Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Hepamerz (l-Ornithine l-Aspartate)
## Overview
Hepamerz is a combination of the amino acids l-ornithine and l-aspartate.
## Primary Indications
Treatment of latent and manifest hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
## Adult Dosing
* **Latent HE:** 3 sachets (9 g l-ornithine l-aspartate) orally three times daily for 7 days, followed by 2 sachets (6 g l-ornithine l-aspartate) orally twice daily for up to 14 days.
* **Manifest HE:** Typically initiated with intravenous administration, followed by oral therapy. Oral doses of 3 sachets (9 g l-ornithine l-aspartate) three times daily are often used, but specific oral dosing following IV initiation is not definitively established and may vary.
## Pediatric Dosing
Data on pediatric use is limited. Dosing is not established and should be determined by a specialist.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are routinely recommended for renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised, especially in patients with severe liver disease.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to l-ornithine l-aspartate or any excipients.
* Severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min) due to potential accumulation.
* Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency if the product contains sucrose.
## Adverse Effects
Generally well-tolerated. Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) may occur.
## Key Drug Interactions
None well-established.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
* Monitor kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or at risk.
## Clinical Pearls
* l-Ornithine promotes the conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver and the detoxification of ammonia in peripheral tissues.
* l-Aspartate is involved in the urea cycle and energy metabolism.
* Oral administration is typically used for latent HE and as maintenance therapy after IV treatment for manifest HE.
***
**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always verify the most current prescribing information with official drug product labeling and relevant clinical guidelines before making any treatment decisions.