glutamine

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Used with human growth hormone in the treatment of short bowel syndrome (orphan drug designation).
Treatment of sickle cell disease (orphan drug designation).
Critical illness (trauma)
HIV/AIDS—related wasting.
Oral mucositis.
Surgery.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.
Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hepatic encephalopathy (may worsen symptoms).
Mania.
Seizure disorders (may lower seizure threshold).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: gritty taste

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

May antagonize effects of anticonvulsants,lactuloseand chemotherapy.

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: Powder

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 500–4000 mg three times a day.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

L-2–aminoglutaramic acid, glutamate, glutamic acid

Action ⬆ ⬇

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid necessary for maintaining intestinal function, immune response, and amino acid homeostasis during times of severe stress. It enhances the function of stimulated immune cells. After surgery or trauma, one third of the nitrogen mobilized for wound repair and vital organ function comes from glutamine. During stress, glutamine requirements increase and progressive muscle breakdown can occur. Muscle breakdown is metabolized to ammonia which may cause adverse neurological and psychiatric effects.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved nutritional and immunologic status.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: parenteral nutrition, caloric sources

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take as directed and not to take more or more frequently than directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless close to time for next dose; do not double doses.
Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if signs and symptoms of allergic reaction occur or if fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, swelling of face, hands, ankles, or feet occur.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇