Indications
Barbit is indicated for the following conditions:
Sedatives
Hypnotics for the short-term treatment of insomnia
Pre-anesthetics
Long-term anticonvulsants for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and cortical local seizures. And, in the emergency control of certain acute convulsive episodes, ( those associated with status epilepticus, eclampsia meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to Strychnine or local anesthetics).
Dosage & Administration
Suggested doses of Phenobarbital for specific indications are as follows:
a. Pediatric Oral Dosage:
Preoperative: 1 mg to 3 mg/kg.
Anticonvulsant: 1 mg to 6 mg/kg per day
b. Adult Oral Dosage:
1. Daytime sedative: 30 mg to 120 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses.
2. Bedtime hypnotic: 100 mg to 320 mg.
3. Anticonvulsant: 50 mg to 100 mg 2 to 3 times daily.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reaction is somnolence. Other less frequent adverse reactions are agitation, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, thinking abnormality, apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Precautions
Tolerance and psychological and physical dependence may occur with continuing use. Phenobarbital should be administered with caution to patients who are mentally depressed, have suicidal tendencies, or a history of drug abuse. In patients with hepatic damage, Phenobarbital should be administered with caution and initially reduced doses.
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Contraindications
Phenobarbital is contraindicated in patients with known Phenobarbital sensitivity or a history of latent porphyria
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Phenobarbital can cause fetal damage when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be in risk of the potential hazard to the fetus. Caution should be taken when Phenobarbital is administered to a nursing woman since small amounts of Phenobarbital are excreted in the milk.
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