Arginine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Intravenous
Evaluation of pituitary growth hormone reserve

Adult: In patients where measurement of pituitary reserve for human growth hormone can be of diagnostic usefulness: As 10% arginine hydrochloride solution: 30 g as a single dose via IV infusion over 30 minutes. Max total dose: 30 g.
Child: In patients where measurement of pituitary reserve for human growth hormone can be of diagnostic usefulness: As 10% arginine hydrochloride solution: <60 kg: 0.5 g/kg as a single dose via infusion over 30 minutes (Max total dose: 30 g); ≥60 kg: Same as adult dose.

What are the brands available for Arginine in Malaysia?

Arginitric

Special Precautions

Patient with electrolyte imbalance or anuria. Not intended for therapeutic use. Avoid extravasation. Renal and severe hepatic impairment. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis); infusion-related reactions.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Local venous irritation.
Nervous system disorders: Headache, numbness.
Renal and urinary disorders: Haematuria.
Vascular disorders: Flushing.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

IV/Parenteral: B

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor acid-base status (e.g. arterial or capillary blood gases); serum electrolytes (e.g. sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphorus), BUN, glucose, plasma amino acids and ammonia. Assess for signs of infusion site reactions.

Overdosage

Symptoms: Transient metabolic acidosis with hyperventilation, cerebral oedema and hypotension. Management: Give a calculated dose of alkalising agent for persistent metabolic acidosis.

Drug Interactions

May increase the hypotensive effect of blood pressure-lowering agents. Estrogens and estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives may increase growth hormone response to arginine.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Arginine, a dibasic amino acid, stimulates the pituitary release of growth hormone and prolactin through origins in the hypothalamus resulting in an increase in growth hormone in the plasma level. This increase is diminished or absent in patients with impaired pituitary function.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Time to peak plasma concentration: 22-30 minutes.
Distribution: Crosses the placenta. Volume of distribution: Approx 33 L/kg.
Metabolism: Extensively metabolised in the liver and intestines.
Excretion: Via urine (16% during the 1st 90 minutes; biphasic elimination). Elimination half-life: 42 ± 2 minutes.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store at 25°C. Avoid excessive heat.

MIMS Class

Radiographic & Diagnostic Agents

References

Arginine Hydrochloride. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 02/06/2025.

Arginine. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 02/06/2025.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Arginine. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 02/06/2025.

R-gene Injection, Solution (Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 02/06/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Arginine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com