Home Drug Guide Arginine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Arginine Hydrochloride

Brand Names R-gene 10

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement / Amino acid

Pharmacological: Semi-essential amino acid, nitric oxide precursor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Nutritional supplementation in cases of arginine deficiency, potentially to improve vasodilation, immune function, or wound healing

Mechanism of Action

Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), which acts as a vasodilator, enhances blood flow, and modulates immune responses.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 1-6 grams daily, divided doses, but should be individualized based on clinical condition.

Pediatric: Use under medical supervision; dosage varies based on age and weight.

Geriatric: Adjust dosage as tolerated; monitor renal function.

Renal Impairment: Use caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary due to decreased clearance.

Hepatic Impairment: Use caution; limited data, consult healthcare provider.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Distributed widely in body tissues; crosses cell membranes.

Metabolism: Metabolized primarily in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine, as unchanged amino acid and metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to arginine or its derivatives.
  • Active herpes virus infections (may exacerbate symptoms).

Precautions

  • Use with caution in cardiovascular disease, hypotension, or conditions where vasodilation could be harmful. May interfere with certain medications such as vasodilators or ED drugs.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, or swelling. (Rare)
  • Restlessness, nausea, or low blood pressure in some cases. (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Vasodilators, antihypertensives, PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil).

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, cardiovascular status, and renal function.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypotension

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, preferably on an empty stomach for better absorption.

Evaluation: Assess for improvements in clinical conditions, such as enhanced wound healing or blood flow.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take as prescribed, with or without food.
  • Report any allergic reactions, GI discomfort, or dizziness.
  • Inform about the potential for interactions with blood pressure medications.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None known specifically.

Lab Test Interference: None reported.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, hypotension, or allergic reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care; dialysis in severe cases; monitor cardiovascular and renal status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Stability: Stable at room temperature when unopened.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.