Dosing and uses of Percura (amino acid mixture)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
capsule
- <300mg/capsule (total amino acids)
- Formulation consists of nonessential and essential amino acids L-arginine HCL, L-histidine HCl, L-glutamine, L-serine, L-lysine, L-ornithine, acetyl L-carnitine, L-tyrosine, the nonstandard amino acid gamma aminobutyric acid, choline bitartrate, glucose, inositol, Griffonia extract Griffonia simplicifolia (95% 5-hydroxytryptophan [serotonin precursor]) , and creatinine
Neuropathic Pain
Medical food product indicated for clinical dietary management of the metabolic processes of pain, inflammation and loss of sensation due to peripheral neuropathy
2 capsules PO BId
Administration
Take on empty stomach to maximize absorption of amino acids
Store in tightly closed original container in cool, dry location 8-32 degrees C (45-90 degrees F), with relative humidity <50%
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety and efficacy not established
Percura (amino acid mixture) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea may occur with high doses (ie, 15 g/day); recommended daily dose of Percura is ~1.2 g/day
Postmarketing Reports
Temporary rash (~0.02%) after increased histamine exposure; subsides ≤24 hr
Warnings
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to any of the nutritional components
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Percura (amino acid mixture)
Mechanism of action
Provides nutritional requirements that support neurotransmitter synthesis and physiological activities involved in neuropathic pain; helps restore nutrient balance of arginine, choline, glutamine, histidine, tryptophan, and serine which support the balance of the neurotransmitters GABA, histamine, nitric oxide, serotonin, and acetylcholine
Under usual physiological conditions, glutamine, arginine, serine, and choline are considered nonessential because endogenous synthesis is sufficient to satisfy metabolic demand; with neuropathic pain, the usual rate of synthesis is no longer sufficient and these nutrients become conditionally essential, requiring that supplemental amounts be consumed
Absorption
Amino acids absorbed in stomach and small intestines
Metabolism
Circulating tryptophan, arginine and choline blood levels determine the production of serotonin, nitric oxide, and acetylcholine
Amino acids metabolized by most cells in the body
