About sodium phenylbutyrate
Ammonia-lowering nitrogen-scavenging agent
Used for
- Long-term treatment of urea-cycle disorders that cause high blood ammonia.
- Used alongside dietary treatment and other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Dose is individualized by body surface area and blood ammonia; specialist-directed dosing is required.
Usual dose in children
Dose is individualized by body surface area and blood ammonia; specialist-directed dosing is required.
Common side effects
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Unpleasant taste or body odor
- Menstrual irregularities
- Low blood counts or abnormal liver tests
Important warnings
- Not a treatment for sudden hyperammonemia by itself; urgent specialist care is needed.
- Requires monitoring of blood ammonia, electrolytes, blood counts, and liver and kidney function.
- Use caution with liver or kidney impairment and sodium-sensitive conditions.
- The stated injectable formulation is unusual; verify the product and route with a pharmacist.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; human pregnancy data are limited, and specialist assessment is important.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether it passes into breast milk; a clinician should assess benefits and risks.
Interactions
- Probenecid may affect removal of phenylbutyrate metabolites.
- Corticosteroids, valproate, and haloperidol may increase ammonia levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.