Sodium Phenylbutyrate (Oral Route)

Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. Change in the frequency of breathing
2. lack of or irregular menstruation
3. lower back, side, or stomach pain
4. mood or mental changes
5. muscle pain or twitching
6. nausea or vomiting
7. nervousness or restlessness
8. swelling of the feet or lower legs
9. unpleasant taste
10. unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

1. Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
2. black, tarry stools
3. bleeding gums
4. bloating
5. blood in the urine or stools
6. bone pain
7. burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
8. chest pain or tightness
9. chills
10. constipation
11. cough
12. darkened urine
13. discouragement
14. dizziness
15. fainting
16. fast heartbeat
17. feeling sad or empty
18. fever
19. headache
20. indigestion
21. irritability
22. joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
23. large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
24. loss of appetite
25. loss of interest or pleasure
26. mood changes
27. muscle pain, cramps, or twitching
28. numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
29. pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
30. painful or difficult urination
31. pinpoint red spots on the skin
32. rectal bleeding
33. seizures
34. sensation of pins and needles
35. severe or continuing stomach pain
36. sore throat
37. sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
38. stabbing pain
39. stopping of menstrual bleeding
40. swelling of the feet or lower legs
41. swollen or painful glands
42. trouble breathing
43. trouble concentrating
44. trouble sleeping
45. uneven heartbeat
46. unusual bleeding or bruising
47. yellow eyes or skin

Rare

1. Dryness of the mouth
2. fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
3. increased thirst
4. swelling of the face
5. unusual weight gain
6. weak pulse

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

1. Body odor
2. burning feeling in the chest or stomach
3. decreased appetite
4. increased weight
5. skin rash
6. stomach pain or upset

Incidence not known

1. Change in taste
2. loss of taste

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Precautions

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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