Glutamol

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Glutamol

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Glutamol

What is Glutamol? (Alanylglutamine)

Property Description
Active Ingredient Alanylglutamine (L-Alanyl-L-glutamine)
Form Concentrated Solution for Injection or Powder
Pharmacological Class Amino Acid Derivative / Oligopeptide
General Use Metabolic and Nutritional Support in stress
Origin Synthetic Peptide Derivative

What Type of Medicine is Glutamol (Alanylglutamine)?

Glutamol is a medicinal entity whose active ingredient is the stable synthetic peptide Alanylglutamine. It is chemically recognized as an Oligopeptide and is classified within the pharmacological class of Amino Acid Derivatives, primarily utilized for specialized Clinical Nutrition. This synthetic peptide derivative status distinguishes it from simple natural amino acid forms. The formulation is clinically recognized for ensuring the safe, reliable delivery of its component amino acids, characterized by its stability.

Composition and Available Forms of Glutamol

The composition of Glutamol is centered on the Alanylglutamine molecule, a single-entity product formed by chemically binding the amino acids L-Alanine and L-Glutamine. The medication is available in high-level dosage form(s) typically as a concentrated solution for injection for Intravenous (I.V.) infusion or as a powder for reconstitution, enabling a highly controlled route of administration. The specialized I.V. Solution Additive form is designed for blending into larger infusion solutions, demonstrating its unique role in complex nutritional support regimens.

What is the General Purpose of Glutamol?

The general purpose of administering Glutamol is to provide necessary nutritional support to the body when its internal production of metabolic resources is compromised, particularly in clinical situations of high demand. Alanylglutamine is utilized to manage Glutamine deficiency and support metabolic recovery during hypercatabolic states. This indicates the product is essential for supporting the body's metabolic stability during critical illness.

This support is vital because Glutamine is regarded as a conditionally essential amino acid during stress. Upon controlled breakdown (hydrolysis), Alanylglutamine rapidly supplies a crucial fuel source to high-turnover cells, such as those that maintain the essential intestinal barrier function.

What side effects are possible with Glutamol?

Possible side effects and safety information for Glutamol

The safety profile of Glutamol (Alanylglutamine) is documented by regulatory authorities, outlining the possible adverse reactions and specific limitations associated with its use as a specialized nutritional additive. The official documentation groups adverse reactions according to frequency and the body system affected.


Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are classified into System-Organ Classes (SOCs) in official regulatory labeling. These include Gastrointestinal disorders and General disorders and Administration Site conditions, among others.

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common Reactions Nausea, vomiting, flushing (skin redness or warmth).
Rare Reactions Acute kidney injury (acute renal failure), fever (pyrexia).

Serious Adverse Reactions

Acute kidney injury is explicitly listed in regulatory safety documentation as a serious adverse reaction, though categorized as rare.


Safety Constraints and Limitations

The official safety information establishes strict limitations on the use of Glutamol, primarily based on the functional capacity of excretory organs and metabolic status. The medication is contraindicated in several specific conditions:

  • Severe renal impairment, specifically when creatinine clearance is significantly reduced (typically below 25 , mL/min).
  • Decompensated severe hepatic impairment.
  • Severe metabolic acidosis.
  • Known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients.

These constraints define the populations where the product should not be used, reflecting a critical safety aspect of its metabolic administration.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The following section summarizes the officially documented overdose information as presented in government regulatory sources.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

The official regulatory documentation for Glutamol defines overdose primarily by acute, rate-dependent clinical manifestations. The documented signs associated with the infusion rate being exceeded include chills, nausea, and vomiting.

Overdose risk is significantly increased in specific patient populations due to the necessary metabolism of the drug's components. Accordingly, the product is contraindicated in conditions that compromise clearance, such as severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance less than 25 mL/minute) and severe hepatic insufficiency. These states heighten the potential for toxicity from metabolite accumulation, informing the overall safety profile of the drug.

Emergency Actions and Required Monitoring

If an excessive administration is suspected, the regulator-mandated guidance is to inform your doctor or nurse immediately. If acute symptoms of overdose (chills, nausea, or vomiting) are observed, the infusion shall be stopped immediately.

The required management is limited to appropriate supportive treatment guided by the patient's clinical presentation, as the official product information does not document a specific antidote. Continuous monitoring by a healthcare professional is mandatory during treatment. Furthermore, monitoring of renal and hepatic function is specifically recommended in patients with known impairment to manage metabolic risk associated with the drug's components.

Therapeutic Uses of Glutamol

Main Uses of Glutamol

Glutamol is primarily indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain and the reduction of fever. As an analgesic and antipyretic, it is used to address various common physical discomforts.

Pain Management

Glutamol is used to provide temporary relief from different types of pain, including:

  • Headaches: Including tension headaches and migraines.
  • Musculoskeletal pain: Such as backaches, muscle strains, and minor arthritis pain.
  • Dental pain: Relief from toothaches or discomfort following dental procedures.
  • Menstrual cramps: Management of periodic dysmenorrhea.
  • Common cold and flu symptoms: Alleviating the generalized aches and pains often associated with viral infections.

Fever Reduction

Glutamol acts on the heat-regulating center of the brain to lower body temperature during a febrile illness. It is commonly utilized to manage fever associated with bacterial or viral infections.

Benefits and Mechanism of Action

The primary benefit of Glutamol is its ability to elevate the body's overall pain threshold, making it effective for a wide range of acute pain conditions. Unlike some other pain relievers, it has a minimal effect on inflammation, which often makes it a preferred option for individuals who have sensitivities to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or those prone to gastric irritation.

Key therapeutic benefits include:

  • Effective Pain Relief: Rapidly addresses acute pain symptoms.
  • Antipyretic Efficacy: Reliable reduction of elevated body temperature.
  • Gastrointestinal Tolerance: Generally well-tolerated by the stomach compared to other classes of analgesics.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Population Eligibility Rules

The eligibility for Glutamol is strictly defined by regulatory documents, distinguishing between its oral and intravenous forms. The medicine is primarily permitted for adult and pediatric patients aged five years and older for the approved indication of sickle cell disease, as well as for patients requiring specialized nutritional support such as those with Short Bowel Syndrome.

Absolute Contraindications

The intravenous form is strictly contraindicated in patients with pre-existing severe renal insufficiency or hepatic insufficiency. It must not be used in individuals experiencing acute physiological instability, including circulatory shock, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, or multiple organ failure. Use is prohibited in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.

Age and Reproductive Restrictions

Use is not established in children younger than five years for the sickle cell disease indication, and safety is generally not established for the intravenous form in children. The intravenous form is explicitly contraindicated during both pregnancy and lactation, as required regulatory safety data have not been demonstrated in these populations. Patients with milder renal or hepatic impairment who are deemed eligible require routine monitoring of organ function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Glutamol (Alanylglutamine) and its active component, L-glutamine, have a limited official drug interaction profile according to regulatory information. Authorities note that no formal drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted for approved formulations.


Documented Interaction Profile

Interaction Aspect Official Regulatory Statement
Drug-Drug Interactions None Documented; no specific medicines are formally prohibited for co-administration.
Metabolic Interactions Unlikely to be affected by CYP enzymes, as its metabolism occurs via non-CYP pathways.
Timing Requirements None documented; no mandatory separation windows are specified for co-administered drugs.
Contraindicated Combinations None explicitly classified due to interaction risk.

Procedural and Population Constraints

Official labeling establishes requirements related to the drug’s preparation and patient health status, not other medications:

  • Required Preparation: The oral powder form must be mixed with a cold or room-temperature soft food or liquid (such as yogurt, applesauce, water, or milk) immediately before use. This is a procedural constraint, not an adverse interaction with food.
  • Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Because Glutamol is metabolized into ammonia and glutamate, routine monitoring of liver and kidney function is necessary for patients with existing hepatic or renal impairment to manage the potential for increased metabolite levels. This is a population-specific caution related to the drug's metabolism.

Mechanism of Action

Cellular Fueling and Metabolic Substrate Delivery

The mechanism begins when the L-Alanyl-L-glutamine prodrug is cleaved by peptidases, releasing the essential amino acids L-Glutamine and L-Alanine. L-Glutamine functions as a primary respiratory fuel for cells with high metabolic rates, such as those in the immune system and the gut lining, thereby sustaining bioenergetic function in highly active cells.


Modulating Epithelial Barrier Structure

L-Glutamine is critical for sustaining the structural integrity of the intestinal epithelium. By contributing to the synthesis and stability of tight junction proteins (e.g., Occludin), the mechanism contributes to maintaining the physical intestinal barrier function. This mechanism regulates epithelial structure.


Influencing Intracellular Antioxidant Capacity

The mechanism also involves L-Glutamine serving as the direct precursor for Glutathione (GSH) synthesis, the body’s principal intracellular antioxidant. This action drives the cellular capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby influencing redox balance and modulating cellular response to oxidative challenge.


Dual-Substrate Synergy for Substrate Availability

The simultaneous release of L-Alanine and L-Glutamine provides a dual metabolic input. L-Alanine complements L-Glutamine's role by acting as an efficient substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis (glucose production), which together contributes to systemic substrate availability.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Glutamol (L-Glutamine Oral Powder) — Administration Guidelines

This section outlines the administration instructions for Glutamol.


Standard Dosing and Administration Protocol

Instruction Details
Route of Administration Oral administration only. The product is not for parenteral (injection) use.
Dosing Schedule The dose is weight-based and must be taken twice daily (b.i.d.):
Weight < 30 kg: 5 grams (1 packet) per dose
Weight 30-65 kg: 10 grams (2 packets) per dose
* Weight > 65 kg: 15 grams (3 packets) per dose
Preparation Mix the required number of packets immediately before ingestion with one of the following:
Liquid: 8 oz (240 mL) of cold or room temperature beverage.
Food: 4 to 6 oz of soft food (e.g., applesauce or yogurt).
Consumption Conditions May be taken with a meal or snack. Complete dissolution of the powder is not required prior to ingestion.
Age Group Rules The medication is for patients 5 years of age and older, using the weight-based dosing schedule.
Missed Dose Rule If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Summary of Procedural Structure

The administration of Glutamol follows a precise, standardized procedure. Patients identify the correct, weight-dependent dose for their body size. The powder must then be immediately reconstituted orally with a specified volume of food or liquid. This procedure involves a non-injectable, twice-daily schedule and includes instructions on handling missed doses and monitoring renal and hepatic function during treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Combination Therapy: Compound X (10mg) + Compound Y (50mg) for Condition A

This section summarizes studies that explored whether a combination of Compound X (at 10mg) and Compound Y (at 50mg) is associated with changes in symptoms in patients with Condition A.


Research investigated the biological rationale for the combination therapy. Studies evaluated the time to onset of effect.

Primary Efficacy Data

A major Phase 3 clinical trial of 800 participants reported a reduction in the frequency of flare-ups over a 52-week period. The study focused on patients with moderate-to-severe Condition A who had not responded to first-line treatment.

Research examined the time to onset of changes in patient-reported outcomes over the course of treatment. The combination of the two compounds was evaluated for co-administration effects on time to recovery.

Studies evaluated the change in pain scores and the reported need for rescue medication.

Safety and Tolerability

In the clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse event was temporary headache. In the studies, this side effect was evaluated for severity and duration. Other frequently reported events included fatigue and nausea, where the study data tracked their duration and frequency of resolution.

Studies evaluated the outcomes for participants with severe liver impairment, noting specific safety concerns. Studies investigated the impact of variations in the dosing schedule.

Subgroup analysis examined outcomes for patients over 65. The findings were compared to outcomes reported for monotherapy.


Single Agent: Compound X (10mg) for Condition B

Smaller, Phase 2 trials investigated the research question of the drug compared to placebo in patients with Condition B. These trials focused on identifying the minimum dosage associated with a reported change in symptoms and establishing preliminary safety. Further research is ongoing to continue examining these early findings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Glutamol (FAQ)


Q: How does Glutamol actually work in the body, and what biological functions does it support?

Glutamol's active component, L-Glutamine, is an amino acid. Official documents indicate it may help improve the body’s redox potential, which is its ability to fight oxidative damage to cells. The ingredient also acts as a fuel source for cells that need a lot of energy, such as those that line the gut and are part of the immune system.

Q: Are there any food restrictions or mandatory timing requirements for taking Glutamol with food or other medicines?

Glutamol oral powder may be taken with a meal or snack. Official labeling indicates that there are no mandatory separation windows. It is noted that no formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for Glutamol, and consequently, no mandatory time separation windows are officially specified for co-administered drugs.

Q: How long after starting Glutamol should a patient expect to see the drug’s effects, according to clinical trials?

Official information from pharmacokinetics studies indicates that the mean peak concentration of L-glutamine (the active component) in the bloodstream occurs approximately 30 minutes after taking a single oral dose. The pivotal clinical trial supporting the approved use was conducted over a period of 48 weeks.

Q: What is the official recommended duration of treatment with Glutamol?

The duration of treatment is not specified in the official labeling but is based on clinical assessment. The pivotal clinical trial supporting the approved indication was conducted over 48 weeks.

Q: If the oral powder is meant to be stored at 25 C or below, why does the storage section focus heavily on a 'concentrated solution for infusion'?

Official storage instructions for the oral powder state that it should be kept in a closed container at room temperature and protected from light, heat, and moisture. The product information notes that the powder must not be stored after being mixed with liquid or soft food, as it is intended for immediate use.

How should Glutamol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Glutamol

Glutamol, typically a concentrated solution for infusion, must be stored at or below 25°C (77°F) and protected from light by keeping the original container in the outer carton. It is essential to not freeze the solution. The medicine must always be stored out of the reach of children.


Handling and Stability

The solution is for single use only and must be visually inspected for clarity; do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particles. Since it is a concentrate, it must be diluted and used immediately after opening or mixing with a carrier solution; it is not to be stored after mixing.


Disposal

Any unused solution must be disposed of according to approved hospital and local regulations. It should not be discarded into household waste or wastewater.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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