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Glutathione: the complete guide

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) that serves as the cell's primary endogenous antioxidant. Parenteral glutathione is used in anti-aging, skin, and detoxification research protocols.

Written by Peptide Protocol Editorial Medically reviewed per our review process Last reviewed
ClassTripeptide antioxidant
Half-lifeApproximately 10 minutes (IV); very short in plasma
Typical dose600–2400 mg per IV infusion; lower doses nebulized or subcutaneous
CategoryAntioxidant / detox
Research useAntioxidant support, liver detox research, skin-aging research
FDA statusNot FDA approved for anti-aging or skin-lightening indications. Approved internationally and available via compounding for specific uses.

How Glutathione works

Glutathione directly reduces reactive oxygen species, is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and S-transferases (detox), and regenerates other antioxidants. Oral bioavailability is poor; parenteral administration bypasses this.

Typical Glutathione dosage

Commonly reported research ranges: 600–2400 mg per IV infusion; lower doses nebulized or subcutaneous.

Dose should always be individualized. Factors that influence it include bodyweight, research goal, tolerance, and specific compound batch. The information below is educational, not a prescription.

How to reconstitute Glutathione

A widely used reconstitution for a 600 mg vial is 4 ml of bacteriostatic water. With a typical 600000 mcg dose this works out to the unit count shown in the calculator below.

Open the Glutathione reconstitution calculator →

Pre-filled with the common 600 mg + 4 ml ratio. Adjust for your own vial.

Half-life and administration frequency

Approximately 10 minutes (IV); very short in plasma.

This half-life informs how often Glutathione is typically dosed. Shorter half-lives usually mean more frequent dosing to maintain plasma levels; longer half-lives allow daily, weekly, or less-frequent administration depending on the compound.

Reported side effects

This list reflects effects reported in available literature or user logs. It is not exhaustive. Adverse reactions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Common Glutathione stacks

Storage and handling

Lyophilized: refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerated, use same day (glutathione oxidizes rapidly once dissolved).

FDA and regulatory status

Not FDA approved for anti-aging or skin-lightening indications. Approved internationally and available via compounding for specific uses.

Glutathione clinical trials and evidence

For clinical-trial and primary-literature context, start with the sources below. We prioritize official drug labels, ClinicalTrials.gov records, and PubMed-indexed literature when available.

Track your Glutathione protocol on iPhone

Peptide Protocol logs every dose, calculates reconstitution for you, and keeps your full protocol on one calm screen.

See the app →

Frequently asked questions

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) that serves as the cell's primary endogenous antioxidant. Parenteral glutathione is used in anti-aging, skin, and detoxification research protocols.

How does Glutathione work?

Glutathione directly reduces reactive oxygen species, is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and S-transferases (detox), and regenerates other antioxidants. Oral bioavailability is poor; parenteral administration bypasses this.

What is a typical Glutathione dose?

Commonly reported ranges are 600–2400 mg per IV infusion; lower doses nebulized or subcutaneous. This is research information, not a recommendation — dosing should be individualized under clinical guidance.

What is the half-life of Glutathione?

Approximately 10 minutes (IV); very short in plasma. This influences how often it is administered.

How do you reconstitute Glutathione?

A common approach is to add 4 ml of bacteriostatic water to a 600 mg vial. Use the reconstitution calculator for exact unit counts.

What are the side effects of Glutathione?

Flushing or transient nausea during rapid IV infusion; Injection-site reactions; Sulfur odor or taste (normal); Skin lightening has been associated with some hypersensitivity events in case reports.

Is Glutathione FDA approved?

Not FDA approved for anti-aging or skin-lightening indications. Approved internationally and available via compounding for specific uses.

Are there clinical trials for Glutathione?

Registered or published clinical-trial sources for Glutathione are listed in the references section below. Evidence depth varies widely by compound, so check the cited trial registries and primary literature before relying on any claim.

References

  1. Glutathione pharmacology literature — National Library of Medicine. Primary research on GSH biology and supplementation routes
  2. Weschawalit et al. — Glutathione for skin lightening clinical data — PubMed. Clinical data on oral/parenteral glutathione in dermatology
  3. Glutathione clinical trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered human studies across indications

Sources listed above were used to verify the claims on this page. See our editorial policy for how we source information.

Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.