L-Glutamine (3 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: FOR SOLUTION.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- ENDARI
- L-GLUTAMINE
- NUTRESTORE
Indications and Usage
L-glutamine oral powder is indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older.
Contraindications
None
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of the amino acid L-glutamine in treating sickle cell disease (SCD) is not fully understood. Oxidative stress phenomena are involved in the pathophysiology of SCD. Sickle red blood cells (RBCs) are more susceptible to oxidative damage than normal RBCs, which may contribute to the chronic hemolysis and vaso-occlusive events associated with SCD. The pyridine nucleotides, NAD +and its reduced form NADH, play roles in regulating and preventing oxidative damage in RBCs. L-glutamine may improve the NAD redox potential in sickle RBCs through increasing the availability of reduced glutathione.
Overdosage
Single oral doses of L-glutamine at about 20 g/kg to 22 g/kg, 8 g/kg to 11 g/kg, and 19 g/kg were lethal in mice, rats, and rabbits, respectively. Supportive measures should be undertaken in the event of overdose of L-glutamine.