Racemethionine (Systemic)

Brand Names : M-Caps, Pedameth, Uracid, methionine, DL-methionine

Proper Use of This Medicine

You should not take more of this medicine, or take it more often, than your doctor ordered. You should also make sure that you get enough protein in your diet. This is especially important in infants . Infants who get too much racemethionine and not enough protein may not gain weight as they should. If you have any questions about this, ask your health care professional.

Take racemethionine with, or just after, meals.

For patients taking racemethionine capsules :

• If you are unable to swallow the capsule, the contents may be added to juice, water, or warm milk or infant formula.

For patients taking racemethionine oral solution :

• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing - The dose of racemethionine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of racemethionine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on your medical condition .

• For making urine more acidic:
  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 200 milligrams (mg) three or four times a day.
    • Children - The usual dose is the contents of 1 capsule (200 mg) added to a warm bottle of milk or formula in the evening, or added to a glass of juice or water.
  • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
    • Adults and children older than 14 months of age - The usual dose is 22/3 teaspoonfuls (200 mg) three or four times a day.
    • Children 6 to 14 months of age - The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful (75 mg) four times a day for three to five days.
    • Children 2 to 6 months of age - The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful (75 mg) three times a day for three to five days.
    • Children up to 2 months of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 500 mg three or four times a day.
    • Children - The capsule or oral solution is the recommended dosage form for this age group.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.