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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Phenobarbital). Strength and form may differ — confirm substitution with your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Indications & Uses
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Suggested doses of Phenobarbital for specific indications are as follows:Pediatric Oral Dosage: Preoperative: 1 mg to 3 mg/kg. Anticonvulsant: 1 mg to 6 mg/kg per day Adult Oral Dosage: Daytime sedative: 30 mg to 120 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses. Bedtime hypnotic: 100 mg to 320 mg. Anticonvulsant: 50 mg to 100 mg 2 to 3 times daily. Pediatric Injection Dosage: 15 to 20 mg/kg IV over 10 to 15 min. Preoperative Sedation:1 to 3 mg/kg IM/IV; Anticonvulsant: 4 to 6 mg/kg IM/IV per day, for 10 days. Alternatively, use 10 to 15 mg/kg IM/IV per day to reach therapeutic level more quickly. Maxium IV rate 60 mg/min. Adult Injection Dosage: Insomnia: 100 to 320 mg IM/IV; Convulsions: 100 to 320 mg IV. Repeat if needed (maximum, 600 mg per day); Status Epilepticus: 10 to 20 mg/kg IV. Repeat if needed.
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.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Tolerance and psychological and physical dependence may occur with continuing use. Phenobarbitone 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, Phenobarbitone should be administered with caution and initially reduced doses.
Contraindications
Phenobarbital is contraindicated in patients with known Phenobarbital sensitivity or a history of latent porphyria.