Common Name(s): Arginine, L-arginine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
L-arginine is classified as a nonessential amino acid, but it may be considered essential or semiessential under conditions of stress, during which L-arginine synthesis becomes compromised. L-arginine has been evaluated for use in cardiovascular disease because of its antiatherogenic, anti-ischemic, antiplatelet, and antithrombotic properties, and for use in renal disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and erectile dysfunction. Its immunostimulatory effects and potential benefits in ophthalmic conditions and preeclampsia have also been evaluated.
Dosing
L-arginine has been studied for a variety of conditions using various dosages and treatment durations; current daily dosage trends range from 6 to 30 g orally in 3 divided doses. Oral and intravenous (IV) formulations have been the most commonly studied.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not been identified. However, L-arginine is not recommended following acute myocardial infarction.
Pregnancy/Lactation
L-arginine supplementation has shown beneficial effects in women with hypertension and in those at risk for preeclampsia. However, due to minimal data regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation, L-arginine should only be used in these populations if recommended by and under the supervision of a health care provider.
Interactions
Nitrates: Caution is warranted in patients concomitantly using L-arginine supplementation and nitrates. L-arginine may potentiate the effects of isosorbide mononitrate and other nitric oxide donors, such as glyceryl trinitrate (ie, nitroglycerin) and sodium nitroprusside. Insulin: Caution is warranted in patients using insulin concomitantly with L-arginine; effects on insulin are unpredictable. Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Caution is warranted in patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs concomitantly with L-arginine; effects on cholesterol-lowering drugs are unpredictable.
Adverse Reactions
Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, palpitations, headache, and numbness have been reported with L-arginine use. Bitter taste may occur with higher doses. Because of L-arginine's vasodilatory effects, hypotension may occur. IV preparations containing L-arginine hydrochloride have a high chloride content that may increase the risk for metabolic acidosis in patients with electrolyte imbalances. Hyperkalemia and elevations in serum urea nitrogen (BUN) levels may occur in patients with renal and/or hepatic i...
