Irrigation solution / amino acid

Glycine

Glycine is a simple amino acid used as an irrigation solution, notably during transurethral and some other endoscopic surgical procedures.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a non-electrolyte, near-isotonic irrigant it provides a clear, non-conductive field for electrosurgery while keeping the operative site clear.

Prescribing in practice

Systemic absorption of large volumes can cause dilutional hyponatraemia and fluid overload (irrigation or post-TURP syndrome) and glycine toxicity, so absorption should be minimised and recognised promptly.
Use with caution in patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic impairment who tolerate fluid shifts poorly.
It is intended for irrigation and is not for intravenous infusion.

Monitoring

Monitor for signs of fluid absorption such as hyponatraemia, confusion, visual disturbance and cardiovascular compromise during and after prolonged irrigation procedures.

Counselling the patient

Report headache, nausea, confusion or visual disturbance after the procedure.
The surgical team will watch closely for fluid-balance problems during your operation.

Evidence & guidelines

Recognition and management of glycine irrigation (TURP) syndrome is described in established urological and anaesthetic surgical practice.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways