Mild Lightheadedness: Usually resolved by drinking water or slowing the drip.
- Discomfort at the Injection Site: Typical of any IV.
Important Contraindications
Not everyone is a candidate for a Myers' Cocktail. We strictly screen for:
- Kidney Disease: The kidneys process these vitamins; if they aren't functioning well, IV vitamins can be dangerous.
- G6PD Deficiency: A genetic disorder where high-dose Vitamin C can cause red blood cells to break down.
- Heart Conditions: Specifically those sensitive to fluid shifts or calcium/magnesium levels.
Regulatory Concerns and the FTC
It is important to address the FTC actions mentioned earlier. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission cracked down on companies making "deceptive health claims." Some businesses were claiming the Myers' Cocktail could cure cancer, MS, or heart failure.
At Pure IV, we do not make these claims. We view the Myers' Cocktail as a supportive, complementary therapy . It is a tool for wellness, hydration, and nutrient optimization—not a replacement for traditional medical treatment for serious diseases. Every one of our treatments requires real-time Nurse Practitioner approval to ensure it is safe for your specific health profile.
If you have specific health concerns, we always encourage you to contact us to speak with a specialist before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Myers' Cocktail Therapy
How long does a treatment take?
Most sessions last about 45 to 60 minutes , though we can adjust the speed based on your comfort and how your body reacts to the magnesium. It’s the perfect amount of time to catch up on emails or watch a show while we work.
How often should I get a Myers' Cocktail?
This depends on your goals.
- For Acute Issues (like a cold or hangover): A single session is usually enough.
- For Chronic Conditions (like fatigue or fibromyalgia): Many practitioners recommend once a week for 4 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance.
- For Wellness: Once a month is a common "maintenance" schedule for our regular clients in cities like Tucson and Denver.
How much does it typically cost?
While prices vary across the industry, a high-quality Myers' Cocktail typically ranges from $150 to $300 . At Pure IV, our pricing reflects the use of medical-grade ingredients, licensed professionals, and the convenience of us coming to you. You can see our current rates on our pricing page.
Conclusion
The Myers' Cocktail has come a long way from Dr. Myers' small clinic in Baltimore. Today, it is a cornerstone of the mobile healthcare industry, providing a bridge for those who are "over-fed but under-nourished."
At Pure IV , we are proud to serve communities across the Western and Southern U.S.—from the desert heat of El Paso and Phoenix to the mountain air of Boise and Colorado Springs. We believe that wellness should be convenient, which is why our licensed nurses and paramedics bring the therapy to you. With our unique requirement for Nurse Practitioner approval before every drip, you can rest easy knowing your health is in expert hands.
Whether you're looking to bounce back from a long flight into Nashville, recover from a grueling workout in Henderson, or simply give your immune system a fighting chance this season, the Myers' Cocktail is a time-tested option worth considering.
Ready to feel rejuvenated? Schedule your Myers' Cocktail today and experience the Pure IV difference.
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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