The Myers Cocktail: Origins, Ingredients, and What It Treats
Nearly every vitamin IV drip on the market today traces back to one formulation from the 1970s. Here's the story and the science.
Key takeaways
- The Myers Cocktail was developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1970s as a broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral IV blend.
- The classic formulation includes magnesium, calcium, B-vitamins, and vitamin C.
- It's commonly used for general wellness, fatigue, migraines, and immune support.
- Modern clinics often build on the original recipe with additional targeted ingredients.
Where the Myers Cocktail came from
The formula is named after Dr. John Myers, a Baltimore-based physician who began using intravenous vitamin and mineral blends in his practice decades ago. After his death, Dr. Alan Gaby refined and popularized the formulation, publishing case reports that helped establish it as a recognized approach within integrative medicine.
Since then, it's become the foundation that most modern IV wellness menus are built on — even when clinics give their formulations different names.
What's typically in it
- Magnesium — supports muscle relaxation and nerve function
- Calcium — involved in muscle and cardiovascular function
- B-complex vitamins — support energy metabolism
- Vitamin C — an antioxidant involved in immune function and tissue repair
The original recipe is a starting point, not a fixed formula — providers often adjust ratios or add ingredients like glutathione or zinc depending on the goal of the visit.
What people use it for
The Myers Cocktail has been used informally for a wide range of complaints, most commonly general fatigue, seasonal immune support, migraine relief, and recovery from physical exertion. It's worth noting that formal, large-scale clinical trials on the Myers Cocktail specifically are limited — much of the evidence base comes from smaller case series and the individual research on its component nutrients.
What a session looks like
A typical Myers Cocktail infusion takes 30–45 minutes. Your provider will review your health history first to make sure the ingredients are appropriate for you — for example, people with certain kidney conditions may need adjusted mineral doses.
Curious about our Myers Cocktail formulation?
See the full IV drip menu or book a visit to get started.