Acimethin
Acimethin - General Information
A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals.
Pharmacology of Acimethin
Acimethin is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. L-methionine may protect against the toxic effects of hepatotoxins, such as acetaminophen. Methionine may have antioxidant activity.
Acimethin for patients
There are no indications for the use of supplemental methionine unless specifically recommended by a physician. It is effective as an antidote in some cases of acetaminophen poisoning. But, because some research suggests that it may promote some cancers, its use as a supplement is inadvisable.
Acimethin Interactions
Acetaminophen and methotrexate - L-methionine may decrease hepatic toxicity in those with acetaminophen overdosage or in those taking methotrexate. Theoretically, it may decrease hepatic toxicity in the case of other potential hepatotoxic drugs, as well. Gentamicin - Methionine may protect against the ototoxic effects of gentamicin.
Acimethin Contraindications
L-methionine is contraindicated in those with the genetic disorder homocystinuria. It is also contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a methionine-containing product.
Additional information about Acimethin
Acimethin Indication: Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.
Mechanism Of Action: 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.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: L-Methionine
Synonyms: (S)-2-Amino-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid; 2-Amino-4-(methylthio)butyric acid; a-Amino-g-methylmercaptobutyric acid; g-Methylthio-a-aminobutyric acid; L-(-)-Methionine; L-a-Amino-g-methylthiobutyric acid; Methionine
Drug Category: Dietary supplement; Micronutrient; Essential Amino Acids
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Nutraceutical; Approved
Other Brand Names containing L-Methionine: Acimethin; Cymethion;
Absorption: Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process.
Toxicity (Overdose): 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.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Acimethin: Capsule Oral
Tablet Oral
Tablet Oral
Powder Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid
Chemical Formula: C5H11NO2S
L-Methionine on Wikipedia: Not Available
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
