Glutamine

Glutamine is indicated for the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) in patients receiving specialized nutritional support when used in conjunction with a recombinant human growth hormone that is approved for this indication.

Glutamine is available under the following different brand names: NutreStore.

Dosages of Glutamine:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Powder for oral solution

• 5 g/packet (as L-glutamine)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Short Bowel Syndrome

Indicated for short bowel syndrome in patients receiving specialized nutritional support when used in conjunction with recombinant human growth hormone

• 30 g/day orally in divided doses (i.e., 5 g taken 6 times each day) for up to 16 weeks

Administration

• Dissolve each 5 g packet in 8 oz water before drinking; the volume of water may be varied according to the patient's preference
• Take with meals or snacks at 2-3 hour intervals while awake
• If transiently intolerant to oral intake, a dose may be delayed for up to 2 hours
• Pediatric: Safety and efficacy not established

Common side effects of Glutamine include:

• Swelling of extremities
• Nausea
• Cramping rectal pain/feeling the need to have a bowel movement
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Ear or hearing symptoms
• Itching
• Vomiting
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Gas
• Dry mouth
• Muscle or joint pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Increased sweating

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Glutamine has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains glutamine
• Do not take NutreStore if you are allergic to glutamine or any ingredients contained in this drug
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• None

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information provided

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Glutamine?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Glutamine?"

Cautions

• Metabolized to glutamate and ammonia; levels of these metabolites may increase with hepatic impairment
• Monitor renal and hepatic function

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use glutamine with caution during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks
• Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done
• It is unknown whether glutamine is distributed in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding