Universal Glutamine Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Universal
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Universal Glutamine against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Universal Glutamine is a dietary supplement by Universal with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle recovery and sports performance, gut health and 'leaky gut', recovery from severe illness or injury.Based on those ingredients, 50 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Glutamine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Universal Glutamine by Universal
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Universal Glutamine by Universal — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Universal Glutamine by Universal
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Universal Glutamine is a single-ingredient supplement powder containing glutamine. This amino acid plays a role in muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health, and it's especially studied in situations where the body's demand for it increases—like after surgery, during critical illness, or with certain metabolic conditions.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence for glutamine varies by use. It's rated effective for sickle cell disease.
For HIV/AIDS-related wasting, postoperative recovery, and critical illness from trauma, the evidence is rated possibly effective, meaning the research shows promise but isn't yet conclusive.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Glutamine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults when taken by mouth. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Headache and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported. Rare cases of dizziness, mania, and hypomania (abnormally elevated mood) have been reported in specific patient groups; dizziness resolved when the dose was lowered in one case.
People with kidney or liver disease should use glutamine only under medical supervision. There isn't enough reliable safety data for supplemental doses in pregnancy, though it's rated likely safe—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Little safety information is available during breastfeeding, so avoid supplement doses unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
If you take anticonvulsant medications (drugs that prevent seizures), check your specific medications with the search tool on this page before adding glutamine. Theoretically, glutamine might reduce how well these drugs work, though this hasn't been reported in patients yet.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Glutamine may be worth considering if you have sickle cell disease, are recovering from surgery or critical illness, or have HIV/AIDS-related wasting—especially under medical supervision. People with kidney or liver disease and anyone taking anticonvulsant medications should check with a pharmacist before starting.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss this supplement with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 22, 2016.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Universal Glutamine, straight from the product label.
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Universal Glutamine by Universal, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions
Made in a GMP facility on equipment that processes milk, soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat.
Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.
Before beginning any program, consult your health care practitioner.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Dosage: Mix 1-2 rounded teaspoonfuls in 8-12 oz. of your beverage of choice. For optimal results, try using it in your favorite protein shake or meal replacement powder.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
EAC
Made proudly in the U.S.A.
WHO WE ARE Universal Nutrition has been providing cutting edge and staple nutritional supplements to bodybuilders and hard training athletes the world over since 1977. As time passes, certain ideals never go out of style. Honesty. Integrity. Respect. These are the values we uphold and are the bedrock upon which we built our business.
Glutamine is a "conditionally" essential pro-anabolic amino acid and is the most abundant amino acid in muscle. Glutamine may be the most important variable in promoting optimum protein synthesis, while helping block cortisol to prevent protein breakdown in muscle. HOW WE BACK IT UP What is on the label is in the bottle and what is in the bottle will help you reach your goals. We believe it and proudly stand behind every product we manufacture. Our word is our bond.
100% Pure optimum cellular recovery
Brand IP Statement(s)
2015 Universal Nutrition
WHAT IT IS Glutamine Powder from Universal Nutrition provides the purest L-glutamine powder available.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Pure L- Glutamine
Finest Pharmaceutical Grade Amino Acid Full 5000mg of Glutamine Per Serving
General
A2015-G-33039
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Universal Glutamine by Universal label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Universal Glutamine by Universal
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container200 Amounts shown are per serving.
Glutamine
Interacts with50 drugs
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle c...
Glutamine monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Glutamine, Powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Universal Glutamine by Universal Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Universal Glutamine contains a single active ingredient: glutamine, which has one documented interaction category in our data.
The main concern is with anticonvulsant medications (drugs used to prevent seizures). Theoretically, glutamine might work against these medications because it's converted in your body to an excitatory neurotransmitter called glutamate, which could potentially reduce the anticonvulsants' effectiveness.
However, this interaction hasn't yet been reported in actual patients—it's a theoretical risk based on how the ingredient works.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Although this is the only interaction category we hold data for, it's rated Moderate in severity. If you take any anticonvulsant medication, you should check your specific drugs with the search tool on this page before starting glutamine.
Altogether, these interactions span 50 individual medications.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Universal Glutamine?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Universal Glutamine interact with 50 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Universal Glutamine interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Glutamine
AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Acetazolamide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionAmobarbitalAmytal
How Amobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Amobarbital interactionAmobarbital, Ephedrine SulfateEphedrine & Amytal
How Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate interactionAmobarbital, SecobarbitalTuinal
How Amobarbital, Secobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Amobarbital, Secobarbital interactionAprobarbital, Butabarbital, PhenobarbitalTriple Barbital
How Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital interactionBelladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, PentobarbitalMicomp PB
How Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interactionBelladonna, PhenobarbitalBellophen, Susano
How Belladonna, Phenobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Belladonna, Phenobarbital interactionBellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, PentobarbitalCafergot PB
How Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interactionButalbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalTribarb
How Butalbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Butalbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interactionCarbamazepineCarbatrol, Carnexiv, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR
How Carbamazepine interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Carbamazepine interactionCenobamateXcopri
How Cenobamate interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Cenobamate interactionClobazamFrisium, Onfi, Sympazan
How Clobazam interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Clobazam interactionClonazepamCeberclon, Klonopin, Rivotril
How Clonazepam interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Clonazepam interactionClorazepateTranxene, Tranxene SD, Tranxene T-Tab
How Clorazepate interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Clorazepate interactionDiazepamDiastat AcuDial, Valium, Valium injection, Valtoco
How Diazepam interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Diazepam interactionDivalproex SodiumDepakote
How Divalproex Sodium interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Divalproex Sodium interactionEphedrine, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineTedral
How Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interactionEthosuximideZarontin
How Ethosuximide interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Ethosuximide interactionEthotoinPaganone
How Ethotoin interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Ethotoin interactionFelbamateFelbatol
How Felbamate interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Felbamate interactionFosphenytoinCerebyx
How Fosphenytoin interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Fosphenytoin interactionFosphenytoin SodiumSesquient
How Fosphenytoin Sodium interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Fosphenytoin Sodium interactionGabapentinGralise, Neurontin
How Gabapentin interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Gabapentin interactionGabapentin EnacarbilHorizant
How Gabapentin Enacarbil interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Gabapentin Enacarbil interactionLamotrigineLamictal
How Lamotrigine interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Lamotrigine interactionLevetiracetamElepsia XR, Keppra, Spritam
How Levetiracetam interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Levetiracetam interactionLorazepamAtivan
How Lorazepam interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Lorazepam interactionMagnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate
How Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interactionMephenytoinMesantoin
How Mephenytoin interacts with Universal Glutamine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlutamineAnticonvulsants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Read the full Glutamine + Mephenytoin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Universal Glutamine with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Glutamine
Anticonvulsants
Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Universal Glutamine, from the product label.
Universal
See all Universal products- Name
- Universal Nutrition
- City
- New Brunswick
- State
- New Jersey
- ZipCode
- 08901
- Phone Number
- 800-872-0101
- Web Address
- www.universalnutrition.com
Universal Glutamine by Universal: Common Questions
Does Universal Glutamine by Universal interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What are the most common side effects of glutamine?
Is glutamine safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Who should be careful about taking glutamine?
Does glutamine actually work for sickle cell disease?
What is glutamine supposed to do in my body?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Universal Glutamine is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Universal Glutamine’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Universal Glutamine's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Glutamine 11 references
- Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
- Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
- Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
- Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
- Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
- Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
- Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
- Laviano A, Molfino A, Lacaria MT, Canelli A, De Leo S, Preziosa I, Rossi Fanelli F. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1264-6. PubMed
- Endari (l-glutamine) [package insert]. Torrance, CA: Emmaus Medical,Inc; 2017.
- Niihara Y, Miller ST, Kanter J, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of l-Glutamine in Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med 2018;379(3):226-35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1715971.
- Ogden HB, Child RB, Fallowfield JL, et al. Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Low, Medium and High Dose Acute Oral l-Glutamine Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2953. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC