Arginine Brand Name– R-Gene
What is Arginine
Arginine hydrochloride is a synthetic derivative of the essential amino acid L-arginine.
Arginine hydrochloride may be used as an aid to the detection of growth hormone deficiency in conditions such as panhypopituitarism, pituitary dwarfism, chromophobe adenoma, postsurgical craniopharyngioma, hypophysectomy, pituitary trauma, and in problems with growth and stature.
The drug has also been used in the evaluation of pituitary function in gigantism and acromegaly
Further, arginine injection is used to treat high ammonia concentrations in patients with urea cycle disorders.
Arginine tablets, which are dietary supplements, have been used to improve exercise capacity in patients with stable angina pectoris.
Arginine injection was originally approved by the FDA in February 1973.
Indications
- angina
- growth hormone deficiency diagnosis
- hyperammonemia
- interstitial cystitis
For growth hormone deficiency diagnosis (i.e., evaluation of pituitary growth hormone reserve)
Side Effects
- anaphylactoid reactions
- flushing
- headache
- hematuria
- hyperventilation
- hypotension
- injection site reaction
- lethargy
- maculopapular rash
- metabolic acidosis
- nausea
- paresthesias
- skin necrosis
- thrombocytopenia
- vomiting
Monitoring Parameters
- serum growth hormone concentrations
Contraindications
- breast-feeding
- children
- electrolyte imbalance
- hepatic disease
- infants
- neonates
- pregnancy
- renal impairment
Interactions
- Ethanol
Ethanol: (Moderate) Excessive ethanol (e.g., alcoholism) may result in increased urinary excretion of magnesium. Avoid high intakes of ethanol while taking magnesium salts.
