L Glutamine

L Glutamine Brand Names

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What is L Glutamine

L glutamine is an amino acid used for the treatment of short bowel syndrome (SBS) and to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease (SCD).

It is considered to be a ‘conditionally essential’ amino acid because under normal conditions dietary intake and synthesis from glutamate maintain adequate amounts.

However, during times of catabolic stress, trauma, or infection, L-glutamine needs are greater due to decreased concentrations and increased tissue glutamine metabolism.

In the intestine, L-glutamine functions in the regulation of gastrointestinal cell growth, function, and regeneration. L-glutamine, human growth hormone, and dietary modifications have been studied to promote the adaptation of the shortened bowel in patients with SBS.

This combination has been beneficial in the reduction of parenteral nutrition volume, caloric energy requirements, and frequency of infusion in patients with SBS dependent on parenteral nutrition.

Although the mechanism of L-glutamine in the treatment of SCD is not fully understood, it may play a role in the regulation and prevention of oxidative damage in red blood cells.

In clinical trials, patients treated with L-glutamine experienced fewer hospital visits for sickle cell crises, fewer hospitalizations for sickle cell pain, fewer cumulative days in the hospital, and had a lower incidence of acute chest syndrome compared to those who received placebo.

Routine monitoring of hepatic and renal function is recommended in patients receiving parenteral nutrition and L-glutamine.

Indications

• short bowel syndrome
• sickle cell disease

For the treatment of short bowel syndrome in patients receiving specialized nutritional support in conjunction with recombinant human growth hormone

NOTE: Glutamine and rh-GH therapy should be used in conjunction with optimal management of short bowel syndrome which may include a specialized oral diet, enteral feedings, parenteral nutrition, fluid, and micronutrient supplements.

Side Effects

1. abdominal pain
2. arthralgia
3. back pain
4. chest pain (unspecified)
5. constipation
6. cough
7. dizziness
8. dyspepsia
9. fever
10. flatulence
11. gastrointestinal fistula
12. headache
13. hemorrhoids
14. hot flashes
15. hypoesthesia
16. infection
17. influenza
18. musculoskeletal pain
19. nausea
20. pancreatitis
21. peripheral edema
22. pruritus
23. rash
24. rhinitis
25. tenesmus
26. vomiting
27. xerostomia

Monitoring Parameters

• laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• geriatric
• hepatic disease
• hepatic encephalopathy
• pregnancy
• renal impairment

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with L-Glutamine products.