Glutathione
Also known as: Glutathion, Glutathione, GSH, Isethion, Lycored, Reduced glutathione, Tathion, γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine
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Summary
Glutathione (γ‑L‑glutamyl‑L‑cysteinyl‑glycine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that serves as a major intracellular antioxidant and detoxifying agent.
Mechanism of Action
Acts as a reducing agent, scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining cellular redox balance
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Parkinson's disease symptom managementNeurology (investigational)Low
- Immune function enhancementImmunologyLow
- Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy preventionOncology / NeuroprotectionModerate
- Skin brighteningCosmeticLow
- Antioxidant supportOxidative StressHigh
- Skin lightening / hyperpigmentation reductionDermatology (off Label)Low
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose adjunctToxicologyModerate
- DetoxificationHepaticModerate
- Antioxidant support / oxidative stress reductionGeneral Health / Cellular ProtectionModerate
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to glutathioneAllergyHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to glutathione or formulation excipientsAllergyHigh
- Concurrent chemotherapy regimens where GSH may reduce efficacyOncologyModerate
- Severe asthmaRespiratoryModerate
- Pregnancy (high-dose IV)Reproductive SafetyModerate
Adverse Effects
- Hypersensitivity / allergic reactionsImmunologicRare
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Gastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinalUncommon
- Anaphylactic reactionImmuneRare
- Skin rashDermatologicUncommon
- Thyroid dysfunctionEndocrineRare
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysisDermatological (severe)Rare
- Renal dysfunction (with high-dose IV)RenalRare
Drug Interactions
- NitroglycerinLow
- WarfarinLow
- Nitroglycerin / Organic nitratesLow
- CisplatinLow
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)Low
- Chemotherapy agents (e.g., cisplatin)Moderate
- Alkylating chemotherapy agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, melphalan)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Patients with cystinuria or cystine kidney stonesMetabolic / RenalRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients undergoing cancer chemotherapyOncologyRelative
- Patients with renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Children under 12PediatricRelative
- Patients with asthma (nebulized route)PulmonaryRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedRegulated as food supplement; not authorized as medicinal product
- United StatesUnapprovedAvailable as dietary supplement; IV formulation used under investigational protocols
- United KingdomUnapprovedClassed as a food supplement; IV use limited to clinical trials
Not approved as a prescription drug in the US; marketed as a dietary supplement and as an intravenous preparation for specific clinical uses.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione (γ‑L‑glutamyl‑L‑cysteinyl‑glycine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that serves as a major intracellular antioxidant and detoxifying agent.
What is Glutathione used for?
Glutathione is educationally associated with: Parkinson's disease symptom management, Immune function enhancement, Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy prevention, Skin brightening, Antioxidant support, Skin lightening / hyperpigmentation reduction, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose adjunct, Detoxification, Antioxidant support / oxidative stress reduction. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Glutathione administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Inhalation, Intravenous, Nasal, Oral, Sublingual, Topical.
What are the potential side effects of Glutathione?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypersensitivity / allergic reactions, Injection site reactions, Headache, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Anaphylactic reaction, Skin rash, Thyroid dysfunction, Nausea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis, Renal dysfunction (with high-dose IV). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Glutathione?
Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to glutathione, Known hypersensitivity to glutathione or formulation excipients, Concurrent chemotherapy regimens where GSH may reduce efficacy, Severe asthma, Pregnancy (high-dose IV). Consult a qualified clinician before use.