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PHEBURANE

Generic: Sodium phenylbutyrate

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Medunik
NDC
71770-200
RxCUI
2610128
ICD-10 indication
E72.20

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About PHEBURANE

What is this medication? Pheburane is a prescription medication indicated for the chronic management of patients diagnosed with urea cycle disorders. These rare genetic conditions occur when the body lacks specific enzymes needed to remove nitrogen from the blood, leading to a dangerous buildup of ammonia. Specifically, this medicine is used for patients with deficiencies in carbamoylphosphate synthetase, ornithine transcarbamylase, or argininosuccinate synthetase. It is intended to be used alongside a low-protein diet and, in some cases, dietary supplements like essential amino acids to help manage the condition effectively.

The active ingredient in Pheburane is sodium phenylbutyrate, which acts as a nitrogen-scavenging agent. It works by providing an alternative pathway for the body to excrete nitrogen through the urine instead of relying on the faulty urea cycle. This helps to maintain safe ammonia levels and prevent neurological damage associated with high ammonia levels. This specific formulation consists of taste-masked granules designed to make the medication easier to swallow and more tolerable for patients, as the active ingredient naturally has a very bitter and unpleasant taste.

Copay & patient assistance

  • Patient Copay Amount: Not Publicly Available
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit: Not Publicly Available
  • Core Eligibility Restrictions: Not Publicly Available
  • RxBIN, PCN, and Group numbers: Not Publicly Available

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for PHEBURANE. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Nov 26, 2025

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PHEBURANE is indicated as adjunctive therapy to standard of care, which includes dietary management, for the chronic management of adult and pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs), involving deficiencies of carbamylphosphate synthetase (CPS), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) or argininosuccinic acid synthetase (AS). Limitations of Use Episodes of acute hyperammonemia may occur in patients while on PHEBURANE. PHEBURANE is not indicated for the treatment of acute hyperammonemia, which can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires rapid acting interventions to reduce plasma ammonia levels. PHEBURANE is a nitrogen-binding agent indicated as adjunctive therapy to standard of care, which includes dietary management, for the chronic management of adult and pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs), involving deficiencies of carbamylphosphate synthetase (CPS), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) or argininosuccinic acid synthetase (AS). ( 1 ) Limitations of Use PHEBURANE is not indicated for the treatment of acute hyperammonemia. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION PHEBURANE treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in the treatment of UCDs. For administration, see full prescribing information. ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) The recommended dosage measured as sodium phenylbutyrate is: Patients weighing < 20 kg: 450–600 mg/kg/day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. ( 2.1 ) Patients weighing ≥ 20 kg: 9.9–13.0 g/m 2 /day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. ( 2.1 ) Monitor plasma ammonia levels to determine the need for dosage adjustment. ( 2.2 ) Monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity. ( 2.2 ) For patients with hepatic impairment, start at the lower end of the recommended dosing range. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage PHEBURANE treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in the treatment of urea cycle disorders. The recommended dosage of PHEBURANE (measured as sodium phenylbutyrate) for patients with urea cycle disorders is: Patients weighing less than 20kg: 450 – 600 mg/kg/day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. Divide the calculated total daily dose into three to six doses. Administer as three to six divided doses and take with food. Patients weighing greater than or equal to 20 kg: 9.9 – 13 g/m 2 /day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. Divide the calculated total daily dose into three to six doses. Administer as three to six divided doses and take with food. The maximum dosage is 20 grams per day. Combine PHEBURANE with dietary protein restriction and, in some cases, amino acid supplementation (e.g., essential amino acids, arginine, citrulline, and protein-free calorie supplements). Measure the dose using only the calibrated spoon provided in the packaging. This calibrated dosing spoon directly measures PHEBURANE oral pellets as sodium phenylbutyrate [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) ] . If a dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as possible. There should be at least 3 hours between two doses and doses should not be doubled to make up for the missed dose. 2.2 Dosage Adjustment and Monitoring Monitor plasma ammonia levels to determine the need for dosage adjustment. Adjust the PHEBURANE dosage to maintain the plasma ammonia level within the normal range for the patient’s age, taking into consideration their clinical condition (e.g., nutritional requirements, protein intake, growth parameters, etc.). Monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity and obtain measurements of plasma phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . If neurologic symptoms (e.g. vomiting, nausea, headache, somnolence or confusion) are present in the absence of high ammonia levels or other intercurrent illnesses, consider reducing the dose of PHEBURANE. 2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Hepatic Impairment For patients with hepatic impairment, start at the lower end of the recommended dosing range and maintain patients on the lowest dose necessary to control plasma ammonia levels [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )] . 2.4 Administration Instructions For oral administration only. Administration via gastrostomy or nasogastric tubes has not been evaluated. Schedule PHEBURANE dosages at the same time as food consumption (meal or snack). Use the calibrated dosing spoon to measure PHEBURANE oral pellets. The dosing spoon is directly calibrated in grams of sodium phenylbutyrate. Swallow the coated oral pellets with a drink (e.g., water, fruit juices, protein-free infant formulas) or sprinkle onto spoonful of apple sauce or carrot puree. Do not chew PHEBURANE oral pellets directly or mix into liquids. Swallow immediately to minimize dissolution of coating. Administration of PHEBURANE oral pellets with other foods has not been studied and is not recommended. Additionally, administration with soft food is only recommended in patients old enough to consume soft foods.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurotoxicity of Phenylacetate : Increased exposure to phenylacetate, the major metabolite of PHEBURANE, may be associated with neurotoxicity in patients with UCDs. Consider reducing the dose if neurotoxicity symptoms are present. ( 5.1 ) Hypokalemia : Renal excretion of phenylacetylglutamine may induce urinary loss of potassium. Monitor serum potassium during therapy and initiate appropriate treatment when necessary. ( 5.2 ) Conditions Associated with Edema : Calculate the total amount of sodium patients will be exposed to based on their weight or body surface area. If a patient develops new-onset edema or worsening edema while on treatment, discontinue administration of PHEBURANE and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.3 ) Diabetes Mellitus, Hereditary Fructose Intolerance, Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption or Sucrase-Isomaltase Insufficiency : Avoid use of PHEBURANE in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Neurotoxicity of Phenylacetate Increased exposure to phenylacetate, the major metabolite of PHEBURANE, may be associated with neurotoxicity in patients with UCDs. In a study of adult cancer patients receiving intravenous phenylacetate, 250-300 mg/kg/day for 14 days, repeated at 4-week intervals, signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity, which were reversible upon discontinuation, were seen at plasma concentrations ≥ 3.5 mmol/L, and included somnolence, fatigue, and light headedness [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ] . PHEBURANE is not approved for intravenous use or for treatment of patients with cancer. If symptoms of vomiting, nausea, headache, somnolence or confusion are present in the absence of high ammonia levels or other intercurrent illnesses, consider reducing the dose of PHEBURANE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Phenylacetate caused neurotoxicity when given subcutaneously in rat pups [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . 5.2 Hypokalemia Renal excretion of phenylacetylglutamine may induce urinary loss of potassium. Monitor serum potassium during therapy and initiate appropriate treatment when necessary. 5.3 Conditions Associated with Edema PHEBURANE contains 124 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium per gram of sodium phenylbutyrate, corresponding to 2.5 g (108 mmol) of sodium in the maximum daily dose of 20 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. In order to decide if administration of PHEBURANE is appropriate in patients with diseases that involve edema such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrosis, calculate the total amount of sodium patients will be exposed to based on their weight or body surface area (BSA) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . If a patient develops new-onset edema or worsening edema while on treatment, discontinue administration of PHEBURANE and initiate appropriate therapy. 5.4 Diabetes Mellitus, Hereditary Fructose Intolerance, Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption or Sucrase-Isomaltase Insufficiency PHEBURANE contains 768 mg of sucrose per gram of sodium phenylbutyrate, corresponding to 15.4 g of sucrose in the maximum daily dose of 20 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. This should be considered in patients with diabetes mellitus. Avoid use of PHEBURANE in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Valproic Acid, Haloperidol, or Corticosteroids : May increase plasma ammonia level; monitor ammonia levels closely. ( 7.1 ) Probenecid : May inhibit renal excretion of metabolites of PHEBURANE including phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine; monitor for potential neurotoxicity. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Ammonia Corticosteroids Use of corticosteroids may cause the breakdown of body protein and increase plasma ammonia levels. Valproic Acid and Haloperidol Hyperammonemia may be induced by haloperidol and by valproic acid. Monitor plasma ammonia levels closely when corticosteroids, valproic acid, or haloperidol is used concomitantly with PHEBURANE. 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect PHEBURANE Probenecid Probenecid may inhibit renal excretion of the metabolites of PHEBURANE including phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine. Monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity and measure plasma phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine levels when probenecid is used concomitantly with PHEBURANE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of sodium phenylbutyrate were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily and from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) are amenorrhea or menstrual dysfunction (irregular menstrual cycles), decreased appetite, body odor and bad taste or taste aversion. Less Common Clinical Adverse Reactions Blood and lymphatic system disorders: aplastic anemia, ecchymoses Cardiac disorders : arrhythmia Gastrointestinal disorders : abdominal pain, decreased appetite, gastritis, nausea and vomiting, constipation, rectal bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis Metabolism and nutrition disorders: increased weight, edema Nervous system disorders : syncope, headache Psychiatric disorders : depression Renal and urinary disorders : renal tubular acidosis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : rash Laboratory Adverse Reactions Blood and lymphatic system disorders : anemia, leukopenia and leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis Hepatobiliary disorders: hyperbilirubinemia, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, increased transaminases Metabolism and nutrition disorders: acidosis, alkalosis, hyperchloraemia, hypophosphataemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, decreased total protein Clinical Adverse Reactions with Use of Phenylacetate Nervous system disorders: Neurotoxicity was reported in cancer patients receiving intravenous phenylacetate, the major metabolite of PHEBURANE (PHEBURANE is not approved for intravenous use or for treatment of patients with cancer). Signs and symptoms were predominately somnolence, fatigue, and dizziness (lightheadedness); less frequently reported were headache, dysgeusia, hypoacusis, disorientation, memory impairment, and exacerbation of a pre-existing neuropathy. Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) are menstrual dysfunction, decreased appetite, body odor and bad taste or taste aversion. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Medunik USA, Inc. at 1-844-884-5520 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with sodium phenylbutyrate use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with sodium phenylbutyrate. Based on published animal data, phenylacetate may be neurotoxic to the developing brain (see Data ) . There are serious risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated urea cycle disorders during pregnancy which can result in serious morbidity and mortality to the mother and fetus (see Clinical Considerations ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Pregnancy is a time of increased metabolic demand which increases the risk for hyperammonemic episodes when metabolic demands are not met. Hyperammonemic episodes in pregnancy are associated with impaired cognition in the mother and an increased risk of maternal and fetal death. Data In rats, intrauterine exposure to phenylacetate produced lesions in the neonatal brain in layer 5 of the cortical pyramidal cells; dendritic spines were longer and thinner than normal and reduced in number.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How PHEBURANE appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

3%

153 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 5

On 88% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

100%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 5 (specialty)7
88%
Tier 61
13%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 63% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 8 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.