Drug Guide

Generic Name

Amino Acids (various formulations)

Brand Names Freamine 8.5%, Freamine II 8.5%, Freamine III 8.5%, Freamine III 10%, Freamine Hbc 6.9%, Travasol 5.5% W/o Electrolytes, Travasol 8.5% W/o Electrolytes, Travasol 10% W/o Electrolytes, Renamin W/o Electrolytes, Aminosyn 5%, Aminosyn 7%, Aminosyn 10%, Aminosyn 8.5%, Aminosyn 7% (ph6), Aminosyn 8.5% (ph6), Aminosyn 10% (ph6), Nephramine 5.4%, Aminosyn 3.5%, Novamine 8.5%, Novamine 11.4%, Novamine 15%, Aminosyn-rf 5.2%, Hepatamine 8%, Branchamin 4%, Branchamin 4% In Plastic Container, Neopham 6.4%, Aminosyn 3.5% In Plastic Container, Aminess 5.2% Essential Amino Acids W/ Histadine, Travasol 5.5% In Plastic Container, Travasol 8.5% In Plastic Container, Travasol 10% In Plastic Container, Trophamine, Trophamine 10%, Aminosyn-hbc 7%, Aminosyn-pf 7%, Aminosyn-hbc 7% In Plastic Container, Aminosyn Ii 3.5%, Aminosyn Ii 5%, Aminosyn Ii 7%, Aminosyn Ii 8.5%, Aminosyn Ii 10%, Aminosyn Ii 3.5% In Plastic Container, Aminosyn-pf 10%, Aminosyn Ii 10% In Plastic Container, Aminosyn Ii 15% In Plastic Container, Novamine 15% Sulfite Free In Plastic Container, Aminosyn-hf 8%, Hepatasol 8%, Clinisol 15% Sulfite Free In Plastic Container, Prosol 20% Sulfite Free In Plastic Container, Premasol 6% In Plastic Container, Premasol 10% In Plastic Container

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional Support

Pharmacological: Amino Acid Mixture

FDA Approved Indications

  • Parenteral nutrition in patients requiring amino acid supplementation
  • Supporting metabolic needs when oral nutrition is not feasible

Mechanism of Action

Provides essential and non-essential amino acids directly into the bloodstream, supporting protein synthesis and metabolic functions.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dose varies based on nutritional needs; typically 0.8-2.0 g amino acids/kg/day via IV infusion.

Pediatric: Dosed according to age and weight; commonly 0.5-2 g/kg/day under medical supervision.

Geriatric: Adjusted based on renal and hepatic function; require careful monitoring.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments required; monitor renal function and electrolytes.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; avoid in hepatic encephalopathy unless monitored closely.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not applicable (administered parenterally).

Distribution: Distributed throughout body water compartments.

Metabolism: Metabolized in tissues; catabolized in liver or peripherally as proteins.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via urine as nitrogenous waste.

Half Life: Varies depending on the specific formulation and patient condition.

Contraindications

  • Allergy to amino acids or components
  • Metabolic disorders contraindicating amino acid infusion

Precautions

  • Monitor renal and hepatic function during therapy
  • Use caution in patients with fluid overload or electrolyte abnormalities
  • Pregnancy and lactation: consult specific product labeling

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Pain or phlebitis at infusion site (Rare)
  • Electrolyte disturbances (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Metabolic disturbances, including azotemia (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • May interact with medications affecting renal or hepatic function
  • Certain alkali solutions may interact with amino acid infusions

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor infusion site, fluid status, electrolyte levels, and liver/kidney function.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance
  • ineffective tissue perfusion related to infusion complications

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, rotate infusion site, and monitor patient response.

Evaluation: Assess nutritional status, laboratory parameters, and infusion site regularly.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report any pain, swelling, or redness at infusion site immediately.
  • Understand that this is for nutritional support and will be given intravenously.
  • Follow instructions regarding infusion timing and monitoring.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None specified.

Lab Test Interference: May affect nitrogen balance tests and serum protein levels.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Electrolyte imbalance, fluid overload, metabolic disturbances.

Treatment: Discontinue infusion, supportive care, correct electrolytes and fluid status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from light.

Stability: Stable until expiration date when unopened; follow specific product guidelines.

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.