Sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate is a combination medication used in the treatment of urea cycle disorders, specifically for acute hyperammonemia and associated encephalopathy. It is a mixture of two ammonia scavenging drugs, sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate work by a process known as alternative pathway therapy. They provide an alternative pathway for the removal of ammonia from the body. Sodium phenylacetate conjugates with glutamine in the kidneys to form phenylacetylglutamine, which is excreted in the urine. Sodium benzoate combines with glycine in the liver to form hippurate, which is also excreted in the urine.

Indications[edit | edit source]

This medication is indicated for the treatment of acute hyperammonemia and associated encephalopathy in patients with deficiencies in enzymes of the urea cycle.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, seizures, and liver damage.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to either of the active ingredients.

Drug Interactions[edit | edit source]

This medication may interact with other drugs that affect the kidneys or liver, including certain antibiotics and antiviral medications.

Dosage and Administration[edit | edit source]

The dosage of sodium phenylacetate/sodium benzoate is based on the patient's weight and the severity of the condition. It is administered intravenously.

See Also[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD