Glutathione Visual Degradation Indicators — Safety Warning
Before every injection, visually inspect reconstituted glutathione. If the solution has turned cloudy, yellow, or has a strong sulfur smell, it should be discarded as it is likely degraded. Clear solution is the expected appearance for properly reconstituted and still-active glutathione.
Glutathione Thiol Oxidation — 14-Day Shelf Life After Reconstitution
Glutathione contains a thiol group that oxidizes in water, converting the active (reduced) form to an inactive (oxidized) form over time. Bacteriostatic water does not prevent this oxidation. Reconstituted glutathione should be used within 14 days and kept refrigerated.
Glutathione Dosing Reference at 100 mg/mL Concentration
At the recommended 100 mg/mL concentration (600 mg in 6 mL bac water), 10 units on an insulin syringe equals 100 mg and 20 units equals 200 mg. This provides a practical dosing reference for subcutaneous injection.
Glutathione Reconstitution Protocol: 6 mL Minimum for 600 mg Vial
For a 600 mg glutathione vial, use a minimum of 6 mL bacteriostatic water instead of the typical 2 mL. This yields a concentration of ~100 mg/mL, which is within the solubility range. Roll the vial gently in hands for about 10 minutes to fully dissolve. If already mixed with 2-3 mL, additional bac water can be added to the same vial to bring the total to 6 mL.
Glutathione Solubility Limit Causes Milky Reconstitution
Glutathione has a much lower solubility limit than other common peptides, published at approximately 20-50 mg/mL of water. Adding the standard 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 600 mg vial creates a 300 mg/mL solution, which is 6-15x beyond its solubility limit. The milky/cloudy appearance is undissolved powder, not degraded product.