Amonia: What do you do with high ammonia... - PBCers Organization

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Amonia

Tzarboy profile image
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What do you do with high ammonia levels?

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Tzarboy
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NovaBen1 profile image
NovaBen1

Typically Lactulose is prescribed, which is a liquid syrup. My father currently takes Lactulose every 3-4 hours. His Ammonia levels have been in the 70s-80s lately. I believe the typical high side of the range is around 37. I think once you start creeping over that a doctor will prescribe Lactulose. If it gets too high, patients are at high risk for developing encephalopathy, again as with my father who had developed a mild case. He wasn’t taking his medication properly when it was up to him solely. Once we took over administration of his medicine at precise intervals, his mild encephalopathy has decreased along with his ammonia levels. I would encourage anyone dealing with high ammonia levels to designate a reliable person to ensure the patient takes all medicines and note the times down of all medications. If you don’t have someone to rely on for help then you really need to develop a detailed journal that you keep with you at all times. Also, learn to set multiple alarms on a smartphone that will help hold you accountable for best results. This can be difficult when motivation is low and fatigue is high. Consistency it is very important and I imagine the pace of improvement will vary from person to person. If ammonia levels are not reduced with your prescribed dosage and frequency, your doctor may increase the dosage, frequency, or possibly add in additional medicines (especially if constipated or not producing bowel movements as often as targeted).

Miamomma profile image
Miamomma in reply to NovaBen1

Thank you for the information.

Tzarboy profile image
Tzarboy in reply to NovaBen1

Thank you for the information

OdinsMom profile image
OdinsMom

See your dr immediately if you think your levels are high. Lactulose is the usual script but there are others. It’s caused by the breakdown of protein in our bodies during digestion. Try switching to easily digestible protein and stay away from red meats. Small meals more frequently helped me. I did dairy protein and eggs. No meat at all

Miamomma profile image
Miamomma in reply to OdinsMom

Thank you for the information.

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