Kabiven (Valine, Alanine, Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serin)

Kabiven is employed in parenteral nutrition to deliver essential amino acids for patients with inadequate oral intake.

• Parenteral nutrition in patients with insufficient oral intake: provides a balanced amino acid profile to support protein synthesis when enteral feeding is not feasible.
• Critical care patients: helps maintain nitrogen balance and prevents catabolism during intensive care unit stays.
• Postoperative nutritional support: supplies necessary amino acids to promote wound healing and recovery after major surgery.
• Severe malnutrition: delivers essential amino acids to correct deficits and improve metabolic status.

• Kabiven delivers a mixture of essential amino acids directly into the bloodstream via intravenous infusion. By bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, the solution provides immediate substrates for protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and nitrogen balance. The amino acids act as building blocks for cellular proteins and support metabolic pathways involved in tissue repair, immune function, and energy production, thereby compensating for nutritional deficits in patients unable to ingest adequate nutrients orally.

Kabiven may be associated with infusion‑related and metabolic adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Hyperglycemia: elevated blood glucose, particularly in diabetic patients.
• Electrolyte imbalance: alterations in serum potassium, sodium or calcium.
• Local infusion site irritation: pain, redness or phlebitis at the catheter.
• Mild nausea: transient nausea during or after infusion.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic reaction: severe hypersensitivity requiring emergency treatment.
• Metabolic acidosis: marked decrease in blood pH due to acid accumulation.
• Sepsis related to catheter: bloodstream infection linked to the infusion line.
• Renal failure: acute kidney injury in vulnerable patients.

When using Kabiven, clinicians should observe several precautionary measures to minimize risks.

• Renal impairment: monitor serum creatinine and adjust infusion rate as needed.
• Hepatic dysfunction: assess liver function tests regularly during therapy.
• Electrolyte disorders: check serum electrolytes before initiation and throughout treatment.
• Hyperglycemia risk: closely monitor blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
• Compatibility: avoid mixing with calcium‑containing solutions to prevent precipitation.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Kabiven can interact with certain medications and solutions administered intravenously.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent high‑dose potassium supplements: may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
• Calcium‑containing IV solutions: can precipitate with amino acids, leading to emboli.
• Co‑administration with other parenteral nutrition products: risk of excess amino acid load.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Loop diuretics: may exacerbate electrolyte disturbances.
• Insulin therapy: may require adjustment of glucose monitoring.
• Anticoagulants: monitor coagulation parameters as amino acids can affect plasma protein binding.