Arginine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 7, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Arginine Ethyl Ester
• Arginine Ethyl Ester Dihydrochloride
• Arginine Ethyl Ester HCl
• Arginine HCl
• Arginine Hydrochloride
• Di-Arginine Malate
• Di-Arginine Orotate
• Di-L-Arginine-L-Malate
• Dl-Arginine
• L-Arginine
• L-Arginine Ethyl Ester Dichloride
• L-Arginine HCl
• L-Arginine Hexanoate
• L-Arginine Hydrochloride
• L-Arginine Ketoisocaproic Acid
• L-Arginine L-Pyroglutamate
• L-Arginine Pyroglutamate
• L-Arginine Taurinate

What is this product used for?

Arginine helps your body to make a substance called nitric oxide, or NO. NO helps to relax blood vessels and this helps with blood flow. Some people use arginine to help with heart problems. Others may use it for pain caused by poor blood flow, especially in the legs. Some people who have problems getting an erection use it to help improve sexual activity. Some people with diabetes may rub arginine cream on their feet and legs to improve blood flow and wound healing in those areas.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• Do not use this product if your body cannot use arginine. Some people are born with this problem.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Do not take this product for long periods of time, especially if you have problems with the blood vessels in your legs. Taking this product for 6 months or longer may worsen your symptoms.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are taking drugs for high blood pressure. These are drugs like captopril, losartan, diltiazem, or furosemide.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that relax your blood vessels. These are drugs like nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or sildenafil.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

• Take extra care if you are taking certain drugs that lower your cholesterol called “statins”, such as simvastatin, pravastatin, or atorvastatin.

• Take extra care if you are using insulin. This product may decrease or increase the effect of insulin in your body.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Heart problems or a recent heart attack

  • Problems with blood clotting

  • Hardening of the arteries, especially in older people

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Diabetes

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Breathing problems like asthma or COPD

  • Fever blisters or other herpes virus infections

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach or bloating

• Flushing or skin that feels warm and looks reddened

• Bitter taste

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

• Very bad diarrhea

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad belly pain

• Very bad headache

• Very fast or uneven heartbeat

• Numbness or loss of feeling in a part of the body

• Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

• Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

• Breathing problems

Last Reviewed Date

2023-04-27

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer