• Arginine is also known as L-arginine, it is an amino acid that is formed in the body.

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid that is a building block of proteins.
Arginine has been tried out in a number of conditions that include angina, erectile dysfunction in males, high blood pressure, necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants, prevention of nitrate tolerance, poor blood supply to the legs, and to improve recovery after surgery.

It is also used as a diagnostic aid to check pituitary gland function.  

• Arginine is contraindicated if the patient is allergic to it.

• The dosage of arginine depends on the condition it is used for. The oral dose is usually around 3 to 6 g once to three times a day.
• The intravenous dose for peripheral artery disease affecting the leg is 6 g for up to 6 weeks.
• It is also available as a cream to be applied locally.

• The oral form is available as a capsule and powder in a sachet for oral solution.

• Arginine should be avoided or caution is necessary if the patient suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency, herpes, low blood pressure, recent heart attack, kidney disease, diabetes or prior to surgery.

•  Cardiovascular: Flushing, low blood pressure
•  Central nervous system: Headache
•  Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
•  Others: Increased uric acid, blood abnormalities, allergic reaction

• Do not over dose the drug
• Women should inform their doctor who prescribes the medication if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy

• Arginine could interact with birth control and hormone replacement medicines as estrogens increase the effects of arginine on growth hormone, glucagon and insulin, while progestins in the birth control pills decrease the response of growth hormone to arginine.
• Arginine increases the risk of bleeding when used in combination with blood thinners like warfarin, heparin and clopidogrel.
• Arginine can result in low blood pressure when given with antihypertensive drugs or other blood pressure-lowering medications.
• Arginine could produce excessive fall in blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
• The potassium levels in the blood may increase if arginine is taken along with diuretics like thiazide diuretics, spironolactone and triamterene.

• It should be stored at room temperature, and away from heat and bright light.