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 — no UK product information found

We found no UK product information (SmPC) for this medicine or presentation on the eMC or MHRA Products (checked October 2026). It may be unlicensed in the UK, imported, a medical device, or no longer marketed. ClinCalc Pro shows only doses it can trace to official product information, so none is shown — follow your specialist service or local guideline.

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