From the Research
Glutathione supplements may interact with several medications, requiring caution when used together, particularly with chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressants, and cardiovascular medications. Specifically, glutathione may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin, and cyclophosphamide by potentially neutralizing their oxidative effects, as noted in a study on the role of glutathione in cancer pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions 1. It might also interact with immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, possibly affecting their blood levels and efficacy. Antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine and haloperidol may have altered metabolism when taken with glutathione. Additionally, glutathione could potentially enhance the effects of nitroglycerin and other nitrates, increasing the risk of low blood pressure. Acetaminophen interactions are also important to note, as glutathione helps detoxify this medication, but timing matters—taking glutathione after acetaminophen overdose may be beneficial, while regular co-administration might reduce acetaminophen's effectiveness.
These interactions occur because glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that affects drug metabolism pathways, particularly in the liver. The potential for drug interactions is a significant concern, especially in older patients, as highlighted in a study on potentially clinically significant drug-drug interactions in older people 2. Another study on drug interactions in preventive cardiology also emphasizes the importance of understanding pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to prevent significant drug interactions 3. A recent study on understanding and managing common drug interactions further supports the need for caution when combining glutathione with other medications 4, and a cross-sectional study on potentially clinically significant drug-drug interactions in older patients admitted to the hospital underscores the prevalence and characteristics of such interactions 5.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before combining glutathione with any medication, especially if you're on chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, or cardiovascular medications. Key points to consider include:
- Potential reduction in effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs
- Interactions with immunosuppressants and antipsychotic medications
- Enhanced effects of nitroglycerin and other nitrates
- Importance of timing when taking glutathione with acetaminophen
- Need for caution in older patients due to increased risk of drug interactions.