L-Arginine
Description
The primary ingredient of L-Arginine is L-arginine, which is an amino acid present in the body. L-arginine plays an important role in many vital functions in the human body. It is used as a supplement to improve blood flow in patients with high blood pressure and many other heart-related complications. It is also used as a supplement in pregnancy.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for L-Arginine
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Allergic skin reaction
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar levels
- Diarrhea
- Worsening of asthma
Uses of L-Arginine
What is it prescribed for?
- Fertility supplement
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Erectile Dysfuntion
- Heart and blood vessel disorder
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this supplement to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this supplement remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This supplement is considered safe for consumption/use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This supplement should be taken/applied only after consulting your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This supplement is considered safe for consumption/use by breastfeeding women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This supplement should be taken/applied only after consulting your doctor.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This supplement is considered safe for consumption/use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This supplement should be taken/applied only after consulting your doctor.
Breast-feeding
This supplement is considered safe for consumption/use by breastfeeding women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This supplement should be taken/applied only after consulting your doctor.
General warnings
Other uses
L-Arginine may be prescribed by the doctor as an adjunctive treatment for a variety of other ailments depending on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver diseases
This supplement should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this supplement. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney diseases
This supplement should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this supplement. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Surgery
This supplement is not recommended for use in patients who have recently undergone a surgery or are scheduled to undergo surgery in the near future due to the increased risk of alterations in the blood pressure levels. It is advised that you stop the use of this supplement at least 2 weeks prior to a scheduled surgery. An alternative treatment option may be necessary in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Herpes infection
This supplement is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a herpes infection due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Take/Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Sildenafil
Antihypertensives
Insulin
Nitrates
Xylitol
Disease interactions
Hypotension
This supplement should be used with caution in patients suffering from hypotension (low blood pressure levels) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary while receiving this supplement. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. An alternative treatment option may be necessary in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Heart attack and Stroke
This supplement is not recommended for use in patients who have had a recent heart attack or stroke due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. An alternative treatment option may be necessary in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Follow all the usage instructions mentioned in the label/package insert and take/apply this supplement exactly as advised. Do not take/apply in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
L-Arginine works by increasing the production of a certain specific chemical in the body that positively affects blood flow. It also improves the immune system and hormone levels in the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Oral nutritional supplements
Schedule
OTC
[Internet]. Altmedrev.com. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Avipharma.gr. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
Jr W. Arginine metabolism: nitric oxide and beyond. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. E-lactancia.org. 2018 [cited 11 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 14 Dec 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.