Sodium Phenylbutyrate (Systemic)

Brand Names : Buphenyl

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking the powder form of this medicine:

• Sodium phenylbutyrate should be mixed with solid food or a liquid. However, it should not be mixed with acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, or grapefruit, orange, or tomato juice.

Take this medicine with meals or feedings.

It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as following a low-protein diet. Also, your doctor may recommend that you take amino acid supplements . If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing - The dose of sodium phenylbutyrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of sodium phenylbutyrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For too much ammonia in the body:
  • For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
    • Adults, teenagers, and children weighing 20 kilograms (kg) (44 pounds) or more - The dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually given four to six times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams a day.
    • Children weighing up to 20 kg (44 pounds) - The dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 450 to 600 milligrams (mg) per kg (205 to 273 mg per pound) of body weight a day. The dose is given four to six times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams a day.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults, teenagers, and children weighing 20 kg (44 pounds) or more - The dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually given three times a day with meals or feedings. The dose is usually not more than 20 grams (40 tablets) a day.
    • Children weighing up to 20 kg (44 pounds) - Use of the tablets is not recommended.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. It is important to take the full amount every day as prescribed by your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. However, a strong, musty odor is normal for your medicine.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.