Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate Injection

What is Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate Injection?

SODIUM BENZOATE; SODIUM PHENYLACETATE (Ammonul®) is a drug that is used to reduce high levels of ammonia in your blood. Too much ammonia in the blood can be caused by problems with your body's urea cycle, which helps you get rid of waste from normal protein breakdown. Generic sodium benzoate; sodium phenylacetate and injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• allergies to any aspirin-containing or aspirin-like products

• diabetes or any problems with your blood sugar

• epilepsy or seizure disorder

• heart failure, high blood pressure, or any problems with your cardiovascular system

• liver or kidney problems/failure

• swelling of your ankles or legs

• an unusual reaction to Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Sodium benzoate; sodium phenylacetate is for infusion into a vein through a central line only. A healthcare professional will give you this drug in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Your healthcare professional will watch your ammonia levels and decide on how to best continue your treatment.

What drug(s) may interact with Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate?

• ampicillin

• corticosteroids (examples: betamethasone, budesonide, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone)

• penicillin

• probenecid

• sodium phenylbutyrate

• trimethoprim

• valproate or valproic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate?

Notify the nearest healthcare professional immediately if you begin to feel a burning sensation or swelling at the IV site or if you feel more confused, agitated, or have trouble breathing.

Watch for any signs of sickness or infection. Your healthcare professional will outline a plan for your diet and monitoring. Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your blood ammonia levels. Consider wearing a medical alert tag with your diagnosis. If you become unconscious because of too much ammonia in your blood, the doctor will have the diagnosis information.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• bleeding

• burning or swelling at the injection site

• chest pain

• confusion, disorientation, any changes in mental status or memory

• difficulty breathing/ rapid breathing

• fever

• jaundice (yellow skin color)

• problems urinating

• seizures

• skin rash, itching, or hives

• swelling of your belly, arms, or legs

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome).

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• flushing

• headache

• increased thirst or urination

• nausea

• stomach pain

• tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Sodium benzoate; sodium phenylacetate injections will be given to you in a clinic or hospital setting. You will not take this medicine at home.