Olpruva
Olpruva is a prescription medication containing sodium phenylbutyrate, designed to help manage urea cycle disorders (UCDs) by providing an alternative pathway for the body to eliminate excess nitrogen. This medication is used in conjunction with dietary protein restriction and nutritional supplements to help prevent dangerous ammonia buildup in patients who cannot adequately clear nitrogen through the normal urea cycle.
Olpruva is a nitrogen-binding agent used to treat urea cycle disorders by helping the body excrete excess nitrogen.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2626370
- Generic
- Olpruva
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Olpruva is indicated for chronic management of urea cycle disorders, including carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and citrullinemia, among others. It is used in patients with hyperammonemia due to these genetic conditions when dietary protein restriction alone is insufficient.
Sodium phenylbutyrate acts as a nitrogen scavenger by providing an alternative pathway for nitrogen disposal. It is metabolized to phenylacetate, which conjugates with glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine, which is then excreted in the urine, effectively removing excess nitrogen from the body.
Olpruva is an oral suspension that should be taken with food. It must be used alongside a protein-restricted diet and may require supplementation with arginine or citrulline depending on the specific UCD. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms. Regular monitoring of ammonia levels and nutritional status is essential during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy