Glutamine
Mechanism :
Glutamine regulates GI cell growth, function, and regeneration in short bowel syndrome. Glutamine is considered a "conditionally essential" amino acid during metabolic stress and injury. Glutamine is a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
Indication :
- Short bowel syndrome
- Sickle cell disease
- Nutritional supplement
Contraindications :
Renal or liver impairment; Reye syndrome; shock; multi-organ failure.
Dosing :
Sickle cell disease:
Oral:
Children ≥5 years and Adolescents:
<30 kg: 5 g twice daily.
30 to 65 kg: 10 g twice daily.
>65 kg: 15 g twice daily.
Supplement (nutritional):
Oral:
0.25 to 0.5 g/kg/day given in 3 divided doses.
Adverse Effect :
Chest pain, headache, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, limb pain, cough.
Interaction :
Lactulose: Glutamine may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lactulose. Specifically, glutamine may diminish the ammonia-lowering effects of lactulose.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are needed.