Sodium Benzoate (SOE-dee-um BEN-zoe-ate), Sodium Phenylacetate (SOE-dee-um fen-il-AS-e-tate)

Lowers the amount of ammonia in your blood, and keeps the amount low. Too much ammonia damages your brain and nervous system. A problem called a "urea cycle disorder" causes too much ammonia in the blood.

Brand Name(s):

Ammonul

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a central line, which is a tube that goes directly into a vein in your chest.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You might also receive dialysis treatment with this medicine. This will help get the extra ammonia out of your blood faster.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• The first dose of this medicine takes about 1½ to 2 hours. The second dose is given more slowly and will take about 24 hours.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You might need to limit how much protein you eat.
• After the amount of ammonia in your blood returns to normal, you might be able to change to a tablet or powder that you take by mouth.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®), valproic acid (Depakene®), or medicine to treat an infection (an antibiotic), such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, penicillin, Amoxil®, Augmentin®, Trimox®, Veetids®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or problems with your nervous system.
• Your caregiver will need to check your progress while you are being treated with this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Burning, redness, swelling, or pain when the needle or tube is placed.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion, trouble thinking clearly.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Increased thirst or hunger, increase in how much or how often you urinate.
• Seizures.
• Trouble breathing, dizziness, tiredness, fainting.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.