Glutathione Push: How It Works and How to Add It to Your IV
- July 8, 2024
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s made from cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It can have positive effects on your health and appearance, including brighter skin and a more balanced immune system. That’s why lots of people are interested in glutathione IV therapy. However, the compound is not included in IV therapy treatment directly. Instead, it’s added as a booster, or push, toward the end of an IV session.
Here’s what you should know about glutathione pushes, why the timing is so important, and how to get a glutathione push in NJ, NY, or PA. At IV Elements, every push is administered and overseen by our board-certified nurses. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any IV therapy.
What is a glutathione push in IV therapy?
A glutathione push happens toward the end of an IV therapy session. Our ER certified nurse adds a slow injection of glutathione through the IV line so it goes into your bloodstream directly. Most pushes involve between 600-2000 mg of glutathione, but the exact dose you’ll get depends on your provider and needs.
Why does the nurse push glutathione at the end of the IV?
The timing of the glutathione push is important because glutathione is unstable when mixed in IV bags with vitamin C and degrades over time in saline solutions. That’s why it’s pushed at the end of treatment. This strategy ensures the glutathione won’t have any negative interactions with vitamin C, saline, or Lactated Ringer’s solution (an alternative base to saline that may be used in treatments involving dehydration or surgery). In other words, pushing at the end of treatment helps your body absorb the glutathione better.
Is a glutathione push the same as a glutathione injection?
A glutathione push is a type of glutathione injection. The term “glutathione injection” may refer to either a glutathione push or to an intramuscular glutathione injection.
In a glutathione push, a nurse delivers glutathione intravenously by injecting it directly into an existing IV line using a syringe. The IV is usually placed in a vein in your arm or hand. The push is given toward the end of an IV treatment session and is typically delivered over a few minutes.
In contrast, in an intramuscular glutathione injection, a nurse injects glutathione directly into your muscle, often in the shoulder or hip. This method delivers the glutathione more slowly than an intravenous push.
What’s the difference between a glutathione push and a drip?
A glutathione push is administered at the end of an IV session as a slow injection through the IV line.
A glutathione drip, on the other hand, involves adding glutathione directly into the IV bag so it is infused over the entire session. Glutathione drips are often used to support people with chronic health conditions like Lyme disease, alongside other treatments.
What happens during a glutathione push?
First, our nurse will insert your IV line and administer the vitamin treatment you chose. Then, near the end of your session, the nurse will add a dose of glutathione into the IV line. During the push, you might feel a cool or tingly sensation in your arm. The push usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes. The nurse will then remove your IV, and your treatment will be complete.
Is a glutathione push safe?
Glutathione pushes are safe for most people when administered by a healthcare professional. But you should avoid a push if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have asthma
- have a known glutathione allergy
Although rare, an allergic reaction to glutathione might include swelling, hives, or trouble breathing. If you see these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
You should also keep an eye on any redness or sensitivity around the injection site. While a mild rash around this area can be normal, it could also be a sign of a serious allergic reaction if it gets worse or doesn’t go away.
Other possible side effects of a glutathione push include headache, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects usually only last a few hours to a couple days, and you can help ease them by resting and staying hydrated after the push. You can learn more about glutathione side effects here.
Where can I get a glutathione push near me in New Jersey?
You can get a glutathione push at an IV Elements drip lounge in Hoboken, Asbury Park, Parsippany, or Marlton. We also offer mobile services throughout New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, and Bucks County! That means you can experience the benefits of glutathione without even leaving your home.
As members of the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM) and Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), our certified nurses can add a revitalizing glutathione push to any of our vitamin IV treatments. The push is also already included in some of our most popular treatments, including our Skin Brightening drip. In addition, you can further customize your drip with vitamin boosters.
Before starting any IV therapy, remember to consult a healthcare professional.
Schedule your first glutathione push with IV Elements
Ready to enhance your wellness journey with an in-lounge or mobile glutathione push in NJ, NYC, or PA? Reach out to IV Elements! All of our drips are fully customizable, including our popular Skin Brightening drip that includes 250 cc IV fluids, 2 g vitamin C, and a 1,200 mg glutathione push to help your skin glow. We can also add vitamin boosters, such as vitamin D and calcium gluconate, for even greater health and cosmetic benefits. Our Beauty Blast booster features a blend of glutathione and biotin to keep your hair and nails looking their best.
No matter your needs, our skilled nurses can help you determine the best treatment plan for you. Explore all of our offerings and book your in-lounge or at-home service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is glutathione administered?
Glutathione can be given as a push at the end of an IV vitamin treatment, as an IV drip for people with chronic conditions, or as an intramuscular injection. A glutathione push is usually the most common type of administration at IV drip lounges. This method ensures the glutathione does not mix with saline, Lactated Ringer’s solution, or vitamin C, which can make treatment less effective.
How long does a glutathione push take?
A typical glutathione push takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
How much glutathione is given during a push?
Usually, a push delivers between 600 and 2,000 mg of glutathione. The exact amount depends on your goals, health, and provider.
How much does a glutathione push cost?
Pricing varies — see our Skin Brightening service page for current rates.
How often can you get a glutathione push?
It depends on your needs. Some people get a push on a regular basis, such as weekly, and others get them much less often. At IV Elements, many people get our Skin Brightening drip, which includes vitamin C and glutathione, twice a week for five weeks (ten sessions total) followed by less frequent maintenance treatments if desired. This treatment plan can be a great choice if you are looking for long-term improvements in your skin’s appearance.
How can I add a glutathione push to my IV therapy?
Look for an IV drip lounge with certified nurses. They can help you figure out how much glutathione you need based on your goals and health. It is important to only get a glutathione push (or any other type of IV therapy) under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional.
Can I add a glutathione push to any IV drip at an IV therapy lounge in NJ?
At IV Elements, we can add a glutathione push to any of our vitamin IV treatments. Come get your personalized drip at our comfortable lounges in Hoboken, Asbury Park, Parsippany, and Marlton, NJ. We can also add the push to any of our mobile treatments, which are available across NJ, NYC, Philadelphia, and Bucks County.
REFERENCES
- Forman, H. J., Zhang, H., & Rinna, A. (2009). Glutathione: Overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 30(1-2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
- Glutathione Injections: Side Effects & Benefits. (2025, May 16). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/blog/glutathione-injections-side-effects-benefits-iv-elements
- Alharbi, R. A., et al. (2025). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome following high-dose intravenous glutathione-containing revitalising solution in a patient on tirzepatide: A case report. Cureus, 17(1), e78045. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12185258/
- Vitamin Infusion: Get At-Home IV Drip for Revitalization. (2025, November 13). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/vitamin-drips
- Glutathione IV Therapy. (2026, February 26). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/vitamin-drips/skin-brightening
- Vitamin Booster Add-Ons for IV Therapy. (2026, April). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/boosters
- Treatment Menu | IV Elements. (2026, April 27). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/treatment-menu
- Schedule Your IV Therapy At-Home | Book IV Drip Now. (2024, November 4). IV Elements. https://ivelements.net/book-now-1
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