Arginine
Synonym :
L-Arginine
Mechanism :
Arginine is classified as a semi essential amino acid.
Indication :
- Growth hormone secretion testing/Pituitary stimulation
- Hyperammonemia due to urea cycle defects (ASA and citrullinemia)
Contraindications :
Contraindicated in arginase deficiency.
Dosing :
Growth hormone test/Pituitary stimulation:
IV infusion:
500 mg/kg IV infusion as a single dose over 30 min; maximum dose: 30 g/dose.
Hyperammonemia due to urea cycle defects: (ASA and citrullinemia)
Oral: 100-175 mg/kg 3-4 times daily upto 700 mg/day,
IV: 600 mg once given over 90 min, IV continuous infusion 600 mg/kg/24 hours (25 mg/kg/hours).
Adverse Effect :
Nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, numbness, hypotension, local venous irritation with IV infusion. No adverse effects when given orally.
Interaction :
Estrogen-progesterone combinations; Spironolactone (potentially fatal hyperkalemia has been reported in patients with hepatic disease).
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.