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Indications & Uses
Pharmacology
Phenobarbital is the longest-acting barbiturate. It is used for its anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic effects in managing all seizure disorders except absence (petit mal).
It acts on GABAA receptors and increases synaptic inhibition. This raises the seizure threshold and reduces the spread of seizure activity from the seizure focus. Phenobarbital may also block calcium channels, which lowers the release of excitatory transmitters. Its sedative-hypnotic effects most likely come from its action on the polysynaptic midbrain reticular formation, the area that controls CNS arousal.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Here are the suggested doses of Phenobarbital for specific indications. Pediatric oral dosage is 1 mg to 3 mg/kg before an operation, and 1 mg to 6 mg/kg per day when used as an anticonvulsant. Adult oral dosage is 30 mg to 120 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses as a daytime sedative. At bedtime, as a hypnotic, the dose is 100 mg to 320 mg. The anticonvulsant dose is 50 mg to 100 mg 2 to 3 times daily.
Pediatric injection dosage is 15 to 20 mg/kg IV over 10 to 15 min. Preoperative sedation needs 1 to 3 mg/kg IM/IV, and the anticonvulsant dose is 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. The maximum IV rate is 60 mg/min.
Adult injection dosage is 100 to 320 mg IM/IV for insomnia. Convulsions are treated with 100 to 320 mg IV, repeated if needed (maximum, 600 mg per day). Status epilepticus calls for 10 to 20 mg/kg IV, and this too can be repeated if needed.
Side Effects
Somnolence (drowsiness) is the most common side effect of phenobarbital. Less often, people may have agitation, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, or abnormal thinking. Apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and constipation have also been reported.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Tolerance, and both psychological and physical dependence, can develop if Phenobarbital is used for a long time. Give it with caution to patients who are mentally depressed, have suicidal tendencies or have a history of drug abuse. In patients with liver damage, Phenobarbital should also be given with caution, and the starting doses should be reduced.
Contraindications
Don't give Phenobarbital to anyone who is known to be sensitive to it, or to anyone with a history of latent porphyria.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Phenobarbital is a Pregnancy Category D medicine. It can cause fetal damage when given to a pregnant woman. If it is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking it, she should be told about the potential hazard to the fetus.
Be careful when giving Phenobarbital to a nursing woman, because small amounts of Phenobarbital pass into the breast milk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
The dose of a barbiturate that proves toxic differs a great deal from one person to another. As a general guide, an oral dose of 1 gram of most barbiturates causes serious poisoning in an adult, and death commonly follows after 2 to 10 grams have been swallowed. In acute phenobarbital overdose, the central nervous system (CNS) and breathing are depressed. Treatment is mainly supportive, and the patient needs to go to hospital immediately.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Phenobarbital below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about G-Phenobarbitone 200 mg/ml
What is G-Phenobarbitone 200 mg/ml Injection?
G-Phenobarbitone 200 mg/ml Injection is a medicine that contains Phenobarbital. It is made by Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs group of medicines.
What is G-Phenobarbitone used for?
G-Phenobarbitone is used for: Epilepsy, Insomnia.
What are the side effects of G-Phenobarbitone?
Somnolence (drowsiness) is the most common side effect of phenobarbital. Less often, people may have agitation, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, or abnormal thinking.
Can I take G-Phenobarbitone during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Phenobarbital is a Pregnancy Category D medicine. It can cause fetal damage when given to a pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much G-Phenobarbitone?
The dose of a barbiturate that proves toxic differs a great deal from one person to another. As a general guide, an oral dose of 1 gram of most barbiturates causes serious poisoning in an adult, and death commonly follows after 2 to 10 grams have been swallowed. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store G-Phenobarbitone?
Store Phenobarbital below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with G-Phenobarbitone?
Some medicines can interact with Phenobarbital, for example: Crizotinib, Apremilast, Propranolol Hydrochloride, Metronidazole, Tadalafil, Clonazepam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for G-Phenobarbitone?
G-Phenobarbitone is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.