Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Buphenyl, Ravicti
Phenylbutyric acid is a nitrogen-scavenging drug primarily used in the management of urea cycle disorders (UCDs). These are inherited metabolic disorders characterized by the inability to properly process nitrogen waste from protein breakdown. Phenylbutyric acid acts as an alternative pathway for nitrogen excretion, helping to reduce the buildup of ammonia in the blood. It is available in various forms, including sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate.
Used to manage urea cycle disorders by reducing ammonia levels in the blood.
Outcome:
Increased phenylbutyrate levels
Mechanism:
Competition for renal excretion
Outcome:
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
Mechanism:
Additive effects on gastric mucosa
Outcome:
Reduced absorption of phenylbutyrate
Mechanism:
Altered gastric pH
Most likely new formulation: extended-release formulation (2025, 80% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and research activity, there is a 70% likelihood of expanded indications for phenylbutyric acid in the next 5 years.
Nitrogen-scavenging agent, orphan drug
Aromatic fatty acid