Types of IV Drips: A Guide to What's on the Menu
The main categories of IV drips you'll see on a clinic menu — what each is for, so you can pick with confidence.
Most IV therapy menus organize drips into a handful of categories: basic hydration, the classic Myers' Cocktail (all-purpose wellness), immune and high-dose vitamin C, hangover and recovery, beauty (glutathione-based), athletic performance and recovery, weight-loss/metabolism support, and specialty infusions like NAD+. They mostly share a hydrating saline base and differ by which vitamins, minerals, or medications are added for a specific goal.
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Everyday and wellness drips
Basic hydration is just saline and electrolytes — the fastest, cheapest option when you simply need fluids. The Myers' Cocktail is the classic all-purpose wellness drip: magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C for energy, immunity, and general well-being, and usually the best first drip if you're new to IV therapy.
Immune drips build on that with higher-dose vitamin C and zinc for cold-and-flu season and run-down days.
Recovery, beauty, and performance
Hangover and recovery drips pair a liter of fluids with electrolytes, B vitamins, and optional anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medication to reset after a rough night. Beauty drips center on glutathione (often with vitamin C and biotin) for skin and a general glow. Athletic recovery drips add amino acids and antioxidants to rehydrate and speed recovery after hard training.
Weight-loss or 'metabolism' drips add lipotropic compounds and B12 — supportive of a broader plan, not a standalone fat-loss treatment.
Specialty infusions
NAD+ is the headline specialty drip: a slow, longer, more expensive infusion aimed at cellular energy, focus, and longevity. High-dose vitamin C is another, used for immune and antioxidant support (and studied as a complementary therapy in some medical settings). Iron infusions and other prescription-grade treatments belong in a medical setting under a doctor's order — different from an elective wellness drip.
Whatever the category, they share the same fundamentals: a hydrating base plus a targeted mix. Pick by your goal, ask what's in the bag, and choose a licensed provider.
Frequently asked
What's the most popular type of IV drip?+
The Myers' Cocktail is the most popular all-purpose wellness drip, and basic hydration and hangover-recovery drips are close behind. NAD+ is the fastest-growing specialty infusion.
Which IV drip should I get?+
Match the drip to your goal: hydration for fluids, a Myers' Cocktail for all-purpose wellness, an immune drip when run-down, a hangover drip to recover, beauty for skin, athletic for recovery, or NAD+ for a cellular-energy and longevity boost. When unsure, a Myers' or plain hydration is a safe first choice.
This guide is informational — independently researched and fact-checked against published clinical sources. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.