Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Sodium phenylbutyrate

  • Take this medicine at meal-times.
  • Follow any special diet you have been given by your doctor or dietician.

About sodium phenylbutyrate

Type of medicine A drug used in metabolic disorders
Used for Urea cycle disorders
Also called Ammonaps®
Available as Tablets and granules

Sodium phenylbutyrate is used for the management of urea cycle disorders. Urea cycle disorders occur where waste ammonia from protein fails to convert into urea and there is a build up of ammonia in the blood stream.

Sodium phenylbutyrate reduces the amount of ammonia in the blood. You may also have to follow a special diet to help control your symptoms.

Before taking sodium phenylbutyrate

Before taking sodium phenylbutyrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, heart or kidney problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take sodium phenylbutyrate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take sodium phenylbutyrate with or immediately after meals.
  • Mix the granules with food before taking.
  • Try to take sodium phenylbutyrate at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You should follow any dietary advice your doctor or dietician have recommended.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can sodium phenylbutyrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, stomach discomfort Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Fainting Getting up or moving slowly may help
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Irregular menstrual periods or none at all, decreased appetite, body odour, disturbed taste, swollen ankles or feet, depression, skin rash, increase in weight and bruising If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience black or bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium phenylbutyrate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep any regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3793		 DocRef:
dils3801		 Last Updated:
8 Jul 2008		 Date of Next Review:
8 Jul 2010		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News








Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site



Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page