Parenteral formulations for the inhibition of systemic hypotension

Abstract

An anti-hypotensive formulation comprising an essentially arginine-free or low arginine (less than about 0.1%, most preferably, about 0.01%) containing mixture of amino acids is provided. The invention in particular embodiments of the anti-hypotensive formulation includes ornithine, citrulline or both. A method for prophylaxis and treatment of systemic hypotension in an animal is provided. Most particularly, a method for treating hypotension caused by nitric oxide synthesis through administering a low or essentially arginine-free parenteral formulation to an animal, so as to reduce or eliminate nitric oxide synthesis is described. A method for treating an animal in septic shock is also disclosed, comprising administering to the animal an anti-hypotensive formulation comprising a mixture of amino acids, which is essentially arginine free. Prophylaxis or treatment of systemic hypotension, particularly that hypotension incident to chemotherapeutic treatment with biologic response modifiers, such as tumor necrosis factor or interleukin-1 or -2, may be accomplished through the administration of the defined anti-hypotensive formulations until physiologically acceptable systolic blood pressure levels are achieved in the animal. Treatment of an animal for septic shock induced by endotoxin may also be accomplished by administering to the animal the arginine-free formulations described.