ME-500

ME-500 is used to acidify urine (make urine more acidic). Methionine is an amino acid. It works by neutralizing the ammonia of urine.

ME-500 is used in the treatment of skin irritation caused by urine in a patient who has incontinence (loss of bladder control) and diaper rash in infants.

It may also be used for other condition as determined by your doctor. It is available in powder, tablet, capsule and liquid form only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start taking ME-500, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to food, preservatives, dyes and animal or had any previous allergic reaction which occurred while using this drug before.

Children

There are no adequate studies done which prove Methionine’s harmful effects in children. This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in adults.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy

Discuss Methionine benefits and potential risk factor with your doctor while using it in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies which prove that Methionine passes into breast milk. If you are using Methionine while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug interaction

Methionine interacts with many drugs. It should not be used with several drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicine which you are taking as he/she may change the dosage or drug.

Other Medical Conditions

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Acidosis (high level of acid in the body)
• Liver disease

Proper usage of ME-500 requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

Take Methionine with or after having a meal by mouth. Do not crush or chew the tablet. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, you can dissolve it in juice, water or warm milk. If you are taking oral solution form, measure it accurately with measuring cup or spoon.

Make sure that you take enough amount of proteins in your diet. It is especially important for infants as they may not gain weight if there is a low amount of protein while taking Methionine.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. It is best to take each dose at equally spaced times a day and night. You must follow your doctor’s command.

For capsule form

Adults and teenagers, 200 milligrams (mg) three to four times a day.

Children, 200 mg (1 capsule) dissolve it in a juice and warm water or milk.

For oral solution form

Children 2 to 6 months of age, 75 mg (1 teaspoonful) three times a day for three to five days.

Children 6 months to 14 months of age, 75 mg (1 teaspoonful) four times a day for three to five days.

Adults and children above 14 months of age, 200 (mg) (2⅔ teaspoonful) three to four times a day.

For tablet forms

Adults and teenagers, 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, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using ME-500, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.

Inform your doctor if your rashes do not improve after using ME-500 for 10 days. Methionine may cause:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• light-headedness

These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Methionine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with ME-500. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent. More common are:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.