Sodium Phenylbutyrate (By mouth)
SOE-dee-um fen-il-BUE-ti-rate
Treats urea cycle disorders to help remove nitrogen from the body.
Drug classes
Hyperammonemia Agent, Nutritive Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Sodium phenylbutyrate is used together with a proper diet to help treat urea cycle disorders (including a specific liver enzyme deficiency) that help remove ammonia (nitrogen) from the body.
Ammonia is formed from the breakdown of protein in the body. If the ammonia cannot be removed by the body, then a buildup may cause serious unwanted effects. This medicine works by helping to reduce high levels of ammonia in the blood.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Powder, Tablet, Coated Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
If you are using the oral powder, you can mix it with water or food (solid or liquid). Powder mixed with food should be used right away. Powder mixed in water can be stored for up to one week at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using probenecid (Benemid®) or steroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Celestone®, Cortone®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, or Pediapred®). Tell your doctor if you are also using haloperidol (Haldol®) or valproic acid (Depakene®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to sodium phenylbutyrate.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or edema (swelling from excess fluid).
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Heart rhythm problems.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Severe menstrual bleeding.
Severe vomiting or rectal bleeding.
Sudden or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness.
Swelling in your hand, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Change in monthly periods.
Nausea or mild stomach pain.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Buphenyl, SPB11
There may be other brand names for this medicine.