Aminorains

Uses

Acetylcysteine is used for an adjunctive treatment for patients with abnormal, viscid or inspissated mucus secretions associated with conditions such as-

Acute and chronic bronchopulmonary disorders (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, tracheobronchitis, chronic asthmatic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, primary amyloidosis of the lung) Atelectasis caused by mucus obstruction Pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis Pulmonary complications of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery Post-traumatic chest conditions.

It is effective in all respiratory airways disease causing formation of a dense secretion that cannot be or can only partially be expectorated such as acute and chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, infuenza & bronchial asthma. Acetylcysteine is also used for the treatment of Paracetamol overdose. Treatment option is optimal if given within 8 hours of Paracetamol ingestion.

Arginine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

Used for nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance.

Histidine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

The actions of supplemental L-histidine are entirely unclear. It may have some immunomodulatory as well as antioxidant activity. L-histidine may be indicated for use in some with rheumatoid arthritis. It is not indicated for treatment of anemia or uremia or for lowering serum cholesterol.

Isoleucine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

The branched-chain amino acids may have antihepatic encephalopathy activity in some. They may also have anticatabolic and antitardive dyskinesia activity.

Leucine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

Indicated to assist in the prevention of the breakdown of muscle proteins that sometimes occur after trauma or severe stress.

Lysine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

Supplemental lysine has putative anti-herpes simplex virus activity. There is preliminary research suggesting that it may have some anti-osteoporotic activity.

Methionine is an amino acid commonly found as a component in total parenteral nutrition.

Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

L-phenylalanine may be helpful in some with depression. It may also be useful in the treatment of vitiligo. There is some evidence that L-phenylalanine may exacerbate tardive dyskinesia in some schizophrenic patients and in some who have used neuroleptic drugs.

Threonine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

L-Threonine makes up collagen, elastin, and enamel protein. It aids proper fat metabolism in the liver, helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly, and assists in metabolism and assimilation.

Tryptophan is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

Tryptophan may be useful in increasing serotonin production, promoting healthy sleep, managing depression by enhancing mental and emotional well-being, managing pain tolerance, and managing weight.

Aminorains is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acetaminophen Overdose, Chronic Rhinitis, Corneal Diseases, Corneal ulceration, Crusting Rhinitis, Keratopathy, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Vasomotor Rhinitis, Acute Rhinitis, Subacute Rhinitis, Airway secretion clearance therapyAcromegaly, Gigantism, Hyperammonaemia, Hypophysectomy, Kidney Damage, Panhypopituitarism, Pituitary Dwarfism, Pituitary Neoplasms, Deficiencies in enzymes of the urea cycle, Pituitary trauma, Postsurgical craniopharyngioma, Problems of growth and stature, Nutritional supplementation, Amino acid supplementationAmino acid supplementationAmino acid supplementationHypoalbuminemia, Amino acid supplementationWeight Loss, Weight Gain, Amino acid supplementationHepatic Encephalopathy (HE), Amino acid supplementationAmino acid supplementationAmino acid supplementationAcute Renal Failure (ARF), Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), Depression, Dialysis therapy, Dietary and Nutritional Therapies, Amino acid supplementation

How Aminorains works

A number of possible mechanisms for the mucolytic activity of acetylcysteine have been proposed. Acetylcysteine's sulfhydryl groups may hydrolize disulfide bonds within mucin, breaking down the oligomers, and making the mucin less viscous. Acetylcysteine has also been shown to reduce mucin secretion in rat models. It is an antioxidant in its own right but is also deacetylated to cysteine, which participates in the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. The antioxidant activity may also alter intracellular redox reactions, decreasing phosphorylation of EGFR and MAPK, which decrease transcription of the gene MUC5AC which produces mucin.

In the case of acetaminophen overdoses, a portion of the drug is metabolized by CYP2E1 to form the potentially toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). The amount of NAPQI produced in an overdose saturates and depletes glutathione stores. The free NAPQI promiscuously binds to proteins in hepatocytes, leading to cellular necrosis. Acetylcysteine can directly conjugate NAPQI or provide cysteine for glutathione production and NAPQI conjugation.

Many of supplemental L-arginine's activities, including its possible anti-atherogenic actions, may be accounted for by its role as the precursor to nitric oxide or NO. NO is produced by all tissues of the body and plays very important roles in the cardiovascular system, immune system and nervous system. NO is formed from L-arginine via the enzyme nitric oxide synthase or synthetase (NOS), and the effects of NO are mainly mediated by 3,'5' -cyclic guanylate or cyclic GMP. NO activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic GMP from guanosine triphosphate or GTP. Cyclic GMP is converted to guanylic acid via the enzyme cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase. NOS is a heme-containing enzyme with some sequences similar to cytochrome P-450 reductase. Several isoforms of NOS exist, two of which are constitutive and one of which is inducible by immunological stimuli. The constitutive NOS found in the vascular endothelium is designated eNOS and that present in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system is designated nNOS. The form of NOS induced by immunological or inflammatory stimuli is known as iNOS. iNOS may be expressed constitutively in select tissues such as lung epithelium. All the nitric oxide synthases use NADPH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) and oxygen (O2) as cosubstrates, as well as the cofactors FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide), FMN (flavin mononucleotide), tetrahydrobiopterin and heme. Interestingly, ascorbic acid appears to enhance NOS activity by increasing intracellular tetrahydrobiopterin. eNOS and nNOS synthesize NO in response to an increased concentration of calcium ions or in some cases in response to calcium-independent stimuli, such as shear stress. In vitro studies of NOS indicate that the Km of the enzyme for L-arginine is in the micromolar range. The concentration of L-arginine in endothelial cells, as well as in other cells, and in plasma is in the millimolar range. What this means is that, under physiological conditions, NOS is saturated with its L-arginine substrate. In other words, L-arginine would not be expected to be rate-limiting for the enzyme, and it would not appear that supraphysiological levels of L-arginine which could occur with oral supplementation of the amino acid^would make any difference with regard to NO production. The reaction would appear to have reached its maximum level. However, in vivo studies have demonstrated that, under certain conditions, e.g. hypercholesterolemia, supplemental L-arginine could enhance endothelial-dependent vasodilation and NO production.

Since the actions of supplemental L-histidine are unclear, any postulated mechanism is entirely speculative. However, some facts are known about L-histidine and some of its metabolites, such as histamine and trans-urocanic acid, which suggest that supplemental L-histidine may one day be shown to have immunomodulatory and/or antioxidant activities. Low free histidine has been found in the serum of some rheumatoid arthritis patients. Serum concentrations of other amino acids have been found to be normal in these patients. L-histidine is an excellent chelating agent for such metals as copper, iron and zinc. Copper and iron participate in a reaction (Fenton reaction) that generates potent reactive oxygen species that could be destructive to tissues, including joints.
L-histidine is the obligate precursor of histamine, which is produced via the decarboxylation of the amino acid. In experimental animals, tissue histamine levels increase as the amount of dietary L-histidine increases. It is likely that this would be the case in humans as well. Histamine is known to possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. Suppressor T cells have H2 receptors, and histamine activates them. Promotion of suppressor T cell activity could be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Further, histamine has been shown to down-regulate the production of reactive oxygen species in phagocytic cells, such as monocytes, by binding to the H2 receptors on these cells. Decreased reactive oxygen species production by phagocytes could play antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis.
This latter mechanism is the rationale for the use of histamine itself in several clinical trials studying histamine for the treatment of certain types of cancer and viral diseases. In these trials, down-regulation by histamine of reactive oxygen species formation appears to inhibit the suppression of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, allowing these cells to be more effective in attacking cancer cells and virally infected cells.

(Applies to Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine)
This group of essential amino acids are identified as the branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs. Because this arrangement of carbon atoms cannot be made by humans, these amino acids are an essential element in the diet. The catabolism of all three compounds initiates in muscle and yields NADH and FADH2 which can be utilized for ATP generation. The catabolism of all three of these amino acids uses the same enzymes in the first two steps. The first step in each case is a transamination using a single BCAA aminotransferase, with a-ketoglutarate as amine acceptor. As a result, three different a-keto acids are produced and are oxidized using a common branched-chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase, yielding the three different CoA derivatives. Subsequently the metabolic pathways diverge, producing many intermediates.
The principal product from valine is propionylCoA, the glucogenic precursor of succinyl-CoA. Isoleucine catabolism terminates with production of acetylCoA and propionylCoA; thus isoleucine is both glucogenic and ketogenic. Leucine gives rise to acetylCoA and acetoacetylCoA, and is thus classified as strictly ketogenic.
There are a number of genetic diseases associated with faulty catabolism of the BCAAs. The most common defect is in the branched-chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase. Since there is only one dehydrogenase enzyme for all three amino acids, all three a-keto acids accumulate and are excreted in the urine. The disease is known as Maple syrup urine disease because of the characteristic odor of the urine in afflicted individuals. Mental retardation in these cases is extensive. Unfortunately, since these are essential amino acids, they cannot be heavily restricted in the diet; ultimately, the life of afflicted individuals is short and development is abnormal The main neurological problems are due to poor formation of myelin in the CNS.

This group of essential amino acids are identified as the branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs. Because this arrangement of carbon atoms cannot be made by humans, these amino acids are an essential element in the diet. The catabolism of all three compounds initiates in muscle and yields NADH and FADH2 which can be utilized for ATP generation. The catabolism of all three of these amino acids uses the same enzymes in the first two steps. The first step in each case is a transamination using a single BCAA aminotransferase, with a-ketoglutarate as amine acceptor. As a result, three different a-keto acids are produced and are oxidized using a common branched-chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase, yielding the three different CoA derivatives. Subsequently the metabolic pathways diverge, producing many intermediates. The principal product from valine is propionylCoA, the glucogenic precursor of succinyl-CoA. Isoleucine catabolism terminates with production of acetylCoA and propionylCoA; thus isoleucine is both glucogenic and ketogenic. Leucine gives rise to acetylCoA and acetoacetylCoA, and is thus classified as strictly ketogenic. There are a number of genetic diseases associated with faulty catabolism of the BCAAs. The most common defect is in the branched-chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase. Since there is only one dehydrogenase enzyme for all three amino acids, all three a-keto acids accumulate and are excreted in the urine. The disease is known as Maple syrup urine disease because of the characteristic odor of the urine in afflicted individuals. Mental retardation in these cases is extensive. Unfortunately, since these are essential amino acids, they cannot be heavily restricted in the diet; ultimately, the life of afflicted individuals is short and development is abnormal The main neurological problems are due to poor formation of myelin in the CNS.

Proteins of the herpes simplex virus are rich in L-arginine, and tissue culture studies indicate an enhancing effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of L-arginine to lysine is high in the tissue culture media. When the ratio of L-lysine to L-arginine is high, viral replication and the cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus have been found to be inhibited. L-lysine may facilitate the absorption of calcium from the small intestine.

The mechanism of the possible anti-hepatotoxic activity of L-methionine is not entirely clear. It is thought that metabolism of high doses of acetaminophen in the liver lead to decreased levels of hepatic glutathione and increased oxidative stress. L-methionine is a precursor to L-cysteine. L-cysteine itself may have antioxidant activity. L-cysteine is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidant activity of L-methionine and metabolites of L-methionine appear to account for its possible anti-hepatotoxic activity. Recent research suggests that methionine itself has free-radical scavenging activity by virtue of its sulfur, as well as its chelating ability.

The supposed antidepressant effects of L-phenylalanine may be due to its role as a precursor in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
The mechanism of L-phenylalanine's possible antivitiligo activity is not well understood. It is thought that L-phenylalanine may stimulate the production of melanin in the affected skin

L-Threonine is a precursor to the amino acids glycine and serine. It acts as a lipotropic in controlling fat build-up in the liver. May help combat mental illness and may be very useful in indigestion and intestinal malfunctions. Also, threonine prevents excessive liver fat. Nutrients are more readily absorbed when threonine is present.

A number of important side reactions occur during the catabolism of tryptophan on the pathway to acetoacetate. The first enzyme of the catabolic pathway is an iron porphyrin oxygenase that opens the indole ring. The latter enzyme is highly inducible, its concentration rising almost 10-fold on a diet high in tryptophan. Kynurenine is the first key branch point intermediate in the pathway. Kynurenine undergoes deamniation in a standard transamination reaction yielding kynurenic acid. Kynurenic acid and metabolites have been shown to act as antiexcitotoxics and anticonvulsives. A second side branch reaction produces anthranilic acid plus alanine. Another equivalent of alanine is produced further along the main catabolic pathway, and it is the production of these alanine residues that allows tryptophan to be classified among the glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids. The second important branch point converts kynurenine into 2-amino-3-carboxymuconic semialdehyde, which has two fates. The main flow of carbon elements from this intermediate is to glutarate. An important side reaction in liver is a transamination and several rearrangements to produce limited amounts of nicotinic acid, which leads to production of a small amount of NAD⁺ and NADP⁺.

Dosage

Aminorains dosage

Acetylcysteine Tablet:

The dispersible tablet should be dissolved in 1/2 glass of water before use (preferably in the evening). The duration of treatment should be 5 to 10 days in the acute phase. It may be continued in the chronic state for up to 6 months or according to the advice of the physician.

As a mucolytic:

• Adults: 600 mg daily as a single dose.
• In Paracetamol overdose: Initially 140 mg/kg, followed by 70 mg/kg every 4 hours for an additional 17 doses. As an antidote, Acetylcysteine is reported to be very effective when administered within 8 hours of Paracetamol overdose, with the protective effect diminishing after this time. Initiation of treatment after a lapse of 15 hours has previously been thought to be ineffective, but recent studies suggest that beneficial results may still be obtained.

Acetylcysteine Respirator Solution:

The 20% solution may be diluted to a lesser concentration with either Sodium Chloride for injection, Sodium Chloride for inhalation, sterile water for injection, or sterile water for inhalation.

As a mucolytic:

Adult:

• 5-10 ml of 10% or 20% solution by nebulizer every 6-8 hr PRN.

Children:

• 1-11 months: 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution by nebulizer every 6-8 hr PRN.
• 12 months-11 years: 3-5 ml of 20% or 6-10 ml of 10% solution by nebulizer every 6-8 hr PRN.
• Below 12 years: 5-10 ml of 10/20% solution by nebulizer every 6-8 hr PRN.

Diagnostic Bronchograms: 1-2 ml of 20% or 2-4 ml of 10% solution 2-3 times by nebulization or by instillation intratracheally prior to procedure.

Nebulization tent or croupette: This form of administration requires very large volumes of the solution, occasionally as much as 300 ml during a single treatment period. If a tent or croupette must be used, the recommended dose is the volume of acetylcysteine (using 20%) that will maintain a very heavy mist in the tent or croupette for the desired period. Administration for intermittent or continuous prolonged periods, including overnight, may be desirable.

Direct Instillation: When used by direct instillation, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given as often as every hour. When used for the routine nursing care of patients with tracheostomy, 1-2 ml of a 20% solution may be given every 1-4 hours by instillation into the tracheostomy.

Side Effects

Generally, Acetylcysteine is well tolerated. However, mild effects such as nausea, headache, tinnitus, urticaria, stomatitis, rhinorrhoea, chills, fever, bronchospasm may be observed. Occasional cases of nausea and dyspepsia, rare cases of urticaria may be observed.

Toxicity

Patients experiencing an overdose may present with vomiting, nausea, bronchospasm, periorbital angioedema, and hypotension. Treat patients with symptomatic and supportive measures. Hemodialysis may remove some acetylcysteine from circulation as it is somewhat protein bound.

Oral supplementation with L-arginine at doses up to 15 grams daily are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions of higher doses from 15 to 30 grams daily are nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some may experience these symptoms at lower doses.

ORL-RAT LD₅₀ > 15000 mg/kg, IPR-RAT LD₅₀ > 8000 mg/kg, ORL-MUS LD₅₀ > 15000 mg/kg, IVN-MUS LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg; Mild gastrointestinal side effects.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia, increased mortality in ALS patients taking large doses of BCAAs

Doses of L-methionine of up to 250 mg daily are generally well tolerated. Higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting and headache. Healthy adults taking 8 grams of L-methionine daily for four days were found to have reduced serum folate levels and leucocytosis. Healthy adults taking 13.9 grams of L-methionine daily for five days were found to have changes in serum pH and potassium and increased urinary calcium excretion. Schizophrenic patients given 10 to 20 grams of L-methionine daily for two weeks developed functional psychoses. Single doses of 8 grams precipitated encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

L-phenylalanine will exacerbate symptoms of phenylketonuria if used by phenylketonurics. L-phenylalanine was reported to exacerbate tardive dyskinesia when used by some with schizophrenia.

Oral rat LD₅₀: > 16 gm/kg. Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector. Symptoms of overdose include agitation, confusion, diarrhea, fever, overactive reflexes, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, twitching, and vomiting.

Precaution

Acetylcysteine should be given in caution in asthma patients.

Interaction

After taking Acetylcysteine orally it increases the bioavailability of Amoxicillin, but shows no effect on Doxycycline and reduces the absorption of Cefalexin. Acetylcysteine seems to increase the effects of Nitroglycerin.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of acetylcysteine is 0.47 L/kg.

Elimination Route

An 11 g dose in the form of an effervescent tablet for solution reaches a mean C_max of 26.5 µg/mL, with a T_max of 2 hours, and an AUC of 186 µg*h/mL.

Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes. Absorption is efficient and occurs by an active transport mechanism.

Absorbed from the small intestine via an active transport mechanism requiring the presence of sodium.

Absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium-dependent active-transport process

Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process

Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process.

Absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium dependent active transport process.

Half Life

The mean terminal half life of acetylcysteine in adults is 5.6 hours and in pre-term neonates is 11 hours.

Clearance

Acetylcysteine has a mean clearance of 0.11 L/hr/kg.

Elimination Route

An oral dose of radiolabelled acetylcysteine is 13-38% recovered in the urine in the first 24 hours, while 3% is recovered in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category B. Caution should be taken in case of pregnancy & lactation while using Acetylcysteine.

Contraindication

Known hypersensitivity to active ingredient. Also contraindicated in patients suffering from phenylketonuria and peptic ulcer.

Acute Overdose

Accidental overdose of Acetylcysteine may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Storage Condition

Protect from light & moisture, store below 25° C. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

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