Uses
L-glutamine is used to reduce the frequency of painful episodes (crises) in adults and children 5 years of age and older with sickle cell anemia (an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells are abnormally shaped [shaped like a sickle] and cannot bring enough oxygen to all parts of the body). L-glutamine is in a class of medications called amino acids. It works by helping to prevent damage to red blood cells.
Side Effects Of L-glutamine
L-glutamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- nausea
- headache
- abdominal pain
- cough
- back, leg, feet, hands, or arm pain
L-glutamine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking L-glutamine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to L-glutamine, any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking L-glutamine, call your doctor.
L-glutamine Dosage
L-glutamine comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid or soft wet food and taken by mouth twice a day. Take L-glutamine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take L-glutamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will need to mix the medication powder with 8 ounces (240 ml) of a liquid such as water, milk, or apple juice, or 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml) of soft wet food such as applesauce or yogurt right before you take it. The liquid or food must be cold or room temperature. L-glutamine powder does not need to be completely dissolved in the liquid or food before you take the mixture.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on L-glutamine has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
