Phenobarbitone

Phenobarbitone alternatively known as phenobarbitone or phenobarbital, it is used in treatment of all types of seizures barring absence seizures. It can also help to treat epilepsy, insomnia and the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.

Phenobarbitone works by affecting GABA receptors. The drug facilitates the production of GABA (Gamma Amino Butryic Acid) an amino acid that helps in reducing excitability of neurons. Potential for drug dependency exists, abrupt cessation may precipitate withdrawal, including status epilepticus in epileptic patients.

The drug is contraindicated in patients who have suffered or are suffering from porphyria, hypersensitivity or allergy to barbiturates, respiratory insufficiency, hyperkinesia, liver cell deterioration and other liver problems. It has also been known to cause complications when used with drugs like aceprometazine, adipilon, etc.

Usage of Phenobarbitone can lead to temporary and common side effects like drowsiness, excitation, irritability, loss of balance or coordination, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc. depending on the person’s health condition and medical history more severe side effects requiring medical assistance like insomnia, Hypoventilation, apnea, hypotension, syncope can also occur. Therefore, it is very essential to consult a doctor prior to the usage of the drug regarding the dosage to avoid any unwanted and severe side effects.

Symptoms of overdose include unsteady gait, slurred speech, confusion, jaundice, hypothermia, hypotension, respiratory depression, coma. If hypotension occurs, administer I.V. fluids and place the patient in the Trendelenburg position. If unresponsive, an I.V. vasopressor (eg, dopamine, epinephrine) may be required.

Repeated oral doses of activated charcoal significantly reduce the half-life of phenobarbital resulting from an enhancement of nonrenal elimination. The usual dose is 0.1-1 g/kg every 4-6 hours for 3-4 days unless the patient has no bowel movement causing the charcoal to remain in the GI tract.

Assure adequate hydration and renal function. Urinary alkalinization with I.V. sodium bicarbonate also helps to enhance elimination. Hemodialysis or hemoperfusion is of uncertain value. Patients in stage IV coma due to high serum barbiturate levels may require charcoal hemoperfusion.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Epilepsy

• Seizures

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

• Porphyria

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Drowsiness

• Skin Rash

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Vertigo

• Diarrhoea

• Dermatitis

• Constipation

• Respiratory Depression

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is unsafe to use during pregnancy.
  There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk, for example in life-threatening situations. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine will remain for about 6 - 10 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine is initiated within 20 - 60 minutes after its administration.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Phenobarbitone as ingredient

• Gardenal 60Mg Tablet

  Abbott India Ltd

• Barbitoin 30 Mg/100 Mg Tablet

  Medo Pharma

• Cadiphylate Elixir

  Zydus Cadila

• Epicure 50 Mg/100 Mg Tablet

  Indillina Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Epilan Tablet

  Anglo-French Drugs & Industries Ltd

• Piplar Drop

  Lark Laboratories Ltd

• Nytoin Tablet

  A N Pharmacia

• Epitan 60Mg Tablet

  Reliance Formulation Pvt Ltd

• Phenotone 60Mg Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Epicom 30 Mg/100 Mg Tablet

  Abbott India Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

This medication works by affecting GABA receptors. The drug facilitates the production of GABA (Gamma AminoButyric Acid) an amino acid that helps in reducing the excitability of neurons.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Additive CNS effect, avoid use.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Intake of this medicine may cause flactuation in the serum level of the following - ammonia (B); bilirubin (S), copper (S), assay interference of LDH, LFTs.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Decreased effect: Phenobarbitone may reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clozapine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, disopyramide, doxycycline, ethosuximide, furosemide, griseofulvin, haloperidol, lamotrigine, methadone, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, phenothiazine, phenytoin, propafenone, psychotropics, quinidine, tacrolimus, TCAs, theophylline, warfarin, and verapamil.
  • Increased toxicity when combined with other CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, valproic acid, chloramphenicol, or antidepressants; respiratory and CNS depression may be additive.
  • MAOIs may prolong the effect of Phenobarbitone.
  • Barbiturates stimulate the metabolism of beta-blockers and decrease their serum concentrations; consider a renally-eliminated beta-blocker (atenolol, nadolol).
  • Barbiturates may enhance the hepatotoxic potential of acetaminophen via an increased formation of toxic metabolites.
  • Barbiturates may increase chloramphenicol metabolism and chloramphenicol may inhibit the metabolism of barbiturates.
  • Barbiturates may increase the metabolism of corticosteroids, cyclosporine, disopyramide, griseofulvin, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, propafenone, quinidine, verapamil; dosage adjustments may be useful.
  • Barbiturates may enhance the metabolism of methadone resulting in methadone withdrawal.
  • Felbamate may increase Phenobarbitone concentrations leading to toxicity.
  • Phenobarbitone may reduce the diuretic response to furosemide; monitor.
  • Concurrent use of Phenobarbitone with meperidine may result in increased CNS depression.
  • Concurrent use of Phenobarbitone with primidone may result in elevated Phenobarbitone serum concentrations.
  • Valproic acid inhibits the metabolism of Phenobarbitone resulting in elevated serum phenobarbital concentrations.

• Interaction with Food

  • Protein-deficient diets: Increases duration of action of barbiturates. Should not restrict or delete protein from diet unless discussed with physician. Be consistent with protein intake during therapy with barbiturates.
  • Fresh fruits containing vitamin C: Displaces drug from binding sites, resulting in increased urinary excretion of barbiturate. Educate patients regarding the potential for a decreased anticonvulsant effect of barbiturates with consumption of foods high in vitamin C.
  • Vitamin D: Loss in vitamin D due to malabsorption; increase intake of foods rich in vitamin D. Supplementation of vitamin D may be necessary.

• Interaction with Disease

  Do not administer to patients in acute pain. Use caution in elderly, debilitated, renally or hepatic dysfunction, and pediatric patients. May cause paradoxical responses, including agitation and hyperactivity, particularly in acute pain and pediatric patients. Use with caution in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies, or in patients with a history of drug abuse. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use. May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities.

• Ques : What is Phenobarbitone?

  Ans : Phenobarbitone alternatively known as Phenobarbitone or phenobarb, it is used in treatment of all types of seizures barring absence seizures. It can also help to treat epilepsy, insomnia and the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.

• Ques : What are the uses of Phenobarbitone?

  Ans : Phenobarbitone used for the treatment of Epilepsy.

• Ques : What are the side effects of this Phenobarbitone?

  Ans : common side effects like drowsiness, excitation, irritability, loss of balance or coordination, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Phenobarbitone before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Phenobarbitone?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Phenobarbitone empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Phenobarbitone?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : How is this Phenobarbitone administered?

  Ans : This medication is administered both intravenously and orally.