IV infusion vitamins therapy is an excellent way to help your patients feel better faster. IV hydration helps detoxify the body, eliminating free radicals that contribute to impaired immune function. The right balance of electrolytes, fluids, vitamins, and antioxidants helps combat fatigue and low energy symptoms.
B vitamins help increase energy by converting food into energy. Amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins stimulate fat metabolism and muscle repair and reduce inflammation, giving your clients the endurance boost they may need to work out and enhance post-workout recovery (Wells, 2020).
Do you have clients that suffer from dry skin and hair from living in a dry climate like Colorado? The infusion example below (Figure A) is a nice blend for hair, skin, and nails. Biotin, also known as B7, can help maintain the health of the nervous system, liver, eyes, hair, and skin. Biotin aids fat metabolism, which is vital for the formation of new tissue.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system by protecting cells from free radical damage and supporting optimal cell health and a healthy liver. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) boosts the immune system while helping with inflammation.
B-complex is a great immune system booster and digestion regulator; it aids in fighting fatigue (Empower Pharmacy, n.d.b,c,d,h). B-12 (Hydroxocobalamin) plays a crucial role in metabolizing serotonin, which regulates your mood. It also helps to burn fat, turn carbohydrates into energy, and manufacture new proteins (Empower Pharmacy, n.d.e. & PDR, n.d.).
Figure A: Example Infusion Recipe
- 1L NS
- Ascorbic Acid- 2 grams (500 mg/ml): 4 ml
- B Complex – (B1- 100, B2-2, B3-100, B5-2, B6- 2 mg/ml): 2 ml
- Biotin 60 mcg (10mg/ml): 0.6 ml
- B12 (Hydroxocobalamin) 2mg (2 mg/ml): 2 ml
- Glutathione 200 mg (200 mg/ml): 1 ml
- Give after the infusion is complete. Mix in a 10 ml saline syringe and push over 3-5 minutes directly into the IV closest to the patient arm. Flush with 10 ml of normal saline.
The Myers’ Drip is a famous infusion recipe created by Dr. John Myers. It is one of the most used and studied IV therapy combinations to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle cramping while boosting energy and immunity.
Dr. Myers noted in his studies that it improved athletic performance and showed positive results in patients with migraines, fatigue, respiratory tract infections, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and seasonal allergies. It contains Magnesium, B Complex, B12, Ascorbic Acid, and Calcium Gluconate (Gaby, 2002).
Magnesium enhances the nervous and muscular systems to aid in recovery and help decrease anxiety. Calcium Gluconate’s role in building bones and supporting their health is well known, but it is also essential for nerve conduction, blood coagulation, and electrical conduction in the muscular tissue of the heart (Empower Pharma, n.d.,f).
Other minerals and vitamins can aid in recovery after a workout or boost endurance before exercise. L-Arginine may enhance exercise performance by increasing nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow and oxygenation to muscles. It also stimulates the release of growth hormones, insulin, and other substances. Taurine may increase heart health by reducing high blood pressure and decreasing resistance to blood flow in your blood vessel walls.
A study showed a decrease in inflammation, fatigue, and muscle damage during a workout. Taurine can also remove waste. Another study showed Taurine caused muscles to work harder and for longer and increased the muscles’ ability to contract and produce force (Empower Pharmacy, n.d.a,g).
Do you have clients feeling rundown or getting over a cold? You might see infusions that contain Zinc, Glutathione, and Ascorbic Acid. Zinc reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins and can reduce your risk of chronic inflammation. Zinc plays a critical role in immune function, and research has shown that people who take zinc during a cold have reduced symptoms and a faster recovery. Your body needs zinc to create new cells, especially fiber-like tissues and collagen in your skin. Zinc can support wound healing by helping these types of cells regenerate after an injury (Empower Pharmacy, n.d.b,d,i).
These Vitamin Infusions and numerous combination recipes can offer many benefits to your clients.
You can customize the recipe based on the symptoms your client wants to address, as most vitamins are compatible.
Vitamin infusions are an easy and fast way to help your clients feel their best!
Magnesium Chloride
Benefits: Enhances the nervous and muscular system to aid in recovery and help decrease anxiety
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Heart or kidney disease
- On a magnesium supplement at home
- Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis
- Taking Mg with muscle relaxers at the same time may increase side effects
Side Effects
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- May cause lower blood pressure or decreased respiratory rate
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Facial flushing
- Retention of urine
- Ileus
- Respiratory depression
- Muscle weakness
- Cardiac arrest
Ascorbic acid
Benefits: Boosts the immune system while helping with inflammation
Storage Temp: 36-46F
Contraindications
- If receiving chemotherapy, the client should notify their oncologist
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- With Diabetes mellitus, it may cause falsely decreased glucose concentrations
- Hemochromatosis may be at risk for iron toxicity
- If on an iron supplement, may have decreased absorption if receiving a high dose ascorbic acid therapy
- Renal diseases are at increased risk for renal stones following large doses of ascorbic acid
Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- GI upset
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- GI upset
B Complex
Includes: B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflavin) B3 (niacinamide) B5 (dexpanthenol) B6 (pyridoxine)
Benefits:
- Great immune system booster
- Digestion regulator
- Aids in fighting fatigue
- Necessary for general healthy skin and muscle, brain, and nerve functionality
Storage Temp: 36-46F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Feeling as though the body is swollen
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Anxiety
- Itching
- Respiratory distress
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Headache
- Irritability
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Skin flushing
- Confirm no previous adverse vitamin B or vitamin H allergies
B6 (Pyridoxine in B Complex)
Benefits:
- Great immune system booster
- Digestion regulator
- Aids in fighting fatigue
- Necessary for general healthy skin, muscle, brain, and nerve functionality
Storage Temp: 36-46F
Contraindications
- Sensitivity to ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects
- Lower blood pressure
- May impact blood glucose
- May increase the risk of bleeding
- May cause GI upset
- May cause tingling or numbness
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Anxiety
- Itching
- Respiratory distress
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Headache
- Irritability
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Skin flushing
B12 (Hydroxocobalamin)
Includes: B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflavin) B3 (niacinamide) B5 (dexpanthenol) B6 (pyridoxine)
Benefits:
- Plays a crucial role in metabolizing serotonin, which is responsible for regulating your mood
- Helps to burn fat and turn carbohydrates into energy and manufacture new proteins
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Hypersensitivity to cobalt moiety or cobalamin molecule due to risk of anaphylaxis
- Leber’s disease
- Severe megaloblastic anemia
Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Swelling of body
- Cannot be given more than once per week; ask when their last dose occurred
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Anaphylaxis, death
- Pulmonary edema
- Polycythemia vera
- Congestive heart failure
- Peripheral vascular thrombosis
L-Arginine
Benefits:
- May enhance exercise performance by increasing nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow and oxygenation to muscles
- Stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency (GAMT): People with this inherited condition are unable to convert arginine and other similar chemicals into creatine; to prevent complications from this condition, avoid L-arginine supplements
- In renal or hepatic impairment and electrolyte imbalances
Side Effects
- May cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Flushing
- Headache
- Injection site skin irritation (If irritation at IV site, slow down rate of drip)
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Maculopapular rash with reddening and swelling of face-stop infusion (may need to administer Benadryl)
Biotin
Benefits:
- Hair, skin, and nail health
- Can help depression or peripheral neuropathy
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- May falsely cause low troponin
- Medications/ Substances that may decrease efficacy of biotin
- Atropine, hyoscyamine, phenobarbital, scopolamine, belladonna alkaloids, ergotamine, carbamazepine, excessive alcohol, raw egg white, fosphenytoin, phenytoin, and primidone
Side Effects
- None Noted
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- None Noted
Taurine
Benefits:
- Increases heart health by reducing high blood pressure and the resistance to blood flow in your blood vessel walls
- Decreases inflammation, fatigue, and muscle damage during a workout
- Removes waste products that lead to fatigue and cause muscle burn, protecting muscles from cell damage and oxidative stress
- Causes muscles to work harder and for longer, increasing the muscles’ ability to contract and produce force
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Few adverse effects in doses up to 3g
Side Effects
- Can lower blood pressure; use caution if on blood pressure medications
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- None Noted
Glutathione
Benefits:
- It is a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system by protecting cells from free radical damage and supporting optimal cell health and a healthy liver
Storage Temp: 36-46F
Contraindications
- Caution with a Sulfa allergy!
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Caution in those with a history of asthma
- Must be given as IV push slowly over 3-5 minutes, dilute with NS push; not to be given in NS 1L bag
- If the client tolerates one dose of 200mg Glutathione, subsequent doses may be increased to 400 mg
Side Effects
- May exacerbate asthma symptoms
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- None Noted
Calcium Gluconate
Benefits:
- Has a role in building bones and supporting their health
- Important for nerve conduction, blood coagulation, and electrical conduction in the muscular tissue of the heart
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Hypercalcemia
- Chronic kidney failure
Side Effects
- May cause a change in heart rhythms
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- May decrease blood pressure or cause a change in heart rhythms
- May cause tingling or warm sensations
- GI upset or constipation
Zinc Sulfate
Benefits:
- Reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins
- Can reduce your risk of chronic inflammation
- Plays a critical role in immune function, and research has shown that people who take zinc during a cold have reduced symptoms and a faster recovery
- The body needs zinc to create new cells, especially fiber-like tissues and collagen in your skin; supports wound healing by helping these types of cells regenerate after an injury
Storage Temp: 68-77F
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Caution in clients with renal impairment
- Caution with clients taking tetracyclines, quinolones, penicillins; zinc inhibits absorption if taken concurrently
- Caution with sulfa allergies
- Too much zinc can reduce copper levels
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastric irritation
- Elevation of serum alkaline phosphate, amylase, and lipase
S/Sx of Toxicity:
- Hematuria
- Hematemesis
- Acute tubular necrosis
- Diarrhea.
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References:
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.). Calcium Gluconate Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharma.com/product/calcium-gluconate-injection/
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.a). Arginine HCl Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/arginine-hcl-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.b). Ascorbic Acid Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/ascorbic-acid-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.c). Biotin Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/biotin-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.d). Glutathione Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/glutathione-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.e). Hydroxocobalamin Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/hydroxocobalamin-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.f). Magnesium Chloride Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/magnesium-chloride-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.g). Taurine Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/taurine-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.h). Vitamin B-Complex Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/vitamin-b-complex-injection
Empower Pharmacy. (n.d.i). Zinc Sulfate Injection. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/zinc-sulfate-injection
Gaby, A.R. (2002). Intravenous nutrient therapy: the “Myers’ cocktail”. Altern Med Rev, 7(5):389-403. PMID: 12410623. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/
PDR. (n.d.). hydroxocobalamin – Drug Summary. Prescribers’ Digital Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022 from
Wells, C., Butcher, R., & McCormack, S. (2020). Intravenous Multivitamin Therapy Use in Hospital or Outpatient Settings: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. PMID: 33523616.
