Arginine (also known as L-Arginine)
Why is it important for my child to take this medicine?
When protein from food is digested, it is broken down into small molecules called amino acids, which are needed by all the cells in the body. If there is too much amino acid in the blood, it is turned to ammonia in the liver, and then into uric acid, which the body gets rid of in urine (wee).
Urea cycle disorders are inherited disorders where ammonia is not turned into uric acid properly and so it builds up in the blood. Your child needs to take arginine regularly to help reduce the levels of ammonia in their body.
What is arginine available as?
Tablets: 500 mg
Powder: 100 g
Liquid medicine can be ordered specially from your pharmacist: 500 mg in 5 mL
When should I give arginine?
Arginine is usually given three or four times a day.
Three times a day: this should be in the morning, early afternoon and at bedtime. Ideally, these times are at least 6 hours apart, for example 8 am, 2 pm and 8 pm.
Four times a day: this is usually first thing in the morning, at about midday, late in the afternoon and at bedtime. Ideally, these times should be at least 4 hours apart, for example 8 am, midday, 4 pm and 8 pm.
How much should I give?
Your doctor will work out the amount of arginine (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label.
It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to give.
How should I give it?
TabletsTablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, milk or juice. Your child should not chew the tablet.
PowderPowder: Sprinkle or stir the powder into a small amount of soft food (e.g. yogurt or feed) or a small drink of water or milk. Your child should then swallow the food or drink straight away, without chewing. Make sure they take it all.
Liquid medicine with oral syringeLiquid medicine: Measure out the right amount using an oral syringe or medicine spoon. You can get these from your pharmacist. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.
When should the medicine start working?
This medicine should start to work straight away. You may not see an obvious difference but your child should start to feel better as the amount of ammonia in their body falls.
What if my child is sick (vomits)?
If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of arginine, give them the same dose again.
If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of arginine, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.
What if I forget to give it?
Do not give the missed dose. Just give the next dose as usual.
What if I give too much?
You are unlikely to do harm if you give an extra dose of arginine by mistake. If you are concerned that you may have given your child too much, contact your doctor or local NHS services (111 in parts of England; 0845 4647 in parts of England and Wales; 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland). Have the medicine or packaging with you if you telephone for advice.
Are there any possible side-effects?
We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects). However, arginine is not likely to cause any side-effects. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor.
You can report any suspected side-effects to a UK safety scheme at http://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Can other medicines be given at the same time as arginine?
You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?
Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
If you are not sure a medicine is working, contact your doctor but continue to give the medicine as usual in the meantime. Do not give extra doses, as you may do harm.
Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.
If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor.
Make sure that you always have enough medicine. It may take up to 3 weeks for your pharmacist to order arginine powder or medicine, so make sure you order a new prescription at least 3 weeks before you will run out.
Make sure that the medicine you have at home has not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
Keep the medicine in the container it came in.
Who to contact for more information
Your child’s doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about arginine and about other medicines used to treat urea cycle disorders.
