A Myers’ cocktail is an increasingly popular intravenous therapy. Dr. John Myers, long deceased but still known for his work with vitamins and minerals, was the first person to come up with this particular treatment method. It is made for those who are suffering from chronic or temporary illnesses such as fatigue, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms etc.

Even though the traditional Myers’ cocktail can often work for many different ailments, healthcare providers will typically modify it to suit the individual needs of their patients.  

What Ingredients are Included in a Myers’ Cocktail?  

The standard Myers’ cocktail includes: 

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, B-Complex vitamins, Vitamin 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.3  
• 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. 

Other ingredients may also be included in different infusions, depending on the type of treatment a patient needs. Although this recipe is made with general substances which are generally safe to consume, doctors should consider any pre-existing conditions before administering treatments.

Doctors often modify the intake of various supplements such as vitamins and minerals – either increasing or decreasing them – so that they can provide targeted treatments for their patients’ unique goals.

A revised formulation of the Myers’ cocktail may include:1

• 1 mL B-Complex 
• 5 mL Vitamin C (500 mg/mL)  
• 5 mL Magnesium Chloride (30%) 
• 3 mL Calcium Gluconate (10%) 
• 1 mL Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (100 mg/mL) 
• 1 mL Dexpanthenol (250 mg/mL) 
• 0.5 mL Hydroxocobalamin (2,000 mcg/mL) 

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that can be administered through an IV. The substance aids in disease prevention, immune system function and general well-being for those who take it.

Who Needs a Myers’ Cocktail?  

Who should consider a Myers’ cocktail infusion? There is no one clear answer. Given the high concentration of antioxidants, nutrients, and other health-enhancing ingredients, those who suffer from illnesses or conditions that affect their immunity may benefit from such an infusion.

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 Myer’s review of the efficacy and tolerability of these cocktails, due to them being made up of vitamins and minerals it tends to be well-tolerated. Additionally, because this therapy is administered intravenously versus orally it means that higher concentrations are more readily available for absorption than when ingested orally.

Benefits of a Myers’ Cocktail Infusion  

Health benefits may come from receiving a Myers’ cocktail with for many patients. 

For example, magnesium has been found to prevent or reduce asthma attacks, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, fibromyalgia, chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infections, migraines, and more. Magnesium with vitamin B may increase the efficacy when paired together for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.3  

Indications have been found that vitamin B6 (up to 50 mg per day) and B12 may relieve muscle weakness associated with hyperthyroidism. Those who suffer from acute muscle spasms, poor sleep at night, or high levels of stress, may have a magnesium deficiency and may benefit from receiving intravenous treatment to bring their magnesium levels to an optimum state. 

How to Administer a Myers’ Cocktail IV  

A Myers’ cocktail IV treatment is administered intravenously and requires a licensed healthcare professional to deliver the treatment.  

Depending on the infusion rate and total bag volume, the treatment usually takes between 30-90 minutes and usually involves minimal pain. The IV administration is performed by seating the patient, placing a tourniquet on their upper arm, and disinfecting the entry point. Then, a small butterfly catheter needle is inserted into the vein. The needle is held in place with a piece of medical tape and the IV bag is connected.   

These IVs tend to drip for 30-90 minutes before the bag is depleted. It is recommended that IVs are set to drip slower for first-time users to minimize negative side effects, which may include dizziness, discomfort, or nausea. A slower drip also helps lower the chance of a negative reaction or sensitivity to the magnesium that may be in the infusion.   

It can also be administered over a few minutes using a direct IV push.

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 commonly experienced symptom from an intravenous dose of magnesium is warmth or a flushing sensation. This can be felt on the skin in the chest area, pelvic area, or face. In most cases it will not cause unpleasant feelings for patients but sometimes calcium may create similar effects if given at high concentrations. Since magnesium lowers blood pressure, there is a possible chance of hypotension which makes the heart unable to pump enough oxygen to supply tissues and organs with blood flow- but it is rarer than other side effects. If patients begin feeling excessively warm or lightheaded they need to tell their healthcare provider as these are signs that they are experiencing hypoxia (low oxygen level) due to low blood pressure.

You should stop giving them additional infusions if they become symptomatic because it means you’re giving them too much too fast—normally symptoms go away within 10-30 seconds after stopping infusion when this happens so just wait until things are back to normal before continuing treatment.

Response rates are varied when it comes to intravenous administrations.

For the first round of treatment, the prescriber may only administer a small dosage – 500-1,000mg – before deciding if they want to increase the dosage or not.

Older adults often need more due to less efficient metabolism. Within the first 10-30 seconds after administration, most patients will show relief of symptoms (if it is working). The practitioner can then adjust treatments according to individual needs.

Combining magnesium and potassium at once may also cause some side effects such as dizziness or constipation in certain people because magnesium promotes intracellular uptake of potassium inside cells which triggers hypokalemia (low levels) and severe cramping up to 12 hours post-infusion. There is also a very slight risk for cardiac arrhythmia when using IV thiamine combined with other medications such as magnesium erythorbate – but again, this isn’t very common and usually occurs when both medication types are administered together.

If you have questions or want more information about the Myers’ cocktail please consult with a healthcare professional.