Glutathione Subcutaneous Dosage
There are no established clinical guidelines or FDA-approved protocols for subcutaneous glutathione administration, and this route is not supported by current medical evidence.
Key Clinical Context
The available medical literature addresses glutathione through oral, intravenous, and topical routes only—subcutaneous administration is not discussed in any guideline or high-quality research 1, 2.
Evidence-Based Dosing by Route
Oral Glutathione Dosing
- Standard supplementation: 250-500 mg/day orally has been studied for various indications 3, 4, 5, 6
- Skin lightening effects: 250-500 mg/day showed efficacy in clinical trials 4, 5, 6
- Liver disease (NAFLD): 300 mg/day demonstrated therapeutic effects 3
- Immune function enhancement: 500-1000 mg/day (liposomal formulation) elevated glutathione stores and improved immune markers 7
Intravenous Administration
- Acute liver disease: Glutathione has been used intravenously for acute poisoning and chronic liver diseases, though specific dosing is not standardized in the guidelines reviewed 3
N-Acetylcysteine (Glutathione Precursor)
Since direct subcutaneous glutathione is not established, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) represents an alternative approach:
- Pediatric parenteral nutrition: 20-50 mg/kg/day has been used to increase blood glutathione levels 1, 2
- Methemoglobinemia: NAC may be considered when methylene blue is contraindicated, though dosing is not standardized 1, 2
Critical Safety Considerations
Subcutaneous administration of glutathione carries significant risks:
- No pharmacokinetic data exists for subcutaneous bioavailability
- Risk of injection site reactions, tissue irritation, or abscess formation
- Unknown absorption rates and systemic effects
- Lack of sterile, pharmaceutical-grade formulations designed for subcutaneous use
Clinical Recommendation
If glutathione supplementation is clinically indicated, use oral administration at 250-500 mg/day 3, 4, 5, 6. For patients requiring parenteral supplementation due to malabsorption or critical illness, consider:
- Intravenous glutathione (when available and appropriate)
- N-acetylcysteine 20-50 mg/kg/day as a glutathione precursor 1, 2
Avoid subcutaneous administration given the complete absence of safety and efficacy data, established dosing protocols, or regulatory approval for this route.