What it is used for
- Adding glutamine to intravenous nutrition in patients who cannot eat or after major surgery, as the medical team decides
- As part of a hospital nutrition plan for patients who are malnourished or have higher needs
How it is used
- It is given only in hospital as a drip into a vein, mixed with or given alongside an amino acid solution
- It is never injected undiluted, and the medical team decides how much and for how long
- The team does regular blood tests to check the liver, kidneys and salt balance
Possible side effects
- Irritation or pain at the drip site
- Changes in liver function tests
- Rarely, chills or nausea
Who should not use it
- Severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
- Severe metabolic acidosis
- Critically ill patients with failure of several organs
- Allergy to any ingredient of the solution
Before and while using it
- Liver and kidney function and acid balance need monitoring during use
- It is not complete nutrition; it is always given with other feeding solutions
- It is not recommended in patients in shock or with failure of several organs
Medicine interactions
- No important drug interactions are known; the hospital pharmacist checks it is compatible with other infusions
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- There is not enough information; it is used in pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the doctor decides it is needed
How to store it
- It is stored in the hospital pharmacy as the pack directs
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.