L-Arginine is one of the amino acids and acts as a building block for the body. It is non-essential amino acids and very important for the growth and repair of body tissues. Our body can not produce this amino acid on its own.

Why do I need to take an L-Arginine supplement if I am getting it in my diet?

L-Arginine is present in very less amount in food and most people do not eat a balanced diet. L-Arginine deficiency is there in vegetarians as compared to those who eat meat. Hence, they need L-Arginine supplements in their routine.

Can I take too much L-Arginine?

Although one should not consume L-Arginine more than the prescribed dose, it is still the safest and least toxic amino acid. No side effects have been reported after taking this amino acid.

What is the recommended daily dosage of an L-Arginine supplement?

It totally depends on the patient’s medical condition. However, one must consume it in doses that range between 5 to 30 grams.

Is it safe to take L-Arginine with my medications?

It is very important to consult a doctor if you are taking this medication in combination with other drugs to avoid any adverse drug-drug interactions. However, clinical studies reveal that this drug is probably safe to use with other medicines.

How soon can I expect results?

L-Arginine, if taken through injections, starts working really quickly as compared to oral consumption. The results might vary from one individual to another.

Can pregnant women take L-Arginine?

This medication is completely safe to use during pregnancy. Infact, many doctors recommended pregnant ladies to take L-Arginine supplements to prevent premature labor and preterm birth.

Is there anyone who should not take L-Arginine supplements?

Since this is a relatively safe drug, it can be used by everyone. However, those who have a known history of allergy to it should avoid consuming it as it may cause stomach upset or diarrhea in them.

Can I give L-Arginine to my children?

Yes, L-Arginine supplements can be given to children who are at a risk of developing any cardiovascular disease; such as, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or diabetes. However, caution must be exercised while giving this drug to children.

How to take L-Arginine?

You can take L-Arginine in the form of extended-release tablet, capsule, liquid-filled capsule or injections. However, make sure not to take it more than the required amount.

What are the storage instructions for L-Arginine?

This drug should be stored in a tight container and at room temperature. It should be kept away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Please do not keep this medication in the fridge. Also, keep it away from pets and children.

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Home > Medicine > L-Arginine

Overview

L-Arginine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About L-Arginine

L-Arginine is primarily used in the management of severe, uncompensated, metabolic alkalosis (pH greater than or equal to 7.55) after optimizing therapy with sodium and potassium supplements. It is also used in Pituitary function test (growth hormone).

The L-Arginine is mainly composed of amino acids and is used in the treatment of heart failure, high blood pressure, migraines, erectile dysfunction and artery blockages. It also stimulates the proper release of growth hormone in the body as well as improves the wound healing process. The drug also helps to reduce inflammation and provides a boost to the immune system of the body.

The drug is contraindicated in patients who have suffered or are suffering from allergic reactions to L-Arginine, low blood pressure, cirrhosis of liver, recent heart attacks, herpes, impaired kidney function and Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency. The drug has been known to cause health complications on interaction with drugs like antihypertensive medications used to lower blood pressure, nitrates used for increasing blood flow to heart, Viagra, etc.

The side effects that have been observed on the use of the drug are abdominal bloating, pain in the abdomen, abnormality of the blood, allergic reactions like rashes and hives, decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, gout, inflammation of airways and worsening of asthma conditions in case of people suffering from asthma.

The side effects may or may not manifest in every case because how the drug will perform depends a lot on the patient’s health conditions as well as medical history. Therefore prior to using the drug it is advised to consult a physician regarding proper dosage and other relevant details.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

What are the uses of L-Arginine

Nutritional Deficiencies

What are the contraindications of L-Arginine ?

Hypersensitivity
Liver/Kidney Impairment

What are the side effects of L-Arginine ?

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritation
Numbness

Key highlights of L-Arginine

Is It safe with alcohol?
L-Arginine may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
L-Arginine is probably safe to use during pregnancy.
Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effect on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. Please consult your doctor.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.
Does this affect kidney function?
Hyperkalemia may occur in patients with hepatic or renal impairment
Does this affect liver function?
There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

What are the dosage instructions?

Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Are there any missed dose instructions?
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Medicines containing L-Arginine

Below is the list of medicines, which contains L-Arginine as ingredient

Ovafuze Tablet
Ordain Health Care Global Pvt Ltd
Complete Td Tablet
Ordain Health Care Global Pvt Ltd
Hsgold Q-10 Tablet
HS Aldem Healthcare
Menvita Tablet
West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd
Arginitric Tablet Sr
Medreich Lifecare Ltd

How does this medication work?

The active constituent of this medication is an amino acid that can be taken either orally or applied topically. It is used for treating hypertension, improving kidney functions and erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Within the body, it gets converted to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps in the widening of the blood vessels leading to increased blood flow and also stimulates growth hormone and insulin.

What are the interactions of L-Arginine ?

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

Interaction with Medicine

Increased toxicity: Estrogen-progesterone combinations (Increased growth hormone response and decreased glucagon and insulin effects); spironolactone (potentially fatal hyperkalemia has been reported).

FAQs about L-Arginine

Ques : What is L-Arginine?
Ans : L-Arginine is one of the amino acids and acts as a building block for the body. It is non-essential amino acids and very important for the growth and repair of body tissues. Our body can not produce this amino acid on its own.
Ques : Why do I need to take an L-Arginine supplement if I am getting it in my diet?
Ans : L-Arginine is present in very less amount in food and most people do not eat a balanced diet. L-Arginine deficiency is there in vegetarians as compared to those who eat meat. Hence, they need L-Arginine supplements in their routine.
Ques : Can I take too much L-Arginine?
Ans : Although one should not consume L-Arginine more than the prescribed dose, it is still the safest and least toxic amino acid. No side effects have been reported after taking this amino acid.
Ques : What is the recommended daily dosage of an L-Arginine supplement?
Ans : It totally depends on the patient’s medical condition. However, one must consume it in doses that range between 5 to 30 grams.
Ques : Is it safe to take L-Arginine with my medications?
Ans : It is very important to consult a doctor if you are taking this medication in combination with other drugs to avoid any adverse drug-drug interactions. However, clinical studies reveal that this drug is probably safe to use with other medicines.
Ques : How soon can I expect results?
Ans : L-Arginine, if taken through injections, starts working really quickly as compared to oral consumption. The results might vary from one individual to another.
Ques : Can pregnant women take L-Arginine?
Ans : This medication is completely safe to use during pregnancy. Infact, many doctors recommended pregnant ladies to take L-Arginine supplements to prevent premature labor and preterm birth.
Ques : Is there anyone who should not take L-Arginine supplements?
Ans : Since this is a relatively safe drug, it can be used by everyone. However, those who have a known history of allergy to it should avoid consuming it as it may cause stomach upset or diarrhea in them.
Ques : Can I give L-Arginine to my children?
Ans : Yes, L-Arginine supplements can be given to children who are at a risk of developing any cardiovascular disease; such as, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or diabetes. However, caution must be exercised while giving this drug to children.
Ques : How to take L-Arginine?
Ans : You can take L-Arginine in the form of extended-release tablet, capsule, liquid-filled capsule or injections. However, make sure not to take it more than the required amount.
Ques : What are the storage instructions for L-Arginine?
Ans : This drug should be stored in a tight container and at room temperature. It should be kept away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Please do not keep this medication in the fridge. Also, keep it away from pets and children.

Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.