Home Drug Guide Betaine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Betaine

Brand Names Cystadane

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement, used in homocystinuria and methylation support

Pharmacological: Methyl donor agent

FDA Approved Indications

  • Homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency
  • Methylation support in folate-sensitive neural tube defects

Mechanism of Action

Betaine acts as a methyl donor, converting homocysteine to methionine via the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase, thus reducing homocysteine levels.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: As directed by a healthcare professional, typically 6 grams daily in divided doses for homocystinuria.

Pediatric: Dosage varies; should be determined by a healthcare provider based on age and condition.

Geriatric: No specific adjustments, but caution advised due to renal or hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Use caution; dose adjustments may be necessary according to renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; consult healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Distributed widely in tissues.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to betaine or any component of the formulation

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, intestinal obstruction, or dehydration. Monitor homocysteine levels and renal function regularly.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea) (Common)
  • Odor or taste disturbance (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Elevated serum sodium levels (hypernatremia) (Rare)
  • Allergic reactions, including rash, pruritus, or bronchospasm (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Divided doses of betaine may interfere with certain enzymes or metabolic pathways—consult healthcare provider for specific interactions.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor homocysteine levels, renal and hepatic function, and electrolyte status periodically.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance
  • Impaired nutritional status

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, typically orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Educate the patient about dietary considerations.

Evaluation: Assess reduction in homocysteine levels and clinical improvement.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication as prescribed, with meals if tolerated.
  • Report any allergic reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, or unusual side effects.
  • Maintain hydration and follow dietary advice provided by your healthcare provider.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: Possible interference with serum folate and vitamin B12 assays.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hypernatremia, gastrointestinal upset, headache.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, symptomatic treatment, and supportive care as needed; initiate hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for the duration of the shelf life.

🛡️ 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.