Home Drug Guide Glycine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Glycine

Brand Names Glycine 1.5% In Plastic Container

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement, Adjunct in certain medical conditions

Pharmacological: Amino acid, Neurotransmitter

FDA Approved Indications

  • Not officially approved by FDA as a drug but used as a nutritional supplement or investigational agent in clinical studies

Mechanism of Action

Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by binding to glycine receptors, leading to chloride influx and neuronal hyperpolarization; it also functions in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically used as a supplement or in clinical trials; dosage varies based on specific indications.

Pediatric: Use is off-label; consult healthcare provider.

Geriatric: Adjust based on renal and hepatic function, monitoring for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Monitor closely; dosage adjustments may be necessary due to altered metabolism.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific guidelines, but hepatic metabolism may influence dosing.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract when administered orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues; crosses blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver via various pathways including glycine cleavage system.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 3 hours in plasma.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to glycine or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; monitor renal function and metabolic status.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset (Rare)
  • Dizziness (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions (rash, pruritus, swelling) (Rare)
  • Hyperglycemia in susceptible individuals (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-documented; however, caution with drugs affecting central nervous system or renal function.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; consult healthcare provider before combining with herbal supplements.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor neurological status, hydration, and renal function.

Diagnoses:

  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements (if used as supplement)
  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; monitor for adverse effects.

Evaluation: Assess patient response and tolerability; monitor laboratory parameters as indicated.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Inform about the purpose of glycine supplementation.
  • Report any side effects such as allergic reactions or unusual symptoms.
  • Maintain adequate hydration and follow prescribed dosing.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: No significant interference reported.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Potential CNS depression, hypotension, dysglycemia, or allergic reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care; symptomatic treatment; monitor vital signs; activate emergency services if severe symptoms occur.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; consult manufacturer for 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.