Glutathione IV Drip

Author: Revivera Medical Team · Last updated: 4 October 2026

The glutathione IV drip at Revivera Clinic is an intravenous antioxidant therapy, given after a free medical consultation and under the continuous supervision of a specialist doctor in intensive care (ATI) or emergency medicine. On this page you will find what glutathione is, who the drip is suitable for, what the studies say, how long it takes and when it is not given.

Glutathione IV: what glutathione is and why it is given intravenously

Glutathione is the most important antioxidant produced by the body [1] — a tripeptide made of three amino acids (glutamate, cysteine and glycine), present in every cell. Its main role is to neutralise free radicals, protect the mitochondria and support the liver’s detoxification processes [2]. It also helps regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E [3].

Glutathione levels fall with age [4], during periods of stress, after surgery, after infections and with exposure to pollution, alcohol or smoking. Taken orally, glutathione is largely broken down in the digestive tract; given intravenously, it reaches the bloodstream directly, at a concentration oral supplements cannot achieve [1] [3].

Glutathione deficiency: causes and how to support it

The body produces its own glutathione, but its level drops in certain situations:

• with age [4]
• during prolonged stress, after surgery or infections
• with exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol and pollution [2]
• in severe obesity [14]

A low glutathione level means weaker defence against oxidative stress [1] [2]. Diet supports the body’s own production: foods rich in good-quality protein (eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), garlic and onions provide the amino acids and sulphur compounds the body needs to make it [2]. The drip delivers glutathione straight into the bloodstream, as support when the body’s needs are higher.

Who the glutathione IV drip is recommended for

• People exposed to oxidative stress: prolonged stress, pollution, smoking, alcohol
• People who want to support liver function and detoxification processes
• People with tired, dull skin or uneven pigmentation
• People recovering from infections, medication or surgery

The final recommendation is made by the doctor at the consultation.

Benefits of the glutathione IV drip

• Antioxidant protection — neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress at cellular level [1] [2]
• Liver support — a cofactor in the liver’s detoxification processes [6] [7]
• Brighter skin — clinical studies show glutathione’s role in modulating melanin synthesis and reducing oxidative stress in the skin; the effects vary with the individual response and the number of drips [3] [5]
• Immune support — plays a role in the proper functioning of immune cells [2]
• Mitochondrial protection — helps protect the cell structures involved in energy production [3]
• Regeneration of other antioxidants — restores vitamins C and E to their active form [3]

Effects vary from person to person and depend on lifestyle and the number of sessions. The glutathione IV drip does not replace the medical treatment of diagnosed conditions.

What the studies say about glutathione

• Antioxidant and anti-aging. The specialist scientific literature supports glutathione’s role as an intracellular antioxidant, and the ratio between its reduced and oxidised forms reflects the body’s antioxidant capacity [1]. Its level falls with age [4], and a systematic review of 194 studies shows its role in protecting the lipids and DNA of skin cells [3]. Glutathione also has an antioxidant role in the brain [13].
• Liver. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, glutathione therapy may help improve liver enzymes (ALT) and lower markers of oxidative stress [6] [7].
• Heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular protection by reducing inflammatory markers [10].
• Skin. Glutathione is studied for its effect on skin pigmentation and brightness [5] [11].
• Tissue regeneration. In experimental models, glutathione reduced oxidative damage and improved tissue survival [12].
• Conditions linked to low levels. Glutathione levels are also lower in people with severe obesity [14].

IV glutathione therapy is not a treatment for chronic liver or oncological conditions; it is given as an adjuvant, following an individual medical assessment of the patient.

How a session at Revivera works

1. Free medical consultation — the doctor assesses your health, any available test results and your goal, and recommends the right option.
2. Supervised administration — the drip is set up by medical staff, with a specialist doctor in intensive care (ATI) or emergency medicine present in the clinic at all times.
3. Comfort — 45–60 minutes in a massage chair, in a quiet space.
4. Personalised recommendations — how often to have sessions and possible combinations with vitamins and amino acids, or a separate NAD+ drip.

Contraindications and possible reactions

The glutathione IV drip is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in case of a known allergy to any component of the solution, during cytostatic treatment (chemotherapy), or in conditions where the doctor considers it unsuitable. A study in cancer patients linked a high glutathione intake during chemotherapy to a higher risk of treatment resistance [15].

Side effects are rare and usually mild: discomfort at the injection site, a passing feeling of warmth. The drip is given slowly and under medical supervision.

Oral or intravenous glutathione? Glutathione or NAD+?

Orally, glutathione has low bioavailability, as most of it is broken down before reaching the blood. Intravenously, the whole dose reaches the bloodstream, with a rapid effect [1] [3]. That is why the intravenous form is recommended for specific goals (detoxification, skin, recovery).

Glutathione protects and detoxifies; NAD+ acts on metabolic mechanisms and DNA integrity. They complement each other, but are given in separate drips. Find out more about the NAD+ IV drip.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a glutathione IV drip cost in Bucharest?

At Revivera Clinic, the Essentials glutathione IV drip costs 300 lei and the Premium option 600 lei per session. The price may vary with the composition of the solution and its combination with other IV substances. The medical consultation is free.

What does “injectable glutathione” mean?

“Injectable glutathione” is often used to mean glutathione given intravenously. At Revivera, glutathione is given as an intravenous drip, after a medical consultation and under the doctor’s continuous supervision.

How long does the drip take?

About 45 minutes for Essentials and 60 minutes for the Premium options.

How many sessions are needed for a visible effect on the skin?

The brightening effect is usually seen after a first course of several sessions, 1–2 weeks after the drip. The doctor sets the protocol at the consultation.

Does glutathione whiten the skin?

Glutathione can contribute to a brighter-looking complexion. It is not a whitening treatment; it is an effect that works from the inside out.

Is the glutathione IV drip safe?

Given after a medical consultation and under supervision, it is well tolerated. At Revivera, a specialist doctor is present in the clinic at all times.

Can I have the glutathione drip together with vitamin C or NAD+?

Glutathione can be combined with other vitamins and amino acids. It can also be combined with NAD+, but in separate drips.

Can I have the glutathione drip during chemotherapy?

No. The glutathione IV drip is not given during cytostatic treatment.

How often is the glutathione drip given?

The frequency is set by the doctor at the consultation, based on your goal (antioxidant protection, skin, liver support), your health and your lifestyle. The doctor may adjust the protocol as you go, based on results.

Does the glutathione drip hurt?

You only feel the needle when the drip is set up. The infusion itself does not hurt; occasionally there may be mild discomfort at the injection site.

Does glutathione interact with medication?

Tell the doctor at the consultation which medicines and supplements you take. The glutathione IV drip is not given during cytostatic treatment [15]. For other treatments, the doctor assesses each case.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The clinic is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, including weekends.

How long does the effect last?

The effect of one session lasts from a few days to a few weeks; for lasting results, several courses and a lifestyle that limits oxidative stress are recommended.

Scientific sources

1. Exner R. et al. (2000). Therapeutic potential of glutathione. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11008322/
2. Bradauskienė V. et al. (2026). Glutathione in Our Diet and Its Role in the Body: From Disease Prevention to Anti-Aging. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/10/1640
3. Stanescu C. et al. (2026). Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications. Molecules. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/6/981
4. Detcheverry F. et al. (2023). Changes in levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain and blood across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review. NeuroImage: Clinical. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10520675/
5. Sarkar R. et al. (2025). Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review. International Journal of Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39444151/
6. Nguyen M.T. et al. (2025). A Literature Review of Glutathione Therapy in Ameliorating Hepatic Dysfunction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/3/644
7. Santacroce G. et al. (2023). Glutathione: Pharmacological aspects and implications for clinical use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Frontiers in Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10075255/
8. Wei Q. et al. (2025). Therapeutic effects of reduced glutathione on liver function, fibrosis, and HBV DNA clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients. BMC Gastroenterology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39920583/
9. Al-Mubarak A.A. et al. (2025). Glutathione deficiency and heart failure: a systematic review of human and animal evidence. Advances in Redox Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667137925000128
10. Tanzilli G. et al. (2021). Glutathione Infusion Before and 3 Days After Primary Angioplasty Blunts Ongoing NOX2-Mediated Inflammatory Response. Journal of the American Heart Association. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.120.020560
11. Alzahrani T.F. et al. (2025). Exploring the Safety and Efficacy of Glutathione Supplementation for Skin Lightening: A Narrative Review. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11862975/
12. Li Z. et al. (2024). Glutathione supplementation improves fat graft survival by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13287-024-03644-0
13. Poladian N. et al. (2023). Potential Role of Glutathione Antioxidant Pathways in the Pathophysiology and Adjunct Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Clinics and Practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10366746/
14. Tan H.C. et al. (2024). The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Glutathione Synthesis in Individuals with Severe Obesity. Antioxidants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199212/
15. Zhang Z. et al. (2024). Excessive glutathione intake contributes to chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer: a propensity score matching analysis. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12957-024-03626-9
16. WebMD Editorial Team (2024). Glutathione: Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-glutathione