Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate
Generic name: Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate [ SOW-dee-um-fen-il-AS-e-tate-& SOW-dee-um-BENZ-oh-ate ]
Brand name: Ammonul
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 13, 2024.
Uses of Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate:
- It is used to treat urea cycle problems.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate?
- If you are allergic to sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate; any part of sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about.
- If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate) best taken?
Use sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
- Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Headache.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Feeling confused.
- Seizures.
- Change in taste.
- Change in hearing.
- Memory problems or loss.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.
Related/similar drugs
Ammonul, Carbaglu, carglumic acid
What are some other side effects of Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate?
- If you need to store sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about sodium benzoate / sodium phenylacetate
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
- Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate monograph
- Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate Concentrate Injection (FDA)
- Sodium Phenylacetate and Sodium Benzoate Injection (FDA)
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.