AMINOSYN II 5%
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for AMINOSYN II 5% (AMINOSYN II 5%).
Aminosyn II 5% provides essential and non-essential amino acids for protein synthesis, serving as substrates for nitrogen balance and tissue repair. It supports metabolic processes in patients unable to maintain adequate nutrition enterally.
| Metabolism | Amino acids are primarily metabolized in the liver via transamination, deamination, and ureagenesis. Bypassing first-pass metabolism when administered intravenously. |
| Excretion | Renal elimination of amino acids is minimal under normal conditions; excess amino acids are metabolized, and nitrogen is excreted as urea (renal, ~80-90%) and ammonia. Biliary/fecal excretion negligible. |
| Half-life | Not applicable as a single entity; individual amino acids have variable half-lives (e.g., 10-30 min for most), reflecting rapid distribution and metabolism. Clinical context: continuous infusion maintains steady state. |
| Protein binding | <5% for most amino acids; limited binding to albumin or specific transport proteins (e.g., tryptophan binds albumin ~10%). |
| Volume of Distribution | Variable by amino acid; total body water distribution: ~0.5 L/kg for most neutral amino acids, with higher Vd (e.g., 1-2 L/kg) for branched-chain amino acids indicating extensive tissue uptake. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. Not administered orally; oral bioavailability of intact amino acids is not applicable for this product. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate upon infusion; plasma amino acid levels rise within minutes, supporting protein synthesis as soon as infusion starts. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Duration depends on infusion rate; after cessation, plasma levels decline rapidly (t½ ~10-30 min). Clinical note: Continuous infusion required for sustained effect in parenteral nutrition. |
Intravenous infusion via central line, initial rate 50 mL/hour, increase by 25 mL/hour every 24 hours to goal rate of 1-2 mL/kg/hour (maximum 125 mL/hour). Total daily dose: 1.5-2.0 g/kg/day of amino acids (equivalent to 30-40 mL/kg/day).
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-59 mL/min: reduce dose by 50%; GFR 15-29 mL/min: reduce dose by 75%; GFR <15 mL/min: contraindicated due to risk of severe uremia. Monitor serum urea and electrolytes closely. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 50% (target 0.5-1.0 g/kg/day amino acids); Child-Pugh C: avoid use due to risk of hepatic encephalopathy; use with hepatic amino acid formulations. |
| Pediatric use | Initial dose 1.5-2.0 g/kg/day amino acids, increase by 0.5 g/kg/day up to 2.5-3.0 g/kg/day. Infuse intravenously via central line at 0.1-0.2 mL/kg/hour, titrate to tolerance. Ensure non-protein energy provided concurrently. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of adult dose (0.5-1.0 g/kg/day amino acids) with gradual escalation. Monitor renal function and fluid status; adjust dose for GFR per renal adjustment. Avoid in severe debility with fluid overload. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for AMINOSYN II 5% (AMINOSYN II 5%).
| Breastfeeding | Aminosyn II 5% is considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is a mixture of amino acids, which are normally present in breast milk. The M/P ratio is not applicable as amino acids are endogenous. Use with caution only if clearly needed and monitor for potential adverse effects in the infant such as metabolic acidosis. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Aminosyn II 5% is an amino acid solution used for parenteral nutrition. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, no teratogenic effects were observed at clinically relevant doses. Fetal risks are considered low when used as indicated, but parenteral nutrition should only be administered during pregnancy if clearly needed. First trimester: Limited data, theoretical risk of metabolic disturbances; second and third trimesters: No specific fetal risks identified with appropriate use. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None. However, caution is advised in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; use may require dose adjustments.
| Serious Effects |
["Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism","Severe hepatic failure with hyperammonemia","Severe renal failure without adequate dialysis","Anuria","Known hypersensitivity to any component"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of metabolic acidosis (especially in patients with impaired renal function)","Hepatic steatosis or cholestasis with prolonged TPN","Electrolyte imbalances due to simultaneous administration without monitoring","Infection risk from central line if used for TPN","Monitor serum ammonia levels in patients with hepatic insufficiency"] |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions due to parenteral administration. However, monitor overall nutritional intake as this solution provides only amino acids; additional carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, and vitamins are typically co-administered. |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes, blood glucose, BUN, ammonia, and liver function tests regularly. Monitor fluid balance and signs of volume overload. Fetal monitoring may include ultrasound for growth and assessment for any signs of metabolic imbalance if maternal condition requires parenteral nutrition. |
| Fertility Effects | No specific fertility studies in humans. In animal studies, no adverse effects on fertility were noted at clinically relevant doses. Theoretical concerns regarding amino acid imbalance affecting reproductive function are not supported by data, but parenteral nutrition may improve fertility in malnourished women by restoring nutritional status. |
| Clinical Pearls | AMINOSYN II 5% is an amino acid solution for parenteral nutrition. Monitor serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and ammonia levels. Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Administer via central line to avoid thrombophlebitis. Do not infuse simultaneously with blood products through same line. |
| Patient Advice | This medication is given intravenously to provide protein when you cannot eat. · Report any signs of infection at the IV site: redness, swelling, or pain. · You may need regular blood tests to monitor kidney and liver function. · Do not adjust the infusion rate; let the healthcare provider manage it. · Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. |