The Myers Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin infusion containing B12, B Complex, Vitamin C, and Magnesium delivered directly into the bloodstream for immediate absorption at 100 percent bioavailability. Originally developed by Baltimore physician Dr. John Myers in the 1960s, it is the most widely administered IV vitamin drip in the world and the most popular drip at The Drip Lab.
If you have heard the term "vitamin drip" or "IV vitamin therapy," there is a good chance someone was talking about the Myers Cocktail. It is the gold standard of IV wellness, trusted by physicians, naturopaths, and integrative medicine practitioners for over five decades. And for good reason: the formula works, the science is sound, and the results speak for themselves.
The History of the Myers Cocktail
The Myers Cocktail was developed in the 1960s by Dr. John Myers, a physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Myers spent years treating patients with chronic conditions using intravenous nutrient therapy. He found that many patients with fatigue, migraines, fibromyalgia, respiratory infections, and seasonal allergies responded remarkably well to a specific combination of vitamins and minerals delivered by IV.
When Dr. Myers passed away in 1984, his patients sought out other physicians who could continue their treatments. Dr. Alan Gaby, a prominent researcher in nutritional medicine, took over many of Dr. Myers' patients and refined the original formula. Dr. Gaby published a landmark paper in 2002 documenting his experience administering over 15,000 Myers Cocktail infusions to more than 1,000 patients. His research confirmed the clinical benefits that Dr. Myers had observed for decades and brought the formula into the mainstream of integrative medicine.
Today, the Myers Cocktail is administered by IV therapy providers worldwide. The core formula has remained remarkably consistent because the original combination of nutrients was, as it turns out, exactly right.
What Is in a Myers Cocktail?
Every Myers Cocktail at The Drip Lab is mixed fresh with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and delivered in a base of medical-grade IV saline. Here is what each ingredient does and why it is in the formula.
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) — The energy vitamin. B12 is essential for red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. It plays a central role in converting food into cellular energy. Many adults are deficient in B12, especially those who eat a plant-based diet, take certain medications, or have absorption issues. IV delivery ensures your body receives and uses the full dose immediately.
- B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) — The full spectrum of B vitamins works together to support energy metabolism, nervous system function, hormone production, and stress response. B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning your body does not store them and they must be replenished regularly. Oral B Complex supplements are poorly absorbed; IV delivery eliminates that limitation.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) — A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption. Vitamin C is one of the nutrients most limited by oral absorption. High oral doses cause gastrointestinal distress long before reaching therapeutic blood levels. IV administration allows for significantly higher concentrations without any GI side effects.
- Magnesium (Magnesium Chloride) — The relaxation mineral. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure control, and protein synthesis. An estimated 50 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient. IV magnesium bypasses the GI tract entirely, which is important because oral magnesium is one of the most poorly absorbed minerals.
Benefits of the Myers Cocktail
Sustained Energy Without Stimulants
The combination of B12 and B Complex vitamins directly fuels your body's energy production at the mitochondrial level. Unlike caffeine, which masks fatigue by blocking adenosine receptors, the Myers Cocktail addresses the root cause of low energy by restoring the vitamins your cells need to produce ATP. Clients consistently report feeling more alert, focused, and energized for days after a session.
Immune System Support
Vitamin C and Magnesium are both critical for immune function. Vitamin C stimulates the production and function of white blood cells, while Magnesium regulates the inflammatory response. Together, they help your immune system respond faster and more effectively to threats. Many clients schedule regular Myers Cocktails during cold and flu season or before travel.
Faster Recovery
Whether you are recovering from a tough workout, a long week, a night out, or a bout of illness, the Myers Cocktail accelerates your body's recovery process. IV hydration restores fluid balance, B vitamins support cellular repair, Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress, and Magnesium relaxes muscles and reduces cramping. The combination is more effective than any single supplement because these nutrients work synergistically.
Total Body Hydration
The Myers Cocktail is delivered in a base of medical-grade IV saline, which means you receive a full liter of hydration along with your vitamins. IV hydration is absorbed immediately and completely, unlike drinking water, which must pass through the digestive system and is absorbed slowly. This makes the Myers Cocktail a complete reset for your body.