About sodium benzoate
Ammonia-scavenging agent
Used for
- Add-on treatment for acute high ammonia levels caused by urea-cycle disorders.
Usual adult dose
For acute hyperammonemia, dosing is weight-based and given intravenously with sodium phenylacetate; specialist protocols determine the dose.
Usual dose in children
For acute hyperammonemia, weight-based intravenous dosing is used with sodium phenylacetate; specialist protocols determine the dose.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Infusion-site irritation
Important warnings
- Requires urgent specialist treatment and blood ammonia monitoring.
- High sodium content may worsen heart or kidney problems.
- Use carefully with impaired kidney or liver function.
- This injection is not interchangeable with oral sodium benzoate.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; human pregnancy data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding safety is not established; specialist assessment is needed.
Interactions
- Probenecid may reduce sodium benzoate elimination.
- Other sodium-containing medicines can increase sodium burden.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.