HEPAMERZ TABLETS

Indications

• Hyperammonemia
• Liver disease
• Hepatic encephalopathy

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific pediatric dosing recommendations.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines.

Mechanism of action

Lornithine-l-aspartate acts by enhancing the urea cycle, facilitating the conversion of ammonia to urea for excretion. It increases the availability of l-ornithine, which is a substrate for the urea cycle, thus helping to lower blood ammonia levels and mitigate its toxic effects.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic effects of lornithine-l-aspartate are primarily linked to its role in reducing hyperammonemia. By increasing the efficiency of the urea cycle, it helps to detoxify ammonia, which is crucial in preventing neurological damage associated with elevated ammonia levels. Additionally, it may have a role in supporting liver function and promoting the synthesis of proteins.

Pharmacokinetics

Lornithine-l-aspartate is administered intravenously or orally and is subjected to first-pass metabolism in the liver. The absorption and bioavailability can vary depending on the formulation. The half-life and clearance rates are not well defined in the literature, but it is generally considered to be quickly distributed to tissues where it participates in the urea cycle. Its metabolism involves hydrolysis to its constituent amino acids, which are then utilized in various metabolic pathways.