Glutoxim

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Glutoxim

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Glutoxim

Quick Facts

  • Active Ingredient: Oxiglutatione Disodium (a hexapeptide analog of oxidized glutathione).
  • Pharmacological Class: Thiopoietin (Immunorehabilitator, Hemostimulator).
  • Status: Prescription-only (Rx) in the Russian Federation and other countries; Investigational in others.
  • Dosage Form: Solution for intravenous and intramuscular injection.

Glutoxim (INN: Oxiglutatione Disodium), also studied under the code name NOV-002, is a synthetic pharmaceutical agent primarily classified as an immunorehabilitator and hemostimulator. It is a unique oligopeptide designed to mimic the actions of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), a key substance in the body's internal systems for redox regulation and detoxification.

The formulation, which is administered via injection, is characterized by its direct manipulation of thiol metabolism within cells. This action relates to the influence on signaling pathways and the induction of S-glutathionylation of specific proteins, which is integral to regulating cellular defense and proliferation.

Unlike direct supplements, Glutoxim is positioned as a prescription therapy intended to restore or modulate the functional activity of the immune system and hematopoietic processes (blood cell formation). A typical application involves its use as an adjunct agent to mitigate the immunosuppressive and bone marrow toxicity effects associated with standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment in oncology.

Glutoxim is commercially manufactured by Pharma BAM in the Russian Federation, where it is officially approved for use in conditions that require significant immune and hematological support, such as drug-resistant tuberculosis and complex cancer regimens.

What side effects are possible with Glutoxim?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium) is governed by the full prescribing information issued by the national regulatory authority of the Russian Federation, where the drug is approved and commercially marketed. The detailed classification of the medicine's risks adheres to standard international regulatory principles, organizing safety information into distinct domains.


Adverse Reaction Scope

The complete listing of adverse reactions is classified by frequency (e.g., Common, Uncommon) and by the affected System-Organ Class (SOC), consistent with global pharmacovigilance standards. Specific adverse reactions are assigned frequency categories based on data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, as documented in the official regulatory prescribing information.

Category Regulatory Focus
Frequency Classification Specific adverse reactions are categorized (e.g., Common, Rare) based on formal reporting rates.
System-Organ Classes Adverse reactions are grouped by the physiological system involved (e.g., Immune System Disorders, General Disorders).
Serious Adverse Reactions Any event designated as a Serious Adverse Reaction is formally documented and detailed in the official regulatory label.

High-Level Safety Constraints

Safety constraints and limitations on use are also defined in the official regulatory document. These include contraindications, such as known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of its components. Specific safety statements concerning vulnerable patient populations, such as constraints for individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment, and guidelines regarding pregnancy and lactation, are included if formally mandated by the official regulatory authority.

Publicly available government-associated summaries support the overall risk assessment, noting the drug has demonstrated excellent safety data based on extensive clinical use within its primary regulatory jurisdiction.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium) is governed by prescribing information issued by government health authorities worldwide. As indexed by major international agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the specific regulatory text dedicated to overdose currently does not contain explicit details regarding the clinical presentation or expected outcomes of an overdose. This information is typically provided in dedicated regulatory sections.


Documented Manifestations and Emergency Actions

Currently, no specific clinical signs, symptoms, or laboratory findings of a Glutoxim overdose are documented for the public within the accessible government regulatory texts. This means that drug-specific, label-derived instructions on the required immediate emergency procedures or the precise conditions that require urgent medical attention are not explicitly defined in these official documents. The absence of specific official statements regarding the dose-related factors or expected physiological systems affected by overexposure limits the available label guidance.

Furthermore, no specific antidote is listed, nor are any unique supportive management measures or population-specific overdose risks specified in the publicly indexed regulatory text. In the event of suspected overexposure, medical professionals rely on general supportive clinical protocols and standard symptomatic treatment principles, as specific regulatory guidance is not published.

Therapeutic Uses of Glutoxim

What Glutoxim Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium) is relevant for easing the symptomatic burden associated with complex and high-stress clinical situations. This medication may be part of symptomatic management as supportive therapy in oncology to mitigate myelotoxicity and immunosuppression caused by aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It is commonly used in the management of severe, chronic infections, notably drug-resistant tuberculosis, and to address states of endogenous intoxication and liver compromise (hepatitis).

The compound is considered relevant for its role as a chemoprotectant and immunomodulator. This supportive role means it contributes to easing the overall symptom load for patients facing intense therapeutic regimens. This use provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and assists with maintaining functional stability during periods of heightened distress.


Quick Fact: Relief for Systemic Stress

Glutoxim is commonly used across conditions marked by increased physiological stress, helping to manage symptom clusters that create noticeable functional strain, such as profound weakness and chronic malaise.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official eligibility criteria for using Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium) are determined by specific regulatory prohibitions concerning age, reproductive status, and known allergies. The regulatory documents define these rules as contraindications that prohibit use in specific patient groups.

Who is Eligible?

Use of Glutoxim is permitted and established exclusively for the adult population (18 years and older).

Who Must Not Use Glutoxim (Contraindications)

According to the official prescribing information, Glutoxim is strictly contraindicated and must not be used in the following patient groups:

  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredient, Oxiglutatione Disodium, or any other components of the medicine.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Women who are currently lactating or breastfeeding.
  • Children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Status

Population Group Official Eligibility Status
Age Contraindicated under 18 years.
Pregnancy/Lactation Contraindicated.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment No specific restrictions are listed as absolute contraindications in the official label.

All use must align with the adult age requirement and be free of the formal contraindications listed above.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Glutoxim Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines the officially documented interaction information for Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium), based strictly on the prescribing information approved by regulatory authorities where the product is commercially available.

Documented Interaction Patterns

The regulatory profile of Glutoxim is primarily defined by a mandatory administrative requirement rather than systemic drug-drug interactions.

  • Timing-Based Administration Restriction: The official prescribing information mandates that Glutoxim must be administered separately from all other medicinal products intended for intravenous or intramuscular injection. This is a label requirement to ensure proper administration and prevent potential physical or chemical incompatibility at the site of injection.

Official Regulatory Classifications

Interaction Type Regulatory Status (Per Official Labeling)
Formal Contraindications No specific medicinal products or drug classes are listed as formally contraindicated for co-administration due to systemic interaction risk.
Metabolic/Transporter Interactions No interactions involving CYP enzymes, drug transporters (e.g., P-gp), or resulting in altered drug exposure (AUC/Cmax) are documented.
Food, Alcohol, Supplements No interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are documented.

Summary of Interaction Profile

The regulatory documentation does not cite specific pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions between Glutoxim and other medicinal products. The profile is limited to the single procedural constraint regarding the required separate administration of Glutoxim from all other injection solutions.

Mechanism of Action

Modulating Cellular Redox Signaling

The mechanism begins as Oxiglutatione Disodium acts as a biomimetic of oxidized glutathione ( GSSG), engaging cell surface sensors like protein thiols and the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase ( GGT). This interaction drives the crucial post-translational modification known as S-glutathionylation on target proteins, which converts the external redox signal into an internal command that governs cellular defense and proliferation signaling.

Activating Kinase and Hematopoietic Pathways

The resulting protein modification triggers the activation of key mitogen-activated protein kinases ( ERK and p38), which are central to regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. This signaling cascade preferentially stimulates the hematopoietic pathway, leading to the functional activation and enhanced activity of bone marrow progenitor cells. The primary physiological effect is the modulation of blood cell formation ( hemostimulation) and the modulation of immune cell functional activity, influencing pathways associated with systemic homeostasis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Glutoxim — Administration Guidelines

Usage instructions for the administration of this agent include specific parameters for route, dosing, and timing.

Item Labeled Instruction
Route of administration The product is a solution for intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Dosing schedule The general therapeutic dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg daily. Specific regimens, such as for severe tuberculosis, involve 60 mg IM daily for 10 days, followed by 60 mg every other day for 20 days. For supportive use, a 60 mg SC dose is administered before chemotherapy or after radiation therapy.
Frequency and Timing Administration frequency is typically daily for initial phases, switching to an every-other-day pattern for maintenance periods or between cycles of other therapies. Timing is defined in relation to the schedule of those external medical procedures.
Preparation requirements For IV use, the solution must be diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution. The product may be co-administered in the same syringe with water-soluble medicinal products.
Age-group rules Use is contraindicated in individuals under 18 years of age and during pregnancy or lactation.

Connection to the overall use protocol

The established protocol defines the parenteral routes and specific daily or every-other-day dosing schedules for administration. This framework includes adherence to specific timing in relation to cancer treatments and clear population exclusions for those under 18 and pregnant/lactating individuals. The duration of treatment varies, but a repeat course is only indicated after a minimum 1-month interval. The active substance is identified as Oxiglutatione Disodium.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Glutoxim

The research for Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium) primarily examines its use as a supportive agent that was studied in relation to the body’s recovery processes, particularly the immune and blood-cell forming systems, during periods of severe systemic strain. The research base includes controlled clinical trials, including some Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), alongside pharmacological and international Phase I, II, and III studies.


Evidence for Use in Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Clinical trials examined the use of Glutoxim as a supportive agent alongside standard anti-tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapy in adults. Research examined Glutoxim in adult populations diagnosed with severe pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly those with forms that were characterized by drug resistance. The studies typically compared outcomes in patients receiving standard TB drugs plus Glutoxim against those receiving standard TB drugs alone.

Studies reported patterns related to a shift in the measurements of intoxication signs when the agent was added to chemotherapy. Research also examined patterns related to the measurements of bacterial clearance markers in the observed populations. However, the evidence for this condition is largely regional, meaning the results apply only to the populations studied in those settings (e.g., Russia/CIS countries).


Evidence for a Supportive Role During Chemotherapy

Phase II and Phase III trials (often labeled as NOV-002) investigated Glutoxim as an adjuvant therapy in oncology. The summary focuses on research endpoints related to mitigating treatment-related toxicity and examining outcomes reflecting patient tolerance to chemotherapy regimens.

In some early studies, findings describe patterns observed in measurements of chemotherapy tolerance, and reported data showed patterns related to changes in certain immune and blood cell parameters. It is important to note that findings were mixed across the full research landscape; for example, a late-stage Phase III trial for non-small cell lung cancer was reported to have not met its primary or secondary endpoints for that specific tumor type.


What is Still Uncertain About Glutoxim Research

A key limitation is that some of the most detailed clinical evidence for infectious diseases was observed in some studies conducted in specific regions. Data are still emerging for the sustained, long-term impact of the agent, as follow-up durations were limited in many primary reports, meaning long-term effects appear not to be fully established.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Glutoxim (FAQ)

Q: What is Glutoxim primarily prescribed for according to regulatory documents?

A: The drug’s approval in its primary regulatory jurisdiction describes its use as an adjunct agent for treating drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and as a supportive agent in oncology during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Official documents define its role in supporting the body during these severe regimens.


Q: Is Glutoxim considered a preventative medicine or a treatment?

A: Official documents classify Glutoxim as an immunorehabilitator and hemostimulator (a substance that modulates the immune system and blood cell formation). It is used as a supportive agent (adjuvant therapy) during specific treatment regimens rather than as a primary curative medicine.


Q: Have studies examined the use of Glutoxim in elderly patients?

A: The drug is authorized for use in the adult population (18 years and older). Official regulatory information does not list advanced age itself as a specific contraindication or restriction for use.


Q: What happens if a dose of Glutoxim is missed?

A: The official prescribing information includes specific instructions on what to do if a dose is missed. This guidance is intended to be followed under the direction of a healthcare professional.


Q: Does official labeling mention whether Glutoxim affects blood pressure or heart rate?

A: No warnings or specific adverse reactions related to changes in blood pressure or heart rate are detailed in the official regulatory documentation provided.


Q: Has Glutoxim been associated with any warnings related to driving or operating machinery?

A: Official labeling for Glutoxim does not contain specific warnings or precautions regarding the operation of machinery or driving while using the medicine.


Q: Where can I find publicly available information about the clinical trials for Glutoxim?

A: Publicly available information regarding the clinical trials that studied Glutoxim can be found on government-associated databases. You can search resources like ClinicalTrials.gov using the drug’s active substance, Oxiglutatione Disodium, or its research code, NOV-002.


Q: Do regulatory agencies classify Glutoxim as having a high risk of dependency?

A: Glutoxim is classified as a Thiopoietin and is not listed as a controlled substance by regulatory agencies. Its official status does not indicate it is classified as a drug with a high risk of dependency.


Q: What should a patient do if they accidentally take more Glutoxim than prescribed?

A: The official prescribing information contains specific instructions and warnings regarding the recommended action to take in the event of an accidental overdose. In such a situation, professional medical attention should be sought promptly.


Q: Does the mechanism of action for Glutoxim involve the central nervous system?

A: The documented mechanism of action details the drug's influence on cellular redox signaling and the hematopoietic system (blood cell formation). Official information does not mention a direct mechanism of action involving the central nervous system.


Q: What kind of patient monitoring (like blood tests) is often required when using Glutoxim?

A: Since Glutoxim acts as a hemostimulator, the official prescribing information includes specific instructions regarding recommended laboratory monitoring, such as blood tests. This monitoring is typically required for patients undergoing therapy to assess their response and manage treatment.


Q: Do official sources describe Glutoxim as having any known withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly?

A: The official prescribing information does not contain warnings or descriptions of known withdrawal symptoms if the administration of Glutoxim is stopped.


Q: Can individuals with diabetes safely use Glutoxim?

A: No specific restrictions regarding use in individuals with diabetes are listed as an absolute contraindication in the official regulatory prescribing information. The decision for use must align with the general eligibility criteria outlined in the drug's label.


Q: What is the half-life of Glutoxim described as in pharmacological data?

A: Pharmacological data, including details like the drug's half-life (the time it takes for half the drug to be eliminated from the body), is contained within the full prescribing information. This information helps healthcare providers understand how the drug behaves in the body.


Q: What is the process for reporting a side effect related to Glutoxim?

A: Official regulatory documentation provides clear instructions and contact information for the process of reporting any suspected adverse reactions or side effects. This process, known as Pharmacovigilance, helps regulatory bodies monitor the medicine's safety profile.


Q: Can people with a history of liver issues typically use Glutoxim?

A: The drug's safety profile includes specific constraints for use in individuals with severe hepatic (liver) impairment. However, no specific restrictions for less severe or general liver issues are listed as an absolute contraindication in the official label.


Q: Are there any long-term side effects associated with Glutoxim use?

A: The research overview indicates that the sustained, long-term impact of Glutoxim appears not to be fully established. This is because the follow-up periods in many of the primary research reports were limited.


Q: Is Glutoxim intended for short-term use, or can it be used long-term?

A: The regulatory protocol specifies that the duration of a treatment course varies by condition. Importantly, a repeat course is only permissible after a minimum one-month interval has passed, defining the drug’s pattern of use.


Q: Why do some online discussions mention Glutoxim being used for conditions not listed on the label?

A: The official regulatory approval and research evidence are focused exclusively on the drug’s use as a supportive agent for approved conditions, such as drug-resistant tuberculosis and during chemotherapy. Online discussions may reference uses that fall outside the official regulatory scope.


Q: Is Glutoxim still being studied for new indications or uses?

A: Research has investigated Glutoxim as an adjuvant therapy in oncology, and the regulatory overview references study limitations and emerging data for sustained impact. This indicates that the drug's profile continues to be monitored and studied.


Q: Can Glutoxim be used by people with known allergies to other medicines?

A: Glutoxim is strictly contraindicated for individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredient, Oxiglutatione Disodium, or any other components of the medicine. The label focuses on allergies to the drug's own components.


Q: Are there different strengths or dosage forms of Glutoxim available?

A: The single Dosage Form available is a solution for injection (intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration). The general therapeutic dose ranges are defined in the prescribing information.


Q: Have there been post-market surveillance reports of unexpected safety concerns with Glutoxim?

A: Publicly available government-associated summaries support the overall risk assessment, stating the drug has demonstrated favorable safety data based on extensive clinical use within its primary regulatory jurisdiction. This information is drawn from post-market surveillance efforts.


Q: Do regulatory warnings specify a maximum recommended duration of use for Glutoxim?

A: The regulatory protocol does not specify a maximum continuous duration but mandates that a repeat course is only permissible after a minimum one-month interval has passed.


Q: What are the main findings from the latest research papers cited by the drug's manufacturer?

A: Research reported patterns related to a shift in intoxication signs and findings observed in measurements of patient tolerance to chemotherapy regimens. Note that research findings were mixed across the full research landscape reviewed by regulators.

How should Glutoxim be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Glutoxim (Oxiglutatione Disodium)

Official regulatory information requires that Glutoxim be stored under specific conditions to ensure its stability. This medication must be stored under refrigeration, maintained strictly between 2 C and 8 C. Storage above this upper limit is prohibited.

Storage and Handling Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store between 2 C and 8 C (Refrigerated).
Container Protection Keep the container tightly closed and dry, and store in the original receptacle.
Handling Precaution Avoid the formation of dust when handling the product.

Disposal

Unused or expired Glutoxim must be disposed of as waste strictly according to official local and national regulations. To protect the environment, the product must not be allowed to enter sewers, surface water, or ground water.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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