L-Glutamine
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: L-Glutamine
- Brand Names
- L-Glutamine
- Drug Class
- Amino Acid [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- POWDER, FOR SOLUTION
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION L-glutamine is an amino acid. L-glutamine is designated chemically as (S)-2-aminoglutaramic acid, L-glutamic acid 5-amide, or (S)-2,5-diamino-5-oxopentanoic acid. The molecular formula is C 5 H 10 N 2 O 3 with the molecular weight of 146.15 g/mol and the following structural formula: L-glutamine Oral Powder is formulated as a white to off-white colored powder and is packaged as 5 grams in a foil-plastic laminate packet for oral administration. structure
What Is L-Glutamine Used For?
1 INDICATIONS & USAGE L-glutamine is indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. L-glutamine is an amino acid indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. (1)
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION 5 grams to 15 grams orally, twice daily based on body weight. (2) Each dose of L-glutamine should be mixed in 8 oz. (240 mL) of cold or room temperature beverage or 4 oz. to 6 oz. of food before ingestion. (2) 2.1 Dosage Administer L-glutamine orally, twice per day at the dose based on body weight according to Table 1. Table 1. Recommended Dosing Weight in kilograms Weight in pounds Per dose in grams Per day in grams Packets per dose Packets per day less than 30 less than 66 5 10 1 2 30 to 65 66 to 143 10 20 2 4 greater than 65 greater than 143 15 30 3 6 2.2 Preparation of Product Mix L-glutamine immediately before ingestion with 8 oz. (240 mL) of cold or room temperature beverage, such as water, milk or apple juice, or 4 oz. to 6 oz. of food such as applesauce or yogurt. Complete dissolution is not required prior to administration.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 10%) are constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, pain in extremity, back pain, and chest pain. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novitium Pharma LLC at 1-855-204-1431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to L-glutamine in 187 patients, including 136 exposed for 6 months and 109 exposed for ≥1 year. L-glutamine was studied in 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials (a phase 3 study, n=230 and a phase 2 study, n=70). In these trials, patients with sickle cell anemia or sickle β 0 -thalassemia were randomized to receive L-glutamine (n=187) or placebo (n=111) orally twice daily for 48 weeks followed by 3 weeks of tapering. Both studies included pediatric and adult patients (5-58 years of age) and 54% were female. The majority of patients were black (97.3%), had a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (89.9%) and were receiving hydroxyurea at baseline (63.4%). Treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions was reported in 2.7% (n=5) of patients receiving L-glutamine. These adverse reactions included one case each of hypersplenism, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, burning sensation, and hot flash. Serious adverse reactions were reported in both treatment groups, more frequently in the placebo group, and were consistent with the underlying disease. Three deaths (3/187=1.6%) occurred during the study in the L-glutamine treatment group as compared to none in the placebo treatment group. None of the deaths were considered to be related to L-glutamine treatment. Adverse reactions occurring in greater than 10% of patients treated with L-glutamine are shown in Table 2 below. Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence > 10% in Clinical Studies of L-glutamine Adverse reaction L-glutamine N = 187 (%) Placebo N = 111 (%) Constipation 21 18 Nausea 19 14 Headache 18 15 Abdominal Pain* 17 16 Cough 16 14 Pain in extremity 13 7 Back pain 12 5 Chest pain 12 8 *Abdominal pain = abdominal pain and abdominal pain, upper
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None (4)
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on L-glutamine use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with L-glutamine. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Single oral doses of L-glutamine at about 20 g/kg to 22 g/kg, 8 g/kg to 11 g/kg, and 19 g/kg were lethal in mice, rats, and rabbits, respectively. Supportive measures should be undertaken in the event of overdose of L-glutamine.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING L-glutamine Oral Powder is supplied in foil-plastic laminate packets containing 5 grams of L-glutamine white to off-white colored powder. Carton of 60 packets: NDC 70954-417-20 Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]; away from direct sunlight.
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.