L-Glutamine

Name	L-Glutamine
Uses	Amino acid used to support gut health, immune function, and muscle recovery. May assist with intestinal barrier repair, support recovery after illness or exercise, and enhance metabolic function. Commonly used in wellness IVs for gut healing, immune support, and post-workout recovery.
Route Of Administration	Intravenous (IV)
Frequency Of Use	Typically administered once weekly for general wellness, immune, or gut support. In recovery or performance programs, may be given up to twice weekly for 4 to 6 weeks, followed by reassessment. Long-term use should be reviewed every 8 to 12 weeks.
Concentration(s)	Common compounded concentrations range from 50 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL.
Maximum Dosage (Day, Wk) (g/mL)/mL	Maximum dose per infusion: 1,500 mg (1.5 g). Maximum weekly dose: 3,000 mg (3 g). Higher doses are not recommended for elective wellness patients due to potential nitrogen load and renal stress.
Contraindications	Severe renal impairment or dialysis dependency (risk of nitrogen accumulation). Severe hepatic impairment. Known hypersensitivity to L-glutamine or any component of the formulation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless cleared by OB provider. Active cancer or history of certain malignancies (due to potential promotion of tumor growth).
Possible Side Effects	Nausea, headache, flushing, or dizziness during infusion. Mild abdominal discomfort. Injection site irritation. Rare: allergic reactions (rash, itching, hypersensitivity).
Compatibility With Other Drugs	Compatible with normal saline and D5W. Should not be mixed directly with calcium-containing solutions. May be combined with other amino acids or vitamins in comprehensive wellness IVs, but compatibility must always be verified.
Allergies	True allergy to L-glutamine is rare. Reactions are more likely related to preservatives or stabilizers in compounded formulations.
Administration Time	Typical infusion time: 30 to 45 minutes for doses up to 1,500 mg. Infusing too rapidly may increase nausea and flushing.
IV Dosing	For general wellness and immune/gut support: 500 mg to 1,000 mg IV once weekly. For recovery or performance support: 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg IV once or twice weekly for 4 to 6 weeks, followed by reassessment. Long-term use requires periodic clinical review.
IM/Push	May be given as a slow IV push for doses up to 500 mg over 5 to 10 minutes. Higher doses should be given via drip to improve tolerability. IM administration is not recommended due to local irritation and muscle soreness.
What To Do If Adverse Reaction Occurs	1. Stop the infusion immediately. 2. Assess vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation). 3. If nausea, flushing, or dizziness occurs, place the patient in a comfortable position and administer oral fluids if tolerated. 4. For allergic reactions (rash, itching, shortness of breath), administer antihistamines and consider epinephrine if severe. 5. If symptoms persist or worsen, arrange for emergency transfer to a higher level of care (call 911 if necessary).