Chasing the bridal glow through IV drips? Doctors flag health risks | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: Forget facials and elaborate skincare routines. For many people preparing for weddings and festive occasions, achieving a picture-perfect glow increasingly involves intravenous (IV) drips marketed for brighter skin and even hair growth. This wellness trend has gained traction in Hyderabad over the past year, with dermatologists reporting a sharp rise in enquiries about glutathione and vitamin infusions. Doctors who earlier received five to 10 enquiries a month now report 30 to 40. A single session costs between Rs 6,000 and Rs 20,000, while repeated treatments can push the bill into lakhs.IV infusions have traditionally been used to treat dehydration, heatstroke and certain vitamin deficiencies. They deliver fluids, vitamins, minerals or medicines directly into the bloodstream. However, they are increasingly promoted as cosmetic quick fixes.The trend partly draws on the Myers’ cocktail, a vitamin and mineral mixture developed in the 1970s to address fatigue, asthma and migraines. These infusions may contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by the body and used in treatments marketed for skin brightening.
Skin glowing, but at what cost?
Social media fuels the trend
“The procedures generally focus on skincare, hydration or energy enhancement. Depending on their objective, patients may undergo three to four sessions before an occasion. While these drips cannot significantly lighten skin, some people may notice a temporary glow that fades over time,” said Dr Karishni C, dermatologist and former general secretary of the Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association.“Social media promotions and celebrity endorsements have fuelled demand, with some people reportedly receiving drips at wedding venues while getting ready. Wellness clinics, salons and hair clinics are also promoting infusions and scalp injections,” the doctor added.Dr Jalagam Vijay, senior dermatologist at Radiance Skin and Hair Clinic, said that since skincare trends picked up after Covid, men are also increasingly seen opting for aesthetic treatments, including IV therapy.However, dermatologists warn that evidence supporting the cosmetic benefits of IV glutathione remains limited, while improper administration can cause serious complications.“We always advise caution, as results vary depending on a person’s skin type, condition and treatment goals. Some patients report improvements in skin tone after glutathione treatment, but these are anecdotal accounts, not reliable scientific evidence,” Dr Jalagam said.In May 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) clarified that cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body. Products marketed as glutathione drips, “glow shots” and skin-brightening injections cannot be treated as cosmetic products for administration by injection. Glutathione injections used as medicines must be distinguished from cosmetic products, and skin whitening is not an approved use.In one case, a healthy 42-year-old woman from Madhapur developed a fever exceeding 41°C, went into shock and collapsed within an hour of receiving a high-dose glutathione infusion for skin lightening.“She developed acute liver injury and abnormal blood clotting, indicating serious complications. She recovered after supportive treatment,” said Dr Rajetha Damisetty, senior dermatologist and member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists.Experts also stressed that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved glutathione for skin whitening or lightening.
More research needed
Dr Swapna Kunduru, cosmetic dermatologist at Apollo Hospital, said, “Before administering glutathione IV drips, I always check whether the patient has asthma or any allergies and assess liver and kidney function.”Doctors recommend adequate water intake and a balanced diet for healthy people, noting there is no convincing evidence that routine vitamin drips prevent illness or slow ageing. “More research is needed, including well-designed clinical trials, standardised formulations and long-term studies to assess safety,” Dr Jalagam said.
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