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Glycine

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Glycine is a simple amino acid compound that is one of the main building blocks of protein in the human body. It is part of protein molecules and is involved in many biological processes.

Glycine can also be used in medicine as a drug. It is often used as a food additive, vitamin complexes and drugs to improve sleep and the nervous system, as well as to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be used to treat certain conditions such as insomnia, neuroses, and to improve memory and cognitive functions.

ATC classification

N06BX Другие психостимуляторы и ноотропные препараты

Active ingredients

Глицин

Pharmacological group

Ноотропы (нейрометаболические стимуляторы)

Pharmachologic effect

Метаболические препараты
Нейрометаболические препараты
Стимулирующие метаболизм в ЦНС препараты

Indications Glycine

  1. Improved sleep and reduced insomnia.
  2. Stress and anxiety.
  3. Neuroses and nervous disorders.
  4. Enhance cognitive function and improve memory.
  5. Support for the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
  6. Improved concentration and stress resistance.

Release form

Glycine is usually available as tablets or capsules for oral administration. Dosage may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific brand of the drug.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Neurotransmitter action: Glycine is one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, suppressing the excitation of nerve cells and helping to reduce the activity of the nervous system. This makes it an important regulator of the balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain.
  2. Participation in protein synthesis: Glycine plays an important role in the synthesis of protein, which is necessary for growth, tissue repair and maintaining normal cell function.
  3. Activation of glycine receptors: Glycine also acts directly on glycine receptors, increasing their activity and decreasing the excitability of nerve cells. This helps improve the function of inhibitory transmission systems in the brain.
  4. Participation in metabolism: Glycine is involved in amino acid metabolism and other important metabolic processes in the body.
  5. Anticonvulsant action: Glycine has the ability to reduce the excitability of the nervous system, making it potentially useful in the treatment of some forms of seizures.
  6. Involvement in peripheral tissue signaling: Glycine also plays a role in signaling between nerve and muscle cells, which may be important in the control of muscle tone and contraction.

Pharmacokinetics

Glycine is a simple amino acid preparation that is generally well absorbed by the body when taken orally. It is rapidly absorbed through the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and quickly distributed throughout the body. Glycine is metabolized in the liver and is included in various biochemical processes, such as protein and neurotransmitter synthesis. Excess glycine that is not used by the body is excreted primarily through the kidneys in the form of urea.

Dosing and administration

Glycine is usually taken orally as a tablet or capsule. Here are general guidelines for dosage and administration:

  • To relieve stress and improve sleep, it is usually recommended to take 1-2 tablets (or capsules) of glycine in the afternoon or evening, half an hour before bedtime. You can also take one tablet during the day as needed.
  • To improve cognitive function and maintain memory, the dosage can be increased to 3-4 tablets per day, divided into several doses.
  • Glycine tablets can usually be dissolved in the mouth or washed down with water. For better absorption, it is recommended to keep the tablet under the tongue until completely dissolved.

Use Glycine during pregnancy

Glycine is generally considered a relatively safe drug during pregnancy. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any medication, including glycine, to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.

Contraindications

  1. Allergy: People with a known allergy to glycine or other amino acids may have an allergic reaction to glycine. Therefore, you should make sure there are no allergic reactions before using it.
  2. Pathological aminopathy: In people with amino acid metabolism disorders (eg, pathological aminopathy), the use of glycine may require caution and medical supervision.
  3. Diabetes: Glycine may affect blood glucose levels, so patients with diabetes should be careful when using it and may need to consult a doctor.
  4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of glycine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use should be discussed with a physician.
  5. Renal impairment: Glycine may have effects on the kidneys, so its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
  6. Liver failure: Similar to renal failure, glycine may have effects on the liver, so its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with liver failure.

Side effects Glycine

  1. Rarely, allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face and throat may occur.
  2. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort may occur in some people, especially when taking more than the recommended dose.
  3. In some cases, headache or drowsiness may occur, especially when first starting to take the drug or at higher dosages.

Overdose

  1. Hyperglycinia: When consuming large doses of glycine, there may be an increase in the glycine level in the blood, which may lead to hyperglycinia. This may be accompanied by various symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness and even severe cases - coma and seizures.
  2. Lowering Blood Pressure: Glycine may have a slight blood pressure lowering effect. If consumed in excess, it may lead to hypotension, especially in people with already low blood pressure.
  3. Metabolic imbalance: It is possible that excessive glycine intake may disrupt the body's metabolic balance, although this usually occurs with underlying medical conditions or other risk factors.
  4. Gastrointestinal Irritation: In rare cases, excess glycine may cause irritation or dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, which may manifest as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
  5. Drug Interactions: Excessive glycine intake may cause interactions with certain medications, especially those used to treat seizures or psychiatric disorders.

Interactions with other drugs

Glycine generally does not exhibit significant interactions with other drugs.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Glycine" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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