What is High-Dose Vitamin C IV Drip?
High-dose vitamin C IV drip is a treatment that directly replenishes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) into the body via intravenous drip, achieving blood concentrations unattainable through oral intake. While oral intake has a limit on blood concentration (around 200μM), IV drips can achieve blood concentrations tens to 100 times higher than oral intake, and a variety of effects are anticipated.
It is used globally as a complementary therapy for beauty (whitening, skin rejuvenation), fatigue recovery, immune enhancement, anti-aging, and cancer treatment. Many medical institutions in Japan have also adopted it.
Difference from oral intake
Even if you ingest more than 1g orally, there is an upper limit to intestinal absorption, and blood concentration plateaus. With an IV drip, the absorption pathway is bypassed, and vitamin C enters the bloodstream directly, allowing for tens to hundreds of times higher concentrations than oral intake.
Main Effects of Vitamin C
| Effect | Content |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant Action | Eliminates reactive oxygen species, prevents cell aging |
| Collagen Synthesis Promotion | Maintains skin firmness and elasticity, wound healing |
| Melanin Inhibition | Improves spots and dullness, skin whitening |
| Immune System Support | Enhances white blood cell function, infection defense |
| Iron Absorption Promotion | Positive effect for anemia prevention |
| Stress Resilience | Involved in cortisol synthesis in the adrenal glands |
| Endothelial Protection | Maintains blood vessel elasticity |
| Antitumor Effect | Ultra-high doses generate hydrogen peroxide selectively in cancer cells, currently under research as a complementary therapy |
Recommended for people who:
- Are concerned about skin whitening, spots, or dullness
- Feel a loss of skin firmness or elasticity
- Experience chronic fatigue
- Catch colds easily or want to boost immunity
- Live a high-stress lifestyle
- Are smokers (smoking consumes a large amount of vitamin C)
- Are in the recovery phase after severe infection
- Want to take anti-aging measures
- Are considering complementary therapy for cancer treatment
- Want to promote wound healing after surgery
Our Dosage Plans
You can choose from multiple dosages according to your goals, physical condition, and lifestyle.
| Dosage | Main Purpose | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5g | Beauty, general health maintenance, initial introduction | 30-40 minutes |
| 25g | Fatigue recovery, enhanced beauty | 40-50 minutes |
| 50g | Serious beauty, immune enhancement | 60-75 minutes |
| 75g | Anti-aging, chronic fatigue | 75-90 minutes |
| 100g or more (ultra-high dose) | Complementary therapy for cancer treatment | 90-120 minutes |
Pre-testing is mandatory for ultra-high doses (25g or more)
For doses of 25g or more, screening for G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency is required. If this enzyme is deficient, there is a risk of hemolytic anemia with ultra-high doses of vitamin C.
Treatment Flow
- Initial Consultation & Examination: Confirm objectives, medical history, and current medications.
- Pre-testing: For the first visit (especially if desiring 25g or more), check G6PD activity, kidney function, and anemia.
- Drip Preparation: Secure intravenous access, and for precaution, provide hydration and salt.
- Drip Administration: Relax in a reclining chair (takes 30-120 minutes).
- Post-treatment: Hydrate, light meal is okay, can resume normal activities.
Timing of Effect Realization
| Purpose | Estimated Time to Feel Effect | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue recovery, malaise | Day of treatment to next day | 1-2 times per week |
| Whitening, dullness improvement | 2-4 weeks | Once a week × 4-6 times, then 1-2 times a month |
| Skin firmness, glow | 2-3 months | Continue 1-2 times a month |
| Immune system enhancement | Several weeks~ | 1-2 times a month |
| Cancer complementary therapy | Depends on treatment period | 2-3 times a week (professional judgment) |
Effects vary by individual
The degree to which effects are felt varies from person to person due to constitution, lifestyle, and existing oxidative stress levels. Many people only start to feel effects after continued use, so it is recommended not to judge after just 1-2 sessions, but to continue for a while.
Side Effects / Risks
Common Side Effects (Mild)
- Discomfort at the injection site / vascular pain (can be reduced by adjusting the drip rate)
- Sensation of warmth in the mouth or face (temporary)
- Mild headache / dizziness (hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalance)
- Thirst (addressed by hydration after administration)
- Mild diarrhea / digestive symptoms
- Osmotic bladder irritation (sensation of frequent urination)
Rare but Serious Side Effects
- Hemolytic anemia: For those with G6PD deficiency (excluded by pre-testing)
- Kidney stones (caution for those with a history)
- Impact on kidney function with high doses (contraindicated for those with kidney failure)
- Anaphylaxis (very rare)
- Hypoglycemia (caution for diabetics)
Who cannot receive the treatment
Contraindications
- Individuals with G6PD deficiency
- Severe renal dysfunction (undergoing dialysis, end-stage renal failure)
- Individuals with heart failure requiring salt and fluid restriction
- Elderly individuals with significantly reduced physical strength
- History of drug allergies
Use with Caution
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (appropriateness should be discussed with the attending physician)
- Diabetics (blood glucose monitoring required)
- History of kidney stones
- Individuals taking medication (caution with concurrent use of some anticancer drugs)
Estimated Fees
*Self-pay treatment, varies by site and unit count. Details will be provided during the consultation.
| Menu | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C Drip 12.5g | 7,000-10,000 yen |
| Vitamin C Drip 25g | 12,000-15,000 yen |
| Vitamin C Drip 50g | 20,000-25,000 yen |
| Vitamin C Drip 75g | 28,000-35,000 yen |
| G6PD Test (first time) | 3,000-5,000 yen |
Combination with Other Drip Menus
Vitamin C IV drip can be combined with other beauty and health IV drips for synergistic effects.
- Glutathione Drip: Strong antioxidant action, whitening, liver function support
- Bihaku Drip (Bihaku means "white skin"): Primarily glutathione, whitening, fatigue recovery
- Garlic (Allithiamine) Injection: Fatigue recovery
- Placenta Injection: Female hormones, autonomic nervous system, beautiful skin
- Hydrogen Drip: Antioxidant support
Precautions Before and After Treatment
Before Treatment
- Adequate food and fluid intake (empty stomach increases risk of hypoglycemia)
- Postpone if you have a fever or feel unwell
- G6PD test results required for the first visit (if requesting 25g or more)
- Disclose any medications you are taking in advance
After Treatment
- Drink plenty of fluids (1L or more)
- Moderate intense exercise
- Normal daily life can resume from the next day
- Contact us if you experience any concerning symptoms
Features of Our High-Dose Vitamin C IV Drip
- Offers multiple dosages from 12.5g to 100g to suit various purposes
- For 25g or more, G6PD testing is performed in advance to ensure safety
- Treatment is provided after a comprehensive evaluation of physical condition and medical history, as we are co-located with an internal medicine department.
- Can be combined with glutathione, Bihaku drip, placenta, etc.
- Relaxing environment with reclining chairs
- No appointment necessary, same-day visits OK / Open daily 9:00-21:00 / 1 minute walk from Jujo Station
Balance between effectiveness and safety is crucial
High-dose vitamin C IV drip is a safe treatment when administered appropriately. It is important to thoroughly implement pre-testing and health management and to continue with a dosage and frequency tailored to each individual. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
