Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement

Average Dose: 10 g orally 3 times per day

Dosing range: 5 g to 30 g orally per day

Usual Adult Dose for Short Bowel Syndrome

Oral: 5 g orally 6 times per day at 2 to 3 hour intervals, with meals or snacks, while awake, for up to 16 weeks; to be used in combination with growth hormone and nutritional support.

Usual Adult Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia

In a clinical study of 7 patients after 4 weeks of therapy with glutamine at 30 g orally per day, there was clinical benefit in reducing the oxidative susceptibility of sickle red blood cells.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia

In a clinical study of 27 children (5.2 to 17.9 years old) after 24 weeks of therapy with glutamine at 600 mg/kg/day orally there was clinical benefit seen in resting energy expenditure and improvement in nutritional parameters.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No data available; however, the manufacturer recommends routine monitoring of renal function.

Liver Dose Adjustments

No specific dose adjustment guidelines have been suggested; however, glutamine is metabolized to glutamate and ammonia which may increase in patients with hepatic dysfunction. The manufacturer recommends routine monitoring of liver function.

Dose Adjustments

In the event of a patient's transient intolerance to oral intake, a dose may be delayed for up to 2 hours.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy of glutamine treatment beyond 16 weeks has not been studied.

Generally, dose selection for an elderly patient should be individualized, because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, as well as concomitant disease in this population.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Glutamine has been used in conjunction with recombinant human growth hormone in patients receiving specialized nutritional support.

Glutamine is available in capsule, tablet, powder packet, powder for solution, or powder for suspension form from various manufacturers. Each dose of oral powder should be reconstituted with 8 ounces of water or a volume as determined by the individual manufacturer (volume may be varied according to the patient's preference) prior to consumption.

Frequently asked questions

• Do athletes need glutamine?