Analysis of usage pattern of glutathione by dermatologists: Results of a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Glutathione is one of the non-enzymatic antioxidants that is also involved in regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. The application of Glutathione for skin lightening and depigmentation in dermatology started after discovery of its anti-melanogenic properties. There is still a lack of evidence regarding its patient population, dosage schedule, and safety on long-term use. The objective of this study is to analyze the usage pattern of Glutathione from dermatologists in India based on their clinical experience. Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted amongst dermatologists to understand indications, administration, safety, and adverse events associated with Glutathione therapy. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics was applied. Seventy-one responses were collected with the average experience of dermatologists being 5.24 + 7.32 years. 52.11% of these dermatologists routinely prescribe Glutathione therapy. The most common use is skin lightening given through the oral route. The preferred dose for oral route is 250mg given twice daily empty stomach for 4 weeks, topical route is 2% (w/w) applied once daily for 10 weeks, and intravenous route is 1200mg injection given weekly over 30 minutes. Only 3 out of 37 prescribing doctors have seen side effects. 54% of dermatologists feel that there is insufficient safety data available for this therapy. This study shows the current practices of Glutathione therapy by dermatologists while also pointing to the need for more studies to be done with a larger sample size for a longer duration so that the use is standardized with improved safety.