L Glutamine
About L Glutamine
L Glutamine is an oral suggested medicine used to reduce severe complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is also used as part of the treatment for short bowel syndrome in adults receiving specialized nutritional support, such as parenteral nutrition (nutrition given through a vein) or enteral nutrition (tube feeding), to help improve nutrient absorption. By supporting healthy cells and protecting tissues from damage, this medicine plays an important role in managing these long-term conditions.
Living with sickle cell disease or short bowel syndrome can be physically and emotionally challenging. Regular treatment, along with healthy lifestyle habits, can help reduce complications and improve your quality of life.
To get the most benefit, take L Glutamine exactly as suggested and at the same time each day. It is usually mixed with cold or room-temperature food or drinks and should be consumed immediately after mixing. Staying well hydrated and eating a balanced diet can further support your treatment.
While taking this medicine, you may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, headache, or constipation. These usually improve as your body adjusts. However, contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Before starting L Glutamine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or any inherited metabolic disorder that affects amino acid metabolism. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to L-glutamine or any of its ingredients.
Certain medicines and alcohol may increase side effects or affect how your body processes this medicine. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy, or are an older adult, consult your doctor before starting treatment
Uses of L Glutamine
• Treatment of glutamine deficiency: L Glutamine treats glutamine deficiency by restoring normal glutamine levels, supporting immune function, gut health, and metabolic balance.
Medicinal Benefits
- Reduces sickle cell crises: Helps lower the frequency and severity of painful sickle cell episodes.
- Fewer hospital visits: May reduce the need for emergency visits and hospital admissions related to sickle cell disease.
- Improves daily life: Helps you enjoy more pain-free days and carry out everyday activities more comfortably.
- Supports intestinal health: Nourishes and repairs the cells lining the intestine, especially in people with short bowel syndrome.
- Improves nutrient absorption: Helps the body absorb nutrients from food more effectively over time.
- Boosts energy levels: Better nutrient absorption may improve energy and overall strength.
- Reduces digestive discomfort: May help ease digestive symptoms and improve comfort after meals.
- Supports long-term health: Regular use, along with your doctor's treatment plan, helps manage the condition and improves overall quality of life.
Directions for Use
- L Glutamine can be taken with or without food as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow L Glutamine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of L Glutamine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach or mild abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation or mild diarrhea
- Mild joint or muscle pain
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent pain in the stomach or back
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin, which may indicate liver damage
- Severe dizziness or confusion
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Always check the packaging for any signs of damage or dampness before opening, especially if using single-use powder packets.
- Do not mix the powder with hot liquids or hot foods, as high heat can destroy the active properties of the medicine.
- Ensure the powder is completely dissolved or thoroughly blended with food before consuming to avoid inhaling the dry powder or experiencing throat irritation.
- Keep a consistent daily schedule to help maintain steady levels of the medicine in your body.
- Inform all your healthcare providers, including dentists and specialists, that you are taking L Glutamine before starting any new treatments or procedures.
Drug Interactions
- Lactulose and other ammonia-lowering medicines: May reduce their effectiveness because glutamine produces ammonia during metabolism.
- Certain chemotherapy medicines: May interact with amino acid supplements; consult your oncologist.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorLimit alcohol consumption to prevent any unwanted side effects while using L Glutamine. Please consult your doctor for more information before using L Glutamine.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIt is not known if L Glutamine can be used during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking L Glutamine.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is not known if L Glutamine is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking L Glutamine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionL Glutamine causes dizziness and may interfere with your driving ability. Please do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any history of liver diseases before taking L Glutamine.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor, if you have any history of kidney diseases before taking L Glutamine.
Children
cautionL Glutamine should be given to children only when advised by your child's doctor. The doctor will decide the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: If you are taking this medicine for sickle cell disease, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is critical to help keep your blood flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of a pain crisis.
- Eat small, frequent meals: For patients managing short bowel syndrome, eating smaller portion sizes throughout the day can make it easier for your compromised digestive tract to absorb nutrients effectively.
- Incorporate easy-to-digest nutrients: Work with a dietitian to focus on foods that support gut healing, such as lean proteins and cooked vegetables, while avoiding foods that trigger digestive irritation.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Sudden exposure to extreme cold or high physical stress can trigger sickle cell pain; dress in layers and practice gentle relaxation techniques to manage daily stress.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glutamine deficiency: It is a condition characterised by low levels of glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid that helps maintain various physiological functions of the body. Glutamine deficiency can be caused by shock or extreme stress, trauma, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, immune system disorders, and lack of L-glutamine in the diet. Symptoms of glutamine deficiency include increased susceptibility to infections, bowel changes, diarrhoea, ulcers, and weight loss.
FAQs
L Glutamine is used to treat glutamine deficiency. Glutamine deficiency can exacerbate intestinal permeability, a disorder in which materials pass through the intestinal wall too easily.
L Glutamine is a dietary supplement that contains L-Glutamine, an amino acid. It works by replenishing the low glutamine levels in the body, thus treating glutamine deficiency. L Glutamine also plays a role in maintaining various physiological functions.
L Glutamine is usually not recommended if the patient has any liver or kidney diseases, cancer, Reye's syndrome (swelling in the liver and brain), or bipolar disorder. Please inform your doctor of any other medical concerns you may have before starting L Glutamine.
L Glutamine helps heal leaky gut and treat irritable bowel syndrome conditions. It is also essential in forming a healthy gut lining.
L Glutamine is not recommended if the patient has severe liver or kidney diseases, cancer, Reye's syndrome, bipolar disorder, or any conditions where protein intake is restricted. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before starting L-Glutamine. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using L Glutamine.
No specific studies indicate that L Glutamine affects blood pressure. However, if you experience any changes in your blood pressure or any other unusual symptoms after taking this supplement, please consult your doctor.
Taking L Glutamine on an empty stomach can enhance the absorption of its active ingredient, L-glutamine. Amino acids like L-glutamine are best absorbed when taken without food, as the presence of food can slow down absorption.
No. Always mix it with cold or room-temperature liquids or soft foods because heat may reduce its effectiveness.
Mild stomach upset can occur. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting, seek medical attention.
Safety during pregnancy has not been fully established. Talk to your doctor before using it.
L Glutamine works gradually. You may need several weeks of regular treatment before seeing the full benefits.
Alcohol may worsen stomach irritation and place additional stress on the liver. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is recommended.
Take it at the same time every day as suggested to maintain consistent levels in your body.
Yes. It is approved for children aged 5 years and older with sickle cell disease when suggested by a doctor. The dose is based on body weight and should always be supervised by a pediatrician.
Author Details
