Drug
Sodium Phenylbutyrate
Pronounced
"SO-dee-um fen-ill-BYOU-tih-rate"
Uses
This medication is used along with diet changes for long-term treatment of a certain inherited disorder (urea cycle disorder). Sodium phenylbutyrate helps remove a certain chemical (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, severely high levels of ammonia in the body. Get medical help right away if you have sudden symptoms of too much ammonia (such as trouble thinking, nausea, vomiting, irritability, trouble speaking, trouble walking, fainting).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sodium phenylbutyrate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth or by feeding tube (nasogastric/gastric), exactly as directed by your doctor. Shake the bottle lightly before each use. Using the measuring device provided, measure out the dose prescribed by your doctor. Mix with solid or liquid food, and take all of the mixture right away.
The dosage is based on your weight or body size, medical condition, and response to treatment. The total daily dose should be divided into equal amounts and taken with each meal or feeding (such as 3 to 6 times daily). Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.