GLUTATHIONE

Background and Date of Approval

Glutathione is an antioxidant health supplement that carries approval from the Philippines Food and Drug Administration.

Uses

Glutathione has been developed to improve detoxification and reduce oxidative stress in case of chronic health conditions like Alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver damage in viral infections (HIV/ HCV), gastritis. It also protects cancer patients from the side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy.

How is it administered?

Glutathione is available in the form of film coated tablets (250mg, 500mg), capsules (50mg) and injection (600mg). The recommended dose of oral glutathione is 1 or 2 tablets/capsules per day or as recommended by healthcare professionals. Recommended dose for glutathione injection is 300 to 600 mg daily through intravenous or intramuscular route. For best results, it is advisable to inject twice weekly in either arm.

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of glutathione injection include skin reactions like pruritus, red spots, Steven Johnson's Syndrome. contact your health-care provider immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, infections or tiredness. glutathione tablet is generally safe to use and is not associated with any major side effects. however if you experience any undesirable effects after taking the tablet, contact your physician for advice.. If you experience any allergic reactions such as severe skin allergies or stomach pain, report to your doctor immediately.

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of infections or skin allergies. During the Glutathione injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your thyroid, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of any other medical conditions.

Precautions

It is not known if glutathione interferes with pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hence, it is advisable to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you could be pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.

Word of Advice

Glutathione may cause tiredness; avoid driving or operating machinery. Apply a cool compress to the injection site to reduce discomfort.

References

La Renon Healthcare Private Limited, [Revised on 2020] [Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.larenon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/THIOTRES-Inj-Tab-LBL.pdf Joseph Pizzorno, Glutathione!, Integrative Medicine, Published on 2014,[Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/pdf/8-12.pdf Sinee Weschawalit et al., Glutathione and its anti-aging and anti melanogenic effects, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017; 10: 147–153,[Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413479/ Sarah Cook, Oral Availability of Glutathione, Natural Medicine Journal Research Guide, 2017, [Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/sites/default/files/glutathione_final_digital.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you know before taking glutathione?

Take glutathione only when prescribed by your Health care practitioner. glutathione injection is safe and effective only when your healthcare provider administers it.

Is it safe for women of reproductive age to use Glutathione Injection?

It is not known if glutathione interferes with pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hence, it is advisable to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you could be pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.

Who should not take glutathione?

Glutathione is not recommended in people who are taking antipsychotic and chemotherapeutic medications.

How is Glutathione administered?

The recommended dose of oral glutathione is 1 or 2 tablet/capsule per day or as recommended by healthcare professional. Recommended dose for glutathione injection is 300 to 600mg daily through intravenous or intramuscular route. For best results, it is advisable to inject twice weekly in either arm.

What are the side effects of glutathione injection?

Some of the common side effects associated with glutathione injection include tiredness, red spots on the skin, pruritus, and skin reactions.

Can you consume alcohol during glutathione treatment?

Avoid alcohol consumption during this treatment as alcohol has the ability to inhibit your body's ability to absorb glutathione.

How to deal with the side effects of Glutathione?

While the tablet and capsule form of glutathione does not have any significant side effects, the injection can produce toxic effects on skin, liver, kidneys and thyroid. Report to your physician right away if you experience any undesirable effects during this treatment. Apply ice pack/cool compress at the site of injection to prevent skin irritation.

How much glutathione can we take per day?

Glutathione is available in the form of film coated tablets (250mg, 500mg), capsules (50mg) and injection (600mg). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Available Brands 37

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS