Cinderella Drip (Alpha-Lipoic Acid IV)
IV Therapy · VEI Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul

Cinderella drip, or Cinderella injection, is the popular Korean name for an IV of alpha-lipoic acid, also called thioctic acid. At VEI Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, an internal medicine specialist reviews your health, medicines and blood sugar risk first, then gives it slowly by IV in a private room.
What Is a Cinderella Drip?
Alpha-lipoic acid is a coenzyme used in cellular energy metabolism, and it also acts as an antioxidant. Approved uses of the injection differ by product; the best known is relief of tingling or burning sensations caused by diabetic neuropathy. We check the approved uses of the product we use to judge whether it fits your purpose.
Many visitors ask about it for firmer skin, a brighter complexion or less fatigue. There is not enough research to support these effects, and results vary widely. We explain where your expectations and the evidence differ before you decide.
What’s in the Drip
- Alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid), at a dose set by the doctor
- IV fluids, so it can be given slowly
- Other ingredients only when clinically appropriate, decided after your consultation
Who It May Suit
- People with irregular meals who feel worn out and want to discuss nutrient support along with hydration
- People with tingling or burning in the hands or feet from diabetic neuropathy who want to discuss it alongside their current care
- People comparing it with a glutathione drip before choosing
The doctor decides individually whether it is suitable and what dose to use.
Safety First
Nausea, heartburn or a headache may occur during or after the drip. We give it slowly because a fast infusion can increase discomfort. Rarely, allergic reactions such as a rash or itching occur.
Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar. If you take diabetes medication or insulin, tell us first and do not skip meals before your visit. Please also tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have had an allergic reaction to an injection before.
Visit Flow
- Check-in and history: your goals, diabetes, current medicines and allergies
- Consultation: expected effects, the evidence, dose and interval
- Drip: a slow infusion in a private room, with the rate adjusted if you feel uncomfortable
- Before you leave: eat normally, and contact us right away if you feel dizzy or break out in a cold sweat
Pricing & Transparency
Pricing depends on the dose and anything combined with it. You receive a clear quote before treatment.
Questions
Is a Cinderella drip the same as thioctic acid?
Yes. Cinderella drip is the popular name for an alpha-lipoic acid IV, and thioctic acid is the drug name for the same substance. What people hope it will do can differ from its approved uses, so we go over both at your visit.
Will it brighten my skin or relieve fatigue?
Many people hope for better skin or less fatigue, but the evidence is limited and results vary widely. It is not a treatment for pigmentation.
Can I have it with a glutathione drip?
The ingredients and precautions differ, so the doctor decides whether to combine them after your consultation. Depending on your goals, we may recommend just one, or neither.
Can I have it on an empty stomach?
Because blood sugar may fall, eat at least a little before you come in. Avoid skipping meals, especially if you take diabetes medication.
How often can I have it?
This depends on your goals and health, and the doctor advises an interval after your consultation. We do not recommend frequent sessions in hopes of a stronger effect.
Plan your visit
3F, Beneheim City, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. About a one-minute walk from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Station (Line 3).
- Mon · Thu · Fri
- 10:00 – 19:00
- Tuesday
- 10:00 – 20:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Lunch break
- 13:00 – 14:00, except Saturday
- Wed · Sun
- Closed
Bring your passport or ID, a list of medicines and allergies, and any recent results. For chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or signs of stroke, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency department.


