Indications
Amino acids with D-Sorbitol and electrolytes is a nutritional preparation, most often given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, used to supply protein building blocks, some energy and essential salts to people who cannot eat or absorb enough food. Typical uses include support before and after surgery, during serious illness, burns or injury, in malnutrition with protein loss, and when feeding by mouth or tube is not possible or not enough.
How It Works
Amino acids are the building blocks the body uses to make proteins for muscles, tissue repair, enzymes and the immune system. D-Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that the liver converts to energy, helping the body use the amino acids for repair rather than burning them for fuel. The electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride) help keep the body’s fluid and salt balance.
Dosage and Administration
The infusion is given by a doctor or nurse through a vein, slowly, at a rate and amount set according to body weight, nutritional needs, kidney and liver function and blood tests. The doctor decides how long it is given. Any form taken by mouth should be used only as directed on the label or by a doctor.
Interactions
- Medicines that raise potassium, such as Spironolactone, ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements, may add to the potassium content.
- Other medicines should not be added to the infusion bag unless compatibility is confirmed by the pharmacist.
Contraindications
- Hereditary fructose intolerance, because sorbitol is converted to fructose; this can be life threatening.
- Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.
- Severe kidney failure without dialysis, or severe liver failure or hepatic coma.
- High blood potassium or other serious electrolyte disturbances, fluid overload, severe heart failure, or shock that has not been corrected.
- Methanol poisoning.
Side Effects
Possible effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, chills, fever and pain or inflammation at the infusion site. Too fast an infusion can cause sweating, nausea and loss of amino acids in the urine. Changes in blood salts, sugar or acid balance may occur.
Tell the nurse or seek urgent medical help immediately if there is breathlessness, chest pain, swelling of the face, rash, confusion, or severe pain or swelling around the drip.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when the doctor decides nutritional support is needed, with careful monitoring.
Precautions and Warnings
- Blood electrolytes, sugar, kidney and liver function and fluid balance are monitored during treatment.
- Used with care in heart, kidney or liver disease, and in older adults and children.
- The infusion must be given under sterile conditions and not mixed with other medicines without checking compatibility.
Overdose
Too much or too fast may cause fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, nausea, vomiting and chills. The infusion is stopped and the medical team gives supportive care.
Therapeutic Class
Parenteral nutrition: amino acid and electrolyte preparation.
Storage
Hospital product: store as directed on the pack, below 25°C, protected from light, do not freeze. Do not use if the solution is cloudy or the container is damaged. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.