Arginine

Arginine is an over-the-counter medication used for the treatment of a number of conditions such as migraines and inflammation. This medication may also help with erectile dysfunction. Arginine also has the potential to reduce blood pressure and is used for preventing high blood pressure during pregnancy called pre-eclampsia.

This medication is also used as Pituitary function test (growth hormone) and management of severe, uncompensated, metabolic alkalosis (pH greater than or equal to 7.55) after optimizing therapy with sodium and potassium supplements.

Arginine is an amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Arginine has recently gotten attention due to its potential benefits for the heart. Deficiencies of arginine are rare. Arginine is used in the body for healing wounds, maintaining immune and hormone function, helping the kidneys remove waste material and it also dilates and relaxes arteries.

In the body, Arginine turns into nitric oxide which is a powerful neurotransmitter, that helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation. This improves symptoms of chest pain or angina, clogged arteries and coronary artery disease. Due to its abilities to affect blood flow and circulation, it may also be useful for treating erectile dysfunction.

It has also been used for patients who suffer from intermittent claudication (intermittent leg-cramping and weakness), who have benefitted from it as their walking distances have improved. Some people use Arginine for preventing the common cold, improving kidney function post-kidney transplant, improving athletic performance, boosting the immune system, and preventing inflammation of the digestive tract in premature infants.

Patient should fast the evening prior to test; minimize stress/exercise before test since these may affect growth hormone production. Arginine may be infused without further dilution; maximum rate of I.V. infusion: 1 g/kg/hour (maximum: 60 g/hour).

Arginine hydrochloride should never be used as an alternative to chloride supplementation but used in the patient who is unresponsive to sodium chloride or potassium chloride supplementation.

Arginine hydrochloride is a fourth-line treatment for uncompensated metabolic alkalosis after sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and ammonium chloride supplementation has been optimized.

Arginine stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone and prolactin through origins in the hypothalamus; patients with impaired pituitary function have lower or no increase in plasma concentrations of growth hormone after administration of arginine. Arginine hydrochloride has been used for severe metabolic alkalosis due to its high chloride content.

Arginine hydrochloride has been used investigationally to treat metabolic alkalosis. Arginine contains 475 mEq of hydrogen ions and 475 mEq of chloride ions/L. Arginine is metabolized by the liver to produce hydrogen ions. It may be used in patients with relative hepatic insufficiency because arginine combines with ammonia in the body to produce urea.

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

• Metabolic Disorder

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

• Liver/Kidney Impairment

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Headache

• Irritation

• Numbness

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution should be used in patients with renal impairment.

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine will remain up to 4 - 6 hours of its administration.

• What is the onset of action?

  This medicine is well absorbed and showed its effect within 45 minutes after its administration.

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  Missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is recommended to skip your missed dose, if it is the time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  Contact the doctor in case of overdose.

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

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

• Exten Zen Forte Capsule

  Rostrumed Biotech Pvt Ltd

• Aminodrip Infusion

  Baxter India Pvt Ltd

• Alamin Rx Granules

  Albert David Ltd

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

This medicine stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone and prolactin through origins in the hypothalamus; patients with impaired pituitary function have lower or no increase in plasma concentrations of growth hormone after administration of arginine. Arginine hydrochloride has been used for severe metabolic alkalosis due to its high chloride content.

Arginine hydrochloride has been used investigationally to treat metabolic alkalosis. Arginine contains 475 mEq of hydrogen ions and 475 mEq of chloride ions/L. Arginine is metabolized by the liver to produce hydrogen ions. It may be used in patients with relative hepatic insufficiency because arginine combines with ammonia in the body to produce urea.

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 Dietitian/Nutritionist before using this medicine.

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

test

• Interaction with Medicine

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

• Ques : What is Arginine?

  Ans : 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 Arginine supplement if I am getting it in my diet?

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

• Ques : Can I take too much Arginine?

  Ans : Although one should not consume 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 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 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 : 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 Arginine?

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

• Ques : Is there anyone who should not take 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 Arginine to my children?

  Ans : Yes, 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 Arginine?

  Ans : You can take 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 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.

• Arginine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 21 June 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/arginine

• Arginine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 21 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00158

• Arginine granules,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 21 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=arginine