Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:

Urea cycle disorder treatment.

How the Drug Works:

Sodium phenylbutyrate forms a substance needed for the elimination of nitrogen waste (ammonia) from the body.

Uses:

Adjunctive therapy for chronic management of patients with urea cycle disorder and in infants with enzymatic deficiencies that result in elevated levels of ammonia in the blood.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly looded and the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the lotus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if sodium phenyl butyrate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Use of the tablets in newborns, infants and children under 44 lbs is not recommended. ) tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include: Blood mounts and ammonia and amino acid blood levels.

Drug Interactions:

your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­10 counter or prescription medication or dietary supplements while king this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modify or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine:

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend upon many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; constipation; rectal bleeding; appetite loss; peptic ulcers.

Nervous System: Depression; drowsiness; fatigue; light-headedness; head­ache.

Circulatory System: Anemia; abnormal heartbeat.

Other: Menstrual problems; body odor; unpleasant taste sensation; fainting; weight gain; rash; swelling; kidney problems; abnormal lab tests.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Tablets – Take in equally divided amounts 3 times daily with meals.
• Powder – Take in equally divided amounts with each meal or feeding, 4 to 6 times daily. Mix with food (solid or liquid). Avoid acidic drinks. Shake lightly before use.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• A special diet will be needed to derive the most benefit in using this drug.
• Sodium phenyl butyrate may have to be taken for life unless you receive a liver transplant.
• May cause drowsiness, fatigue, fainting, or light-headedness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks that require alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience decreased mental awareness, vomiting, combativeness, slurred speech, unstable gait, unconsciousness, or fever.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep bottle tightly closed.