What is the work of phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics. It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure.
What are the indications of phenobarbital?
DOSAGE & INDICATIONS
- For the treatment of status epilepticus.
- For the maintenance treatment of all types of seizures, including but not limited to partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, or neonatal seizures not responding to other anticonvulsants.
- For the short-term treatment of insomnia.
What happens when you take phenobarbital?
Digestive system: Nausea, vomiting, constipation. Other reported reactions: Headache, injection site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema skin rashes, exfoliative dermatitis), fever, liver damage, megaloblastic anemia following chronic phenobarbital use.
Is Phenobarbital a painkiller?
Phenobarbital belongs to the class of medications called barbiturates. It is used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and as a sedative to relieve the symptoms of anxiety or tension. It is also used for the control of certain types of seizures. It works by slowing down the brain and nervous system.
How quickly does phenobarbital work?
Phenobarbital can be administered as an injection, a liquid elixir, or tablets. Each has their own speed of taking effect and appropriate dosages. Tablets or elixirs begin to act in about 60 minutes,2 and their duration lasts for 10 to 12 hours,3 depending on the dosage and individual metabolism.
Do doctors still prescribe phenobarbital?
Many doctors no longer prescribe it unless other seizure medicines have failed, however, because of concern that its side effects often outweigh its benefits (except for certain groups such as very young children).
How fast does phenobarbital work?
What is the antidote for phenobarbital?
Hemodiafiltration appears to be an effective treatment of phenobarbital intoxication.
What is the best time to take phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital may be given once or twice a day.
- Once a day: This is usually in the evening.
- Twice a day: This should be once in the morning and once in the evening. Ideally, these times are 10–12 hours apart, for example sometime between 7 and 8 am and between 7 and 8 pm.
What are the long term effects of phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital and phenytoin have good antiepileptic effect, but clinically significant untoward effects occur during their long-term use. Phenobarbital may cause hyperactivity, behavioral problems, sedation, and even dementia; these effects are dose related to some extent.
What does phenobarbital do to a human?
Phenobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system. Phenobarbital is used to treat or prevent seizures. Phenobarbital is also used short-term as a sedative to help you relax.
What is a normal phenobarbital level?
Phenobarbital is measured in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL). The normal therapeutic range for adults is around 15 to 40 mcg/mL. If your blood level is too high, you may need to have your dose lowered. If your blood level is too low, you may need to have your dose increased.
What are the side effects of phenobarbital 15 mg?
Phenobarbital Tablets, USP 15 mg: White, Round Tablet; Debossed “West-ward 445” on one side and plain on the other side. Phenobarbital Tablets, USP 30 mg: White, Round, Scored Tablet; Debossed “West-ward 450” on one side and Scored on the other side.
What’s the generic name for the drug phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital Generic name: phenobarbital (FEE noe BAR bi tal) Brand name: Solfoton, Luminal Dosage forms: oral elixir (20 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (100 mg; 15 mg; 16.2 mg; 30 mg; 32.4 mg; 60 mg; 64.8 mg; 97.2 mg)
How many milligrams of phenobarbital do I need to take?
Phenobarbital Dosage and Administration. Oral Sedative Dose, Adults: 30 to 120 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses. Children: 6 mg/kg of body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Oral Hypnotic Dose, Adults: 100 to 320 mg. Oral Anticonvulsant Dose, Adults: 50 to 100 mg 2 or 3 times daily.
Are there any drug interactions with phenobarbital?
Drug Interactions: Phenobarbital in combination with alcohol, tranquilizers, and other central nervous system depressants has additive depressant effects, and the patient should be so advised. Patients taking this drug should be warned not to exceed the dosage recommended by their physician.