Sodium phenylbutyrate oral solution

What is this medicine?

SODIUM PHENYLBUTYRATE (sow dee um fen il bue ti rate) is used to manage the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with urea cycle disorders. This medicine is not a cure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Mix this medicine with food or liquid immediately before taking. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

This medicine is used in combination with a low protein diet. Some patients may also need to take dietary supplements.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• depressed mood

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

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

• body odor

• changes in taste

• headache

• loss of appetite

• missed menstrual periods

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• haloperidol

• probenecid

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• valproic acid

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• heart failure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• salt restricted diet

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• an unusual or allergic reaction to sodium phenylbutyrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.