Aminosol Gold

Indications

Amino acids, glucose and electrolytes is an intravenous (IV) nutrition solution. It supplies protein building blocks, energy and essential salts to patients who cannot eat or absorb enough food through the gut, for example after major surgery, in severe illness, burns, serious bowel disease or prolonged vomiting. It is a form of parenteral nutrition (feeding through a vein).

How It Works

The amino acids are used by the body to build and repair proteins in muscles, organs, blood and the immune system. Glucose provides energy so that the amino acids are used for building rather than burned for fuel. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate and acetate keep the body's fluid and salt balance and support nerve, muscle and heart function.

Dosage and Administration

This solution is given only in hospital by a doctor or nurse, as a slow infusion into a vein, usually through a drip or a central line. The volume and rate depend on body weight, nutritional needs, fluid balance and blood test results, as prescribed. Lipids, vitamins and trace elements may be added by the hospital pharmacy as needed.

Interactions

Other medicines should only be added to the bag if they are known to be compatible. Insulin may be needed to control blood sugar. Diuretics, steroids and some other medicines can affect electrolyte levels, so blood tests guide adjustment.

Contraindications

• Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.
• Severe liver failure or hepatic coma, and severe kidney failure without dialysis.
• Uncontrolled high blood sugar, high blood potassium or other serious electrolyte imbalances.
• Fluid overload, acute heart failure, shock or severe acidosis that has not been corrected.

Side Effects

High blood sugar, electrolyte changes, fluid overload, nausea, and vein irritation or inflammation at the drip site may occur. Infusing too fast can cause flushing, sweating and vomiting. Line infections and liver changes can occur with long-term use. When feeding is started in a severely malnourished person, dangerous falls in phosphate and potassium (refeeding syndrome) can happen.

Patients are monitored closely. Tell staff immediately about fever, chills, pain or swelling at the drip site, breathlessness, swelling of the legs, confusion or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when parenteral nutrition is clearly needed, with careful monitoring by the medical team.

Precautions and Warnings

Blood sugar, electrolytes, fluid balance, kidney and liver tests are checked regularly. Start slowly in malnourished patients. Strict sterile technique is needed. Use with care in heart, kidney or liver disease and in diabetes.

Overdose

Infusing too much or too fast can cause fluid overload, high blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance and vomiting. The infusion is slowed or stopped and the patient treated for symptoms.

Therapeutic Class

Parenteral nutrition solution (amino acids with carbohydrate and electrolytes).

Storage

Hospital product: store as directed on the pack, below 25 to 30°C as stated, protected from light; do not freeze. Use promptly once opened or mixed.