Sodium phenylbutyrate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is the drug Sodium Phenylbutyrate for?

Sodium phenylbutyrate is a drug used to treat urea cycle disorders. This medication helps remove ammonia from the body. Too much ammonia in the body can cause brain damage and sometimes death.

This medication should not be used to treat sudden and acute high ammonia levels in the body. Seek medical help immediately if you experience sudden symptoms of having too much ammonia in your body, such as difficulty thinking, vomiting, irritability, slurred speech, difficulty walking, fainting.

What are the rules for using Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Read the directions for use provided by your pharmacist before starting to use the medicine and each time you refill your medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth or feeding tube (oral / nasogastric / gastric) as directed by your doctor. Shake the bottle before drinking. Take the dose your doctor prescribes. Mix the drug with solid or soft food, then consume it at the same time.

The dosage is based on your body weight, health condition, and response to therapy. The total daily dose is divided into equal amounts and taken at the same time as meals (for example, 3-6 times per day). Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. To make it easier to remember, take the medicine at the same time every day.

How to store Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for Sodium Phenylbutyrate for adults?

• Patients weighing under 20 kg: 450 - 600 mg / kg / day
• Patients weighing more than 20 kg: 9.9 - 13 g / m2 / day
• Maximum dose: The safety or effectiveness of dosing in excess of 20 g (40 tablets) per day has not been established.

What is the dosage of Sodium Phenylbutyrate for children?

• Patients weighing under 20 kg: 450 - 600 mg / kg / day
• Patients weighing more than 20 kg: 9.9 - 13 g / m2 / day
• Maximum dose: The safety or effectiveness of dosing in excess of 20 g (40 tablets) per day has not been established.

In what dosage and preparation is Sodium Phenylbutyrate available?

Sodium phenylbutyrate is available in the following dosages:

• 250 mg powder
• 500 mg tablet

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Even with treatment, a urea cycle disorder can cause ammonia buildup in the blood which can cause dangerous side effects. Seek emergency medical help immediately if you notice any signs of ammonia buildup, such as changes in mood or behavior, memory loss, thinking problems, muscle twitching, back and forth movement of the eyes, vomiting, increased weakness, slacking speech, seizures and fainting.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• A fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Feel like passing out
• Changes in mood, personality or behavior.

Less serious side effects can include:

• Changes in menstrual periods
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Increased body odor
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Because of the toxicity of sodium phenylbutyrate, use in children under 20 kg (44 pounds) is not recommended.

Elderly

No information is available regarding the association of age with the effects of sodium phenylbutyrate in elderly patients.

Is Sodium Phenylbutyrate safe for pregnant or nursing women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Sodium Phenylbutyrate?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Edema (swelling due to excess fluid in the body)
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease, severe - Increased water retention can exacerbate this condition.
• Liver disease - Higher levels of sodium phenylbutyrate can lead to an increased risk of side effects.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.