Indications - Amino acid is indicated as a source of amino acids for protein synthesis in patients needing intravenous nutrition. Amino acid is particularly suitable for patients with basal amino acid requirements. Amino acid is also indicated in faster recovery in surgery, burns, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency and effective management of cancer.
Dosage & Administration - The nitrogen requirement for maintenance of body protein mass depends on the patient's condition (nutritional state and degree of metabolic stress). No or minor metabolic stress and normal nutritional state: 0.10-0.15 g nitrogen/kg/day, Moderate metabolic stress with or without malnutrition: 0.15-0.20 g nitrogen/kg/day, Severe catabolism as in burns, sepsis and trauma: up to 0.20-0.25 g nitrogen/kg/day. The dosage range 0.10-0.25 g nitrogen/kg/day corresponds to 15-35 ml Amino acids IV/kg/day. In obese patients, the dose should be based on the estimated ideal weight. Depending upon patients requirements, 1000-2000 ml Amino acids IV may be infused intravenously per 24 hours. Amino acids IV should be infused slowly, at rates 1.4-2.8 ml (30-60 drops) per minute. In children and infants: The rate of infusion is 28-35 ml/kg body weight per day is recommended, with a step-wise increase in the rate of administration during the frst week.
Side Effects - This preparation is usually well tolerated. Nausea occurs rarely. Vomiting, flushing and sweating have been observed during infusion of Amino acid at rates exceeding the recommended maximal rate. Transient increases liver test during intravenous nutrition have been reported. The reasons are at present unclear. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. As with all hypertonic infusion solutions, thrombophlebitis may occur when peripheral veins are used. The incidence may be reduced by the simultaneous infusion of 10% fat emulsion. If given to severely ill, premature infants, hyperphenylalaninemia may occur.
Contraindications - This is contraindicated in patients with inborn errors of amino acids metabolism, severe liver dysfunction and in severe uremia when dialysis facilities are not available. Due to the content of glucose, Amino Acids IV infusion and 10% Glucose with Electrolytes is contraindicated in patients with hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic coma.
Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Successful and safe administration of amino acid solutions during pregnancy in the human has been reported. Animal reproduction studies have not been carried out with Amino acid.