Indications
5% Amino Acid solution is an intravenous (IV) nutrition fluid used in hospital to supply protein building blocks to patients who cannot eat or absorb enough food through the gut, for example after major surgery, in severe illness, burns, trauma, or bowel disease. It is used as part of parenteral nutrition (feeding through a vein), often together with glucose, fat emulsions, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements.
How It Works
Proteins in the body are made from amino acids. This solution contains a balanced mix of essential and non-essential amino acids dissolved in water. When given into a vein, the amino acids are used to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and support the immune system, and help reduce the breakdown of the body’s own muscle during illness.
Dosage and Administration
It is given by a doctor or nurse in hospital as a slow infusion into a vein, through a peripheral or central line depending on the product and the overall nutrition plan. The amount and rate depend on body weight, the patient’s condition, kidney and liver function and other fluids, and are as prescribed. Blood tests are used to adjust the treatment.
Interactions
Other medicines should not be added to the bag unless compatibility is confirmed by the pharmacy. Because it contributes fluid and nitrogen, the medical team will consider it alongside diuretics, steroids and other treatments that affect fluid balance, kidney function or protein breakdown.
Contraindications
- Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism (such as phenylketonuria or maple syrup urine disease).
- Severe kidney failure without dialysis, or severe liver failure with hepatic coma.
- Uncontrolled fluid overload, severe heart failure or shock that has not been stabilised.
- Allergy to any component of the solution.
Side Effects
Possible effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing, chills, fever, headache and pain or inflammation of the vein at the infusion site. Infusing too fast can cause nausea, flushing and loss of amino acids in the urine. Other possible problems include fluid overload, raised urea or ammonia levels, changes in blood electrolytes or acid balance, and infections linked to the IV line.
Tell the nurse at once if the patient develops breathlessness, swelling, chest pain, high fever or chills, confusion, a rash or swelling of the face, or pain, swelling or redness at the drip site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Parenteral amino acids may be used in pregnancy and during breastfeeding when nutrition through a vein is clearly needed, under close medical supervision.
Precautions and Warnings
- Given only under medical supervision with monitoring of fluid balance, blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney and liver function.
- Strict aseptic technique is used to avoid infection.
- Use with care in kidney or liver disease, heart failure and in children.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy or the bag is damaged.
Overdose
Too much or too fast an infusion may cause fluid overload, nausea, vomiting, chills and metabolic disturbances. The infusion is slowed or stopped and the patient is treated as needed.
Therapeutic Class
Parenteral nutrition; intravenous amino acid solution.
Storage
Store below 25°C, protected from light, and do not freeze, as directed on the pack. It is stored and prepared by hospital staff; use promptly once opened.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.