Sodium Benzoate 3 g/15 mL Oral Liquid is a custom-prepared medication specifically designed for patients who require sodium benzoate in a liquid form for ease of administration. This formulation is particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as children and the elderly, or for those with conditions that impair their ability to ingest solid dosage forms. The concentration of sodium benzoate in this preparation ensures that each 15 mL of the oral liquid contains 3 grams of the active ingredient, allowing for precise dosing as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a treatment for urea cycle disorders (UCDs), which are genetic conditions that result in a deficiency of one of the enzymes in the urea cycle. This deficiency leads to an accumulation of ammonia in the blood, which can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage. Sodium benzoate works by providing an alternative pathway for the excretion of nitrogen, by conjugating with glycine to form hippurate, which is then excreted in the urine. This action helps to reduce the levels of ammonia in the blood, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with UCDs.

It is important for both patients and prescribers to understand that the effectiveness of Sodium Benzoate 3 g/15 mL Oral Liquid is dependent on accurate dosing and adherence to the prescribed regimen. The liquid formulation allows for flexible dosing adjustments and can be mixed with water or other suitable liquids as advised by a healthcare professional to improve palatability. As with any medication, potential side effects may occur, and it is essential to monitor the patient's response to therapy and adjust the treatment as necessary.

Bayview Pharmacy's team of compounding pharmacists is dedicated to providing high-quality, customized medications to meet the unique needs of each patient. We are available to answer any questions and provide additional information to ensure the safe and effective use of Sodium Benzoate 3 g/15 mL Oral Liquid. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative and is also used as a medication to treat a variety of conditions, including urea cycle disorders, where it acts by binding to amino acids and helping to remove ammonia from the body. When considering the use of sodium benzoate 3 g/15 mL oral liquid, it is important to be aware of potential drug interactions that may affect the efficacy of the treatment or cause adverse effects.

One key interaction is with levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. Sodium benzoate may decrease the absorption of levodopa in the intestine, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Patients taking levodopa should consult their healthcare provider before starting sodium benzoate. Additionally, care should be taken when sodium benzoate is used concurrently with other medications that can affect ammonia levels or renal function, such as valproic acid or other anticonvulsants, as there may be an increased risk of hyperammonemia.

Furthermore, patients with a history of hypersensitivity to benzoates should avoid this formulation, as it may provoke allergic reactions. Sodium benzoate is also known to interact with certain food dyes and additives, which can lead to increased levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined in the presence of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Therefore, it is advisable to avoid taking this medication with foods or supplements containing vitamin C or ascorbic acid.

It is also important to consider the sodium content in patients on a sodium-restricted diet, such as those with hypertension, heart failure, or renal impairment. The additional sodium intake from the medication could exacerbate these conditions. Patients should be monitored for sodium overload and fluid retention.

As with any medication, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. If you have any questions or concerns about the use of sodium benzoate 3 g/15 mL oral liquid or its interactions with other substances, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy for further assistance and personalized advice.

The Sodium Benzoate 3 g/15 mL Oral Liquid is a specially crafted medication designed for ease of administration and precise dosing. Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is commonly used as a preservative in the food industry. However, in a medical context, sodium benzoate has a different application. It works by converting to benzoic acid in the stomach, which is then absorbed and metabolized by the liver. The key therapeutic action of sodium benzoate is its ability to conjugate with amino acids, particularly glycine, to form hippuric acid, which is then excreted in the urine.

This biochemical reaction is particularly useful in the treatment of hyperammonemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. Hyperammonemia can be caused by various disorders, such as urea cycle disorders (UCDs), liver disease, and other metabolic conditions. Ammonia is a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, and elevated levels can lead to neurological impairment and other serious health issues. By promoting the excretion of ammonia in the form of hippuric acid, sodium benzoate helps to reduce the levels of ammonia in the blood, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with hyperammonemia.

The oral liquid formulation of sodium benzoate is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as young children, the elderly, or those with neurological disorders or esophageal complications. The liquid form allows for flexible dosing, which can be easily adjusted according to the specific needs of the patient. Additionally, the liquid formulation ensures that the medication is readily absorbed and begins to work quickly to reduce ammonia levels in the body.

For prescribers, it is important to note that the dosage of sodium benzoate must be carefully calculated based on the patient's weight and the severity of their condition. Regular monitoring of ammonia levels and liver function tests are recommended to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust the dose as necessary. It is also crucial to consider the patient's dietary protein intake, as this can affect ammonia levels and the dosage requirements of sodium benzoate.

Patients and prescribers should be aware of potential side effects, which may include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea or vomiting, and in rare cases, neurological symptoms. As with any medication, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

If you have any questions or require further information about the Sodium Benzoate 3 g/15 mL Oral Liquid formulation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is dedicated to providing support and guidance to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.

Sodium benzoate is commonly recognized for its role as a preservative in the food industry and it is likewise utilized for its preservative and antimicrobial properties in medications. In a pharmaceutical context, beyond its role as a preservative in multi-dose preparations, sodium benzoate is employed as an active ingredient in specific disease states. Its primary medicinal use includes the treatment of hyperammonemia, where it acts as an ammonia scavenger in conditions such as urea cycle disorders. By conjugating with glycine to form hippurate, which is then excreted in urine, it helps reduce the levels of ammonia in the blood.

Notably, sodium benzoate has been explored for various off-label uses in clinical settings, such as adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia based on its potential to modulate brain levels of the neurotransmitter glycine. Furthermore, experimental studies have indicated sodium benzoate may possess neuroprotective properties, potentially opening avenues for research in neurodegenerative diseases. Its role in metabolic modulation also suggests possibilities for applications in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; however, these uses are still in the research phase and not yet established in clinical practice.

While exploring the versatility of sodium benzoate, caution is warranted when considering its use beyond established indications. Potential users, both patients and prescribers, should be mindful of the fact that dosage forms, like the 3 g/15 mL oral liquid mentioned, are often tailored for specific indications, both in concentration and formulation. It is vital to consult with a healthcare professional or a pharmacist before using sodium benzoate for any condition not explicitly prescribed. As compounding pharmacists at Bayview Pharmacy, we underscore the importance of individualized patient care and encourage those interested in potential alternative uses of sodium benzoate to reach out to us with any questions or for further information. Our commitment as healthcare professionals is to provide the highest quality of care and ensure safe and effective therapy for our patients.