What is Glycerol phenylbutyrate?
The liver and kidneys bind with glycerol-phenylbutyrate to eliminate nitrogen. Excess nitrogen can cause hyperammonemia (HYE-per-AM-moe-NEE-mee-a), a buildup of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia can be toxic to the blood and tissues. It can cause brain damage, coma, or even death.Glycerol-phenylbutyrate prevents ammonia from building up in the blood of adults and children who have urea cycle disorders. Hyperammonemia is not treated by glycerol-phenylbutyrate.Glycerol phenolbutyrate can be given in conjunction with a diet low in protein and sometimes nutritional supplements.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for glycerol-phenylbutyrate.
Side effects of Glycerol Phenylbutyrate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, cough, or wheezing; difficulty breathing; feeling as if you may pass out; swelling on your face, lips, and tongue; or swelling in your throat.If you notice any symptoms of hyperammonemia (high blood ammonia levels), call your doctor immediately.
- Weakness is a lack of energy.
- Thinking problems, behavioural changes, feeling irritable
- Breathing problems
- Feeding problems or other issues
- Seizure (convulsions).
The nervous system can be affected by glycerol-phenylbutyrate. If you experience:
- Drowsiness, unusual tiredness;
- Memory problems
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Confusion, ongoing headache, vomiting;
- You may experience numbness or tingling in your feet or hands.
- Changed sense of taste
- Hearing problems are a common problem.
Some of the common side effects associated with glycerol phenylbutyrate include:
- Occasionally headache
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Loss of appetite, gas, and stomach pain
- Dizziness, tiredness;
- Is a rash
- In children under 2 years old, symptoms include a cold or flu, fever, and small bumps.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report side effects directly contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Glycerol phenolbutyrate may affect your nervous system. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience confusion, headaches, or memory problems. You may also experience nausea, an altered taste or smell, numbness in your feet or hands, or unusual lightheadedness.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to glycerol, avoid using it.
Tell your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney disease
- A pancreas disorder;
- Stomach or intestinal disorder
- A condition known as NAGS deficiency (N-acetylglutamate synthase);
- If you are taking other medications,
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child.Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.You may find your name on a registry if you get pregnant. This will allow you to monitor the pregnancy's outcome and evaluate the effects of glycerol and phenylbutyrate.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Glycerol phenylbutyrate?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. As prescribed, take your medication exactly as instructed.Take 3 capsules of glycerol phenylbutyrate per day. Take it with food or baby formula. When breastfeeding a child who is taking glycerol phenylbutyrate, administer each dose just before nursing.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).The glycerol phenylbutyrate can be administered through a gastric or nasogastric feeding tube. Measure the dose into an oral syringe and attach it to the tube. Push the plunger to empty the syringe. Allow the tube to drain after flushing it with 10 millilitres of water. Then, add 10 mL of water to the tube and rinse it down.Your dose will change if you switch from phenylbutyrate sodium to glycerol butyrate. Do not neglect to follow your doctor's orders.The dose of glycerol-phenylbutyrate is based on the body surface area. You may need to adjust your dose if you lose or gain weight or if your body is still growing.It is possible that you will need to adhere to a special diet when using glycerol-phenlbutyrate. Please follow the instructions from your doctor or dietitian. Learn which foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your condition.An ammonia buildup in the bloodstream can cause a brain injury or even death. Frequent blood tests are required. A urea-cycle disorder requires that you remain under the supervision of your doctor.You may find your name on the registry for urea cycle disorder. The registry is used to gather information on people who have these disorders and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to preserve their quality and extend shelf life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect being exposed to poison or seek immediate medical advice for treatment of poison.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
There can be risks involved when taking multiple medications simultaneously. Some other drugs may affect the blood ammonia levels, reducing glycerol-phenylbutyrate's effectiveness or causing hyperammonemia.Glycerol phenylbutyrate can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.Inform your physician of any medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan on stopping or beginning use of in order to ensure a seamless transition.
