What is glutamine?
Glutamine is an amino acid that affect the processes of growth and function of cells in the
stomach and intestines.
Glutamine is a medical food product that is used to supplement dietary sources of glutamine, to
treat a glutamine deficiency, or to treat a loss of glutamine caused by injury or illness.
Glutamine is also used in combination with human growth hormone to treat short bowel
syndrome.
Glutamine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glutamine?
Before you take glutamine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a
dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glutamine is harmful to an unborn
baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether glutamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take glutamine?
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
When treating short bowel syndrome, you may need to take glutamine 6 times per day for up to
16 weeks.
The number of times per day you take glutamine depends on the reason you are using it.
Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Take
glutamine oral powder
with a meal or snack unless directed
otherwise.
Take
glutamine tablets
on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or
2 hours after a meal.
Dissolve your dose of glutamine oral powder in at least 8 ounces of hot or cold liquid. You
may also mix the powder with a soft food such as pudding, applesauce, or yogurt. Stir this mixture and
use all of it right away.
Do not pour dry glutamine powder directly into a tube feeding formula. Always mix the
powder with water and infuse it directly into the feeding tube using a syringe.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney and liver function may
need to be checked with blood or urine tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
Glutamine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special
diet, tube feedings, and IV fluids. It is very important to follow the diet and medication plan created for
you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.
Store glutamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each dose of the
oral powder in its packet until you are ready to use the medication.
What happens if I miss a dose of glutamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about glutamine?
Your pharmacist has information about glutamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of glutamine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
chest pain;
-
hearing problems; or
-
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu
symptoms, mouth sores, unusual weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas;
-
dry mouth, runny nose;
-
swelling in your hands or feet;
-
muscle or joint pain, back pain;
-
headache, dizziness, tired feeling;
-
mild skin rash or itching; or
-
increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about glutamine?
Before you take glutamine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
The number of times per day you take glutamine depends on the reason you are using it.
Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Take glutamine
oral powder
with a meal or snack unless directed
otherwise.
Take
glutamine tablets
on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or
2 hours after a meal.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using glutamine.
Do not pour dry glutamine powder directly into a tube feeding formula. Always mix the
powder with water and infuse it directly into the feeding tube using a syringe.
Glutamine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special
diet, tube feedings, and IV fluids. It is very important to follow the diet and medication plan created for
you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.
What should I avoid while taking glutamine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using glutamine.
What other drugs will affect glutamine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with glutamine. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of glutamine?