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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

Glutathione Injection Dosing Protocol: 600 mg Vial — Antioxidant & Detox Guide

Glutathione (GSH) 600 mg vial dosing guide for IV push and intramuscular injection protocols for antioxidant defense, liver detoxification, and skin brightening.

Quickstart highlights

Glutathione (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant, present at 1–10 mM in hepatocytes.

  • Concentration: 60 mg/mL (600 mg vial + 10 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • Use within 24 hours of reconstitution — glutathione oxidizes rapidly in solution.
  • Perricone et al. 2009: 600 mg IV 2x/week x 8 weeks improved skin luminosity and reduced melanin index.
  • IV push over 10–15 minutes minimum — rapid bolus causes nausea and throat tightness.
  • IM administration: divide 10 mL across 2–3 IM sites; use 1.5 inch needle for gluteal injection.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-122x weekly (IV push or IM)600 mg — 10 mL at 60 mg/mL; one vial per injection; IV push over 10–15 minutes or IM in divided sites
alt2x weekly (IV in saline)1,200 mg (2 vials) diluted in 100 mL saline, infused over 30 minutes; higher antioxidant protocol for hepatic or metabolic disease

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 10 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until fully dissolved — GSH is highly water-soluble and dissolves quickly.
  3. Final concentration: 60 mg/mL. At 60 mg/mL: 600 mg = 10 mL.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 24 hours of reconstitution (GSH oxidizes rapidly — freshly prepared only).

Supplies needed

12-week plan

  • 24 vials
  • 24 syringes
  • 240 mL bac water
  • 24 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Restore systemic glutathione levels, enhance hepatic phase II detoxification, reduce oxidative stress biomarkers, and support melanin modulation through twice-weekly intravenous or intramuscular glutathione injections.

Cycle length: 12 weeks on.

Off-cycle: Can be used continuously — glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant with no required off-cycle.

Storage & handling

CRITICAL: Glutathione in solution oxidizes within hours — use within 24 hours of reconstitution. Store lyophilized below -20 °C. Never prepare glutathione in advance — always reconstitute immediately before injection.

Injection & tracking tips

  • IV push: dilute 600 mg in 10 mL sterile water, then slowly push over 10–15 minutes into IV line with normal saline flush — rapid IV push causes nausea, flushing, and throat tightness.
  • IM injection: 600 mg (10 mL) is a large IM volume — divide across 2–3 sites (3–4 mL per gluteal or thigh site); use 1.5 inch needle for gluteal injection.
  • Use freshly prepared glutathione only — prepare and inject within 60 minutes of reconstitution to prevent oxidation to GSSG.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Measure serum glutathione (GSH:GSSG ratio) at baseline and 12 weeks if available.
  • Track liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) at baseline and 8 weeks for hepatoprotective assessment.
  • Monitor skin tone and hair quality subjectively every 4 weeks if using for aesthetic brightening.
Log your cycle in the calculator →

How this works & references

Glutathione (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant, present at 1–10 mM in hepatocytes. Endogenous GSH declines approximately 30–35% between ages 20 and 60. Injectable glutathione achieves systemic GSH concentrations unachievable by oral supplementation (which is nearly completely degraded in the GI tract). Mechanisms: (1) Direct free radical scavenging; (2) Glutathione S-transferase (GST) cofactor for hepatic phase II xenobiotic conjugation; (3) Thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin system support; (4) Tyrosinase inhibition at the catechol oxidase step, reducing melanin synthesis (skin brightening). Perricone et al. (2009) demonstrated IV glutathione 600 mg 2x/week for 8 weeks improved skin luminosity and reduced melanin index.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Why does glutathione need to be used within 24 hours of reconstitution?
Glutathione (GSH) contains a free thiol (-SH) group that spontaneously oxidizes to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in aqueous solution, particularly when exposed to oxygen and light. GSSG is not therapeutically active for antioxidant purposes. Lyophilized glutathione is stable; in solution, oxidation proceeds rapidly even refrigerated. Always reconstitute immediately before injection.
Does glutathione injection actually whiten skin?
Injectable glutathione at 600 mg+ doses inhibits tyrosinase at the catechol oxidase reaction, reducing melanin synthesis. This shifts melanin from eumelanin (darker) to phaeomelanin (lighter/yellow). Perricone et al. (2009) demonstrated statistically significant melanin index reduction at 8 weeks. Effects are reversible upon stopping treatment; skin returns to baseline pigmentation within months.
Is oral glutathione as effective as injectable?
No — oral glutathione has approximately 10–15% bioavailability in intact form due to intestinal γ-glutamylpeptidase cleavage. Most orally ingested glutathione is broken into constituent amino acids. Injectable glutathione bypasses gut degradation, achieving 100% bioavailability. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) oral supplementation is an effective cysteine donor for intracellular GSH synthesis and provides a practical oral alternative.
Can glutathione be combined with vitamin C injection?
Yes — IV vitamin C (ascorbate) and glutathione are synergistic: vitamin C reduces GSSG back to active GSH via dehydroascorbate reduction, extending the antioxidant cycle. Many IV nutrient infusion protocols combine both. Vitamin C must be given separately (separate IV bag or sequential administration) — they can precipitate in the same solution.
Is there a risk of zinc deficiency from glutathione injections?
Glutathione binds zinc via its thiol group, potentially chelating zinc and reducing bioavailability with long-term high-dose use. Ensure adequate zinc intake (8–11 mg/day dietary) during extended glutathione protocols. Monitor serum zinc levels every 12 weeks with prolonged use.

Related protocols

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.