By KIM ESTES, Four Points News
A new wellness service offering intravenously delivered vitamin therapy recently opened in the Medical Tower at Riverplace.
Owned by Adam Metcalf, pharmacist and owner of Hill Country Apothecary, Drip Drop is an IV vitamin bar offering vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids through IV infusion.
IV infusion introduces the specially mixed solutions directly into the client’s bloodstream, unlike oral vitamins that pass through the digestive system. The IV treatments have a 90 percent absorption rate, according to the Drip Drop website.
“A wide variety of individuals benefit from IV vitamin therapy including athletes, parents, general health and wellness enthusiasts, professionals, everyday folks that are engaged in daily activity and want a vitamin boost,” said Shannon Cohen, wellness program coordinator and consultant.
Drip Drop services does not include medical diagnoses or treatments.
This is considered a therapeutic service that is supportive of overall health and wellness, said Cohen.
“If it is a first visit to Drip Drop, we have a brief consultation in which we review the individual’s medical history. We demonstrate prudence with every person, but if someone has major heart issues, not just high blood pressure, or severe kidney issues it will require further medical attention from their provider prior to the IV,” she said.
“We are not treating cancer or chronic conditions, but this could be a therapeutic boost to some dealing with those issues,” Cohen said.
Still, a medical doctor oversees Drip Drop and a registered nurse mixes and administers the IVs. Solutions are from a lab inspected and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
IV mixtures clients can choose from include the following drips
• Immunity for the prevention of colds, flu and allergies,
• Pre- and post-operative formulated for optimal surgical recovery and healing,
• Workout performance for hydration, recovery, energy and a reduction in pain and swelling,
• Weight loss to speed up metabolism and increase fat-burning potential,
• Beauty a formulation that builds collagen,
• Detoxification for flushing and removing toxins,
• Myers Cocktail for overall wellness.
Another option is a combination of treatments.
“We can customize a drip. If there is a bit of an overlap between two drips, we can take the base and then add things for something like an immunity and weight loss combination,” Cohen said.
IV vitamin drips are not new. The first drip was developed years ago when Maryland physician, Dr. John Myers, created what became known as the aforementioned “Myers Cocktail”, crafted for overall health enhancement.
Although years have passed since its inception, IV vitamin bars are now growing in availability. Eric Perardi, with Hat Trick Development, reported they are popular in Houston as well as California, New York and Florida.
“I’m surprised Austin does not have more of them,” Perardi said.
Drip Drop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The drip itself takes between 30 and 45 minutes to administer, although the first appointment lasts about one hour due to the consultation.
Cost is not covered by insurance. Price reductions are available through a monthly membership program.
For more information, go to dripdropiv.com or call (512) 953-1229.