Indications
L-Arginine Hydrochloride is a form of arginine, an amino acid the body uses to build proteins and to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax. It is found in amino acid injections used in hospital nutrition, in nutritional supplements (including some products aimed at male fertility and general wellbeing) and in some hair and skin care products. In hospitals it may also be used for certain metabolic conditions, such as some urea cycle disorders or metabolic alkalosis (too much alkali in the blood).
How It Works
Arginine is a building block of proteins and helps the body remove ammonia through the urea cycle. It is also turned into nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and supports blood flow. Supplements are taken on the idea that extra arginine supports circulation, sperm production and tissue repair, although evidence for many of these uses is limited.
Dosage and Administration
Oral supplements: take as directed on the label or by your doctor, usually with water and after food to reduce stomach upset. Topical hair or skin products: apply as directed on the pack. Injections and infusions are given in hospital by a doctor or nurse, and the dose is decided by the doctor according to the condition and blood tests.
Interactions
- Medicines for high blood pressure and nitrates (such as Glyceryl Trinitrate): blood pressure may drop too much.
- Sildenafil, Tadalafil and similar medicines: added blood pressure lowering.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Spironolactone) and ACE inhibitors: injections may raise blood potassium.
- Medicines for diabetes: arginine may affect blood sugar.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to arginine or any ingredient in the product. Avoid supplements after a recent heart attack unless your doctor agrees. People with severe kidney disease, high blood potassium or a rare inherited condition called arginase deficiency should not use it unless supervised.
Side Effects
- Nausea, stomach cramps, bloating or diarrhoea.
- Headache or flushing.
- Low blood pressure and dizziness.
- With injections: irritation at the drip site, high potassium or acid build-up in the blood.
Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting or a very slow or irregular heartbeat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Arginine is a normal part of food, but high-dose supplements have not been well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, asthma or a history of cold sores (herpes), as arginine may trigger outbreaks in some people. Stop supplements about 2 weeks before planned surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
Overdose
Large amounts may cause severe diarrhoea, low blood pressure and, with injections, dangerous changes in blood potassium and acid levels. Seek medical help if too much has been taken.
Therapeutic Class
Amino acid; nutritional supplement.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Injections: store as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.