Indications
L-Ornithine L-Aspartate (often shortened to LOLA) is used in liver disease, mainly to treat or help prevent hepatic encephalopathy. This is a condition in which a damaged liver cannot clear ammonia from the blood, so ammonia builds up and affects the brain, causing confusion, sleepiness, poor concentration or shaking hands. It is also used as supportive treatment in chronic liver conditions such as cirrhosis and fatty liver, as decided by a doctor.
How It Works
LOLA provides two amino acids, Ornithine and Aspartate. In the liver and muscles they help the body turn ammonia into urea and glutamine, which are less harmful and can be removed. Lowering ammonia in the blood can improve alertness and other symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
Dosage and Administration
Oral granules or tablets: dose as prescribed; a common adult dose is 3 g (one sachet dissolved in water or juice) one to three times a day after meals, or as directed by the doctor. Injection or infusion: given into a vein in hospital by a doctor or nurse, at a dose and rate set by the doctor. Continue other treatments for liver disease, such as Lactulose, as advised.
Interactions
No important drug interactions are well known. Tell your doctor about all medicines, as people with liver disease often take several, and some (for example sedatives) can worsen confusion.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe kidney failure (for example a high serum creatinine), unless your doctor decides otherwise. It is not suitable for people with certain rare inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism.
Side Effects
It is generally well tolerated. Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, bloating or diarrhoea can occur, especially with oral forms. With injections, pain or irritation at the infusion site may happen, and fast infusion can cause nausea.
Get urgent medical help if confusion or drowsiness gets worse, if you vomit blood or pass black stools, or if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough information on safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed.
Precautions and Warnings
Kidney function should be checked, especially with high doses. Hepatic encephalopathy is serious and needs medical follow-up; this medicine supports treatment but does not cure liver disease. Avoid alcohol. Some granule products contain sugar or sweeteners; check the label if you have diabetes. Do not drive if you feel drowsy or confused.
Overdose
No specific effects are well described beyond stomach upset. Seek medical advice; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Hepatoprotective, ammonia-lowering agent (amino acid preparation).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Injections: as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.