Methionine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Methionine falls into category C:

In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans, though. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

OR

There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Methionine should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

OR

No studies have been done in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Methionine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Take methionine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The Methionine dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following (use any or all that apply):

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your weight
• your height
• your age
• your gender

Methionine is available in the following doses:

• Amino Acids-urea Topical Vaginal Cream With Applicator
• Methionine 200 Mg Oral Capsule
• Methionine 75 Mg/5 Ml Oral Liquid
• Methionine Compounding Powder

You should not take more of methionine, or take it more often, than your doctor ordered. You should also make sure that you get enough protein in your diet. This is especially important in infants. Infants who get too much racemethionine and not enough protein may not gain weight as they should. If you have any questions about this, ask your health care professional.

Take racemethionine with, or just after, meals.

For patients taking racemethionine capsules:

• If you are unable to swallow the capsule, the contents may be added to juice, water, or warm milk or infant formula.

For patients taking racemethionine oral solution:

• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-protein diet.

Dosing

The dose of methionine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of methionine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For making urine more acidic:
  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 200 milligrams (mg) three or four times a day.
    • Children—The usual dose is the contents of 1 capsule (200 mg) added to a warm bottle of milk or formula in the evening, or added to a glass of juice or water.
  • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
    • Adults and children older than 14 months of age—The usual dose is 2⅔ teaspoonfuls (200 mg) three or four times a day.
    • Children 6 to 14 months of age—The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful (75 mg) four times a day for three to five days.
    • Children 2 to 6 months of age—The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful (75 mg) three times a day for three to five days.
    • Children up to 2 months of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 500 mg three or four times a day.
    • Children—The capsule or oral solution is the recommended dosage form for this age group.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of methionine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Consult your pharmacist.

How to use Methionine Powder

Consult your pharmacist.