Glutamine
> **What is Glutamine?** > Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps provide energy to the cells lining the stomach and intestines. It is often used as a nutritional supplement to help the gut heal during severe illness, such as parvovirus, pancreatitis, or during chemotherapy. - **Administration:** Glutamine can be administered with food. If your pet is not eating, the powder can be dissolved in their drinking water as directed by your veterinarian. - **Safety:** It is generally very safe and well-tolerated. - **Precautions:** Inform your veterinarian if your pet has a history of liver disease, seizures, or behavioral disorders, as glutamine may not be appropriate for them.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions (for animals not eating)
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions
- Adjunctive treatment of GI inflammatory conditions (for animals not eating)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Potential CNS effects at very high dosages
- Increased serum ammonia or glutamate levels
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe hepatic insufficiency
- Severe behavior disorders
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency, severe behavior disorders, or epilepsy, as glutamine is partially metabolized into ammonia and glutamate. There is insufficient data documenting the safe use of glutamine during pregnancy or nursing.
Drug interactions
- Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., phenobarbital, potassium bromide): Glutamine could potentially decrease the efficacy of antiseizure medications because it is partially converted into glutamate, which acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
- Lactulose: Theoretically, glutamine may antagonize the ammonia-lowering effects of lactulose in patients being treated for hepatic encephalopathy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glutamine used for in pets?
> **What is Glutamine?** > Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps provide energy to the cells lining the stomach and intestines. It is often used as a nutritional supplement to help the gut heal during severe illness, such as parvovirus, pancreatitis, or during chemotherapy. - **Administration:** Glutamine can be administered with food. If your pet is not eating, the powder can be dissolved in their drinking water as directed by your veterinarian. - **Safety:** It is generally very safe and well-tolerated. - **Precautions:** Inform your veterinarian if your pet has a history of liver disease, seizures, or behavioral disorders, as glutamine may not be appropriate for them.
Is Glutamine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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