Sodium Phenylbutyrate (Systemic)
   
Sodium Phenylbutyrate (Systemic)
US Brand Names
• Buphenyl
Description
Sodium phenylbutyrate (SOE-dee-um fen-il-BYOO-ti-rate) is used to help treat a deficiency of enzymes that help remove ammonia from your 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.
Sodium phenylbutyrate is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Special Considerations
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sodium phenylbutyrate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium phenylbutyrate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether sodium phenylbutyrate passes into breast milk.
Children
This medicine has been reported to cause unwanted side effects in children. Also, nerve problems and brain damage associated with your condition may continue to worsen despite treatment.
Older adults
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of sodium phenylbutyrate in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking sodium phenylbutyrate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking the following:
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of sodium phenylbutyrate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Edema (swelling) or
• Heart disease or
• Kidney disease, severe-Increased retention of water may make these conditions worse
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease-Higher blood levels of sodium phenylbutyrate may result and increase the risk of side effects
Administration
For patients taking the powder form of this medicine:
• Sodium phenylbutyrate should be mixed with solid food or a liquid. However, it should not be mixed with acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, or grapefruit, orange, or tomato juice.
Take this medicine with meals or feedings.
It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as following a low-protein diet. Also, your doctor may recommend that you take amino acid supplements . If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of sodium phenylbutyrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of sodium phenylbutyrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• For too much ammonia in the body:
o For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
§ Adults, teenagers, and children weighing 20 kilograms (kg) (44 pounds) or more-The dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually given four to six times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams a day.
§ Children weighing up to 20 kg (44 pounds)-The dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 450 to 600 milligrams (mg) per kg (205 to 273 mg per pound) of body weight a day. The dose is given four to six times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams a day.
o For oral dosage form (tablets):
§ Adults, teenagers, and children weighing 20 kg (44 pounds) or more-The dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually given three times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams (40 tablets) a day.
§ Children weighing up to 20 kg (44 pounds)-Use of the tablets is not recommended.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. It is important to take the full amount every day as prescribed by your doctor.
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. However, a strong, musty odor is normal for your medicine.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions
Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur :
More common
Change in frequency of breathing; lack of or irregular menstruation; mood or mental changes; muscle pain or twitching; nausea or vomiting; nervousness or restlessness; lower back, side, or stomach pain; swelling of feet or lower legs; unpleasant taste; unusual tiredness or weakness.
Less common
Chills; fever; joint pain; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising.
Rare
Convulsions (seizures); dizziness; dryness of mouth; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased blood pressure; increased thirst; irritability; muscle cramps; rectal bleeding; swelling of face; unusual weight gain; weak pulse.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Changes in taste; decreased appetite; strong body odor.
Rare
Abdominal or stomach pain; constipation; fainting; headache; mental depression; skin rash.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
August 18, 1997 
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