Vitamin C IV Drip

Author: Revivera Medical Team · Last updated: 5 October 2026

The vitamin C IV drip at Revivera Clinic is an intravenous therapy given after a free medical consultation and under the continuous supervision of a specialist doctor in intensive care (ATI) or emergency medicine. On this page you will find what vitamin C does in the body, why intravenous administration differs from oral supplements, who the drip is suitable for, what the studies say, how long it takes and when it is not given.

Vitamin C IV: what it is and why it is given intravenously

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential, water-soluble vitamin that the human body can neither produce nor store. It is involved in collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, immune function and iron absorption [1]. The need for vitamin C rises in smokers, during periods of stress, during convalescence and in chronic illness [1].

Taken orally, vitamin C is absorbed only to a limited extent: the body tightly controls how much reaches the blood, however large the supplement dose. Given intravenously, it bypasses the digestive tract and reaches blood levels oral supplements cannot achieve [2] [4] [13]. The excess is then eliminated through the kidneys [3].

Signs of vitamin C deficiency

Because the body does not store vitamin C, an insufficient intake is felt relatively quickly and may, over time, be associated with symptoms such as [1]:

• general tiredness and weakness
• bleeding gums
• ecchymoses (easy bruising)
• slower wound healing
• dry, dull skin

The risk of deficiency is higher in smokers, older people, people on restrictive diets, people with intestinal absorption disorders or with chronic illness [1].

These symptoms can be associated with many conditions; a medical consultation is therefore recommended, to assess your health and to determine whether the drip is indicated.

Who the vitamin C IV drip is recommended for

• People who want to support their immunity, especially in the cold season or during demanding periods
• People convalescing after viral illnesses, infections or periods of tiredness and weakness
• People exposed to oxidative stress: prolonged stress, pollution, smoking
• Smokers and older people, whose need for vitamin C is higher [1]
• People recovering after surgery
• People with tired skin who want a brighter look and to support the natural processes of collagen synthesis in the skin and tissues
• People recovering after intense exertion

The final recommendation is made by the doctor at the consultation, based on your health and medical history.

Benefits of the vitamin C IV drip

• Immune support — vitamin C is an essential cofactor in the functioning of the immune system and supports its ability to recognise and destroy microorganisms [5]
• Antioxidant protection — neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress [6]
• Collagen synthesis — is needed for the body’s natural production of collagen, which plays a role in skin elasticity, blood vessel integrity and tissue repair [1] [7]
• Revitalised skin — through its antioxidant effect and its support of collagen [6] [7]
• Regeneration of other antioxidants — helps restore glutathione and vitamin E
• Recovery — supports recovery after illness, periods of intense stress or fatigue [1]

Effects vary from person to person and depend on general health, lifestyle and the number of sessions. The vitamin C IV drip does not replace the medical treatment of diagnosed conditions.

What the studies say about vitamin C

• Intravenous administration. Pharmacokinetic studies show that intravenous vitamin C reaches blood levels tens of times higher than the oral form and is eliminated mainly in the urine [3] [13]. A 2026 systematic review confirms the difference from oral administration and recommends a medical assessment before the drip [4].
• Immunity. Vitamin C supports immune cell function, and vitamin C deficiency is associated with lower immunity and greater susceptibility to infections [5].
• Collagen and tissue repair. A systematic review showed, mainly in experimental models, that vitamin C increases collagen production and speeds up the healing of tendons and fractures [7].
• Blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 29 randomised clinical trials showed a modest drop in blood pressure with vitamin C supplementation, more marked in people with hypertension [8].
• Cholesterol and triglycerides. A meta-analysis of 13 randomised clinical trials showed that vitamin C supplementation for at least four weeks significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol [16].
• Joints. Blood vitamin C levels are lower in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and higher levels are associated with a lower risk of the disease [9].
• Cognitive function. Vitamin C is one of the brain’s main antioxidants [11]. In older people, a higher vitamin C intake was associated with better results in cognitive tests [10].
• Oncology. High-dose intravenous vitamin C is studied as an adjuvant therapy in cancer, but the evidence of efficacy is not yet definitive [12] [13]. At Revivera, the vitamin C IV drip is not a cancer treatment; it is given as supportive treatment, only on the recommendation or with the agreement of the oncologist.

How a session at Revivera works

1. Free medical consultation — the doctor assesses your health, any available test results and your goal, and checks for any contraindications.
2. Supervised administration — the drip is set up by medical staff, with a specialist doctor in intensive care (ATI) or emergency medicine present in the clinic at all times.
3. Comfort — 45 minutes in a massage chair, in a quiet space.
4. Personalised recommendations — how often to have sessions and possible combinations with other vitamins, amino acids or glutathione.

The doctor recommends the number of sessions and any combinations at the consultation. See also the glutathione IV drip and the NAD+ IV drip.

Contraindications and possible reactions

The vitamin C IV drip is not given in the following situations [4] [13] [14]:

• G6PD deficiency (risk of haemolysis)
• kidney failure, hyperoxaluria or a history of kidney stones [17]
• haemochromatosis, thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia or sideroblastic anaemia, because vitamin C increases iron absorption [17]
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• known allergy to any component of the solution, including sulphites [17]

The doctor checks for these situations at the consultation. Also tell the doctor if you have thrombophlebitis or a tendency to thrombosis, or if you take anticoagulants, iron preparations or deferoxamine [17]. For patients in cancer treatment, the drip is given only with the agreement and on the recommendation of the oncologist. Patients with diabetes should mention it, because intravenous vitamin C can temporarily affect the readings of some glucose meters [14] and the results of some laboratory tests [17].

Side effects are rare and usually mild: discomfort at the injection site, nausea, chills [13]. The drip is given slowly and under medical supervision.

Oral or intravenous vitamin C? Vitamin C, glutathione or NAD+?

Orally, the body limits how much vitamin C reaches the blood. Intravenously, vitamin C goes straight into the bloodstream, at levels supplements cannot reach [2] [13]. For normal daily intake, food and oral supplements remain the practical option; the drip is useful when a fast, intensive effect is the goal.

Vitamin C and glutathione are antioxidants that support each other and can be combined, on the doctor’s recommendation. NAD+ acts on metabolic mechanisms and is given in a separate drip.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a vitamin C IV drip cost in Bucharest?

At Revivera Clinic, the Essentials vitamin C IV drip costs 200 lei and the Premium option 350 lei per session. The medical consultation is free.

What does “injectable vitamin C” mean?

“Injectable vitamin C” is often used to mean vitamin C given intravenously. At Revivera, vitamin C is given as an intravenous drip, after a medical consultation and under the doctor’s continuous supervision.

How long does the vitamin C drip take?

About 45 minutes.

How many sessions are needed?

It depends on your goal: one session can support recovery during a demanding period, while for immunity and skin the doctor may recommend a course of several sessions. The protocol is set at the consultation.

Is the drip better than vitamin C tablets?

The drip reaches blood levels of vitamin C that tablets cannot, because it bypasses intestinal absorption. For daily intake, food and oral supplements remain sufficient.

Is the vitamin C IV drip safe?

Given after a medical consultation and under supervision, it is well tolerated. The doctor checks for any contraindications at the consultation. At Revivera, a specialist doctor is present in the clinic at all times.

Does intravenous vitamin C treat cancer?

No. Intravenous vitamin C is not a curative treatment for cancer. It is being researched in the medical literature as an adjuvant therapy. At Revivera, the vitamin C IV drip does not replace standard treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and may be given only with the approval of the treating oncologist.

Can I have the vitamin C drip together with glutathione or NAD+?

Vitamin C can be combined with glutathione and other vitamins, on the doctor’s recommendation. With NAD+ it can be combined only in separate drips.

Does the vitamin C drip affect blood tests?

Yes, vitamin C can affect the results of some tests, such as blood glucose, transaminases or bilirubin. If you have tests scheduled, do them before the drip or 1–2 days after [17].

Do I need an appointment?

No; the clinic is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, including weekends.

Scientific sources

1. Bisht S. et al. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/
2. Alangari A. et al. (2025). To IV or Not to IV: The Science Behind Intravenous Vitamin Therapy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12182718/
3. Chen P. et al. (2022). Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Intravenous Vitamin C: A Classic Pharmacokinetic Study. Clinical Pharmacokinetics. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40262-022-01142-1
4. Alangari A. et al. (2026). Clinical benefits and risks of high-dose intravenous vitamin C: a systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12973930/
5. Carr A.C., Maggini S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5707683/
6. Kaźmierczak-Barańska J. et al. (2020). Two Faces of Vitamin C — Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/5/1501
7. DePhillipo N.N. et al. (2018). Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6204628/
8. Juraschek S.P. et al. (2012). Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22492364/
9. Zhang J. et al. (2024). Association between rheumatoid arthritis and serum vitamin C levels in Adults: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Preventive Medicine Reports. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524002080
10. He X. et al. (2025). Vitamin C intake and cognitive function in older U.S. adults: nonlinear dose-response associations and effect modification by smoking status. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12173858/
11. Hansen S.N. et al. (2014). Does vitamin C deficiency affect cognitive development and function? Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4179190/
12. Zhao H. et al. (2026). High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges. Genes & Diseases. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352304225002314
13. National Cancer Institute (2025). Intravenous Vitamin C (PDQ®) — Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/vitamin-c-pdq
14. Yanase F. et al. (2020). Harm of IV High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy in Adult Patients: A Scoping Review. Critical Care Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32404636/
15. National Cancer Institute. Intravenous Vitamin C (PDQ®) — Patient Version. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK127724/
16. McRae M.P. (2008). Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK76296/
17. Agenția Națională a Medicamentului și a Dispozitivelor Medicale din România (2022). Prospect: Vitamina C Zentiva 100 mg/ml soluție injectabilă/perfuzabilă. https://www.anm.ro/_/_PRO/PRO_14370_30.03.22.pdf