Gosset Molecular Classification
Pharmacological Agent, Nutritional Supplement
Other Names
Nitrogen Disposal Agents, Hyperammonemia Treatment, Ammonia Detoxification Agents
Disease Roles
Ammonia Scavenger Overview
Ammonia scavengers refer broadly to pharmacologic agents or nutritional supplements that facilitate removal or neutralization of excess systemic ammonia. They act either by enhancing alternative metabolic pathways for nitrogen disposal when primary routes fail or by supporting endogenous detoxification mechanisms through nutrient supplementation. Their clinical utility spans inherited metabolic diseases like urea cycle defects as well as acquired conditions such as advanced liver disease with hyperammonemia-induced neurotoxicity.
Mechanism of Action
Enhance alternative metabolic pathways for nitrogen disposal or support endogenous detoxification mechanisms.
Biological Functions
Ammonia detoxification
Nitrogen waste removal
Urea cycle support
Glutamine synthesis support
Disease Associations
Urea cycle disorders
Hepatic encephalopathy
Liver failure
Hyperammonemia
Safety Considerations
- Drug interactions
- Dosage adjustments based on liver/renal function
- Potential side effects of individual agents
- Efficacy dependent on underlying cause of hyperammonemia
Interacting Drugs
Sodium benzoate
Sodium phenylacetate
Sodium phenylbutyrate
Glycerol phenylbutyrate
L-Ornithine
L-Citrulline
Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)
L-Lysine
Arabinogalactan
Yucca root extract
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Blood ammonia levels |
| Glutamine levels |
| Liver function tests |