Carglumic acid
Generic name: carglumic acid [ kar-GLOO-mik-AS-id ]
Brand name: Carbaglu
Dosage form: oral tablet, dispersible (200 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is carglumic acid?
Carglumic acid is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the liver. This enzyme is necessary for processing excess nitrogen produced when the body metabolizes proteins. Without this enzyme, nitrogen builds up in the form of ammonia and is not removed from the body. Ammonia is very toxic when it circulates in blood and tissues and can cause permanent brain damage, coma, or death.
Carglumic acid is used to treat hyperammonemia (HYE-per-AM-moe-NEE-mee-a), a urea cycle disorder caused by lack of a certain liver enzyme. Carglumic acid is usually given with other medications to treat this lifelong disorder.
Carglumic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avoid eating foods that are high in protein when you first start taking carglumic acid. Follow your doctor's instructions about any other restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of carglumic acid. Wait until your next meal.
Your blood will need to be tested often. A buildup of ammonia in the blood can quickly cause brain injury or death. Every person with a urea cycle disorder should remain under the care of a doctor.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
Carglumic acid is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet and other medications. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Follow your doctor's instructions about taking carglumic acid if you are pregnant. It is very important to control your ammonia levels during pregnancy. Do not stop taking carglumic acid without your doctor's advice, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of carglumic acid on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take carglumic acid?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Carglumic acid is usually taken 2 to 4 times each day, just before each meal or feeding. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Carglumic acid doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight. Dose adjustments are especially important in children who are g...
