Phenobarbitone

Overview

Phenobarbitone is oral and parenteral barbiturate with anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic properties. Phenobarbital is the oldest of the commonly used anticonvulsants. Phenobarbitone is also the longest-acting agent in the barbiturate group. In general, Phenobarbitone is effective in all seizure disorders except absence (petit mal). It was regularly prescribed to prevent febrile seizures, but now it is infrequently used for this due to side effects and lack of efficacy. It was first used as an anticonvulsant in 1912, and it was approved by the FDA in 1939. Anticonvulsant action of phenobarbitaone is a combined result of elevating the seizure threshold and inhibiting the spread of discharges from a seizure focus. It inhibits the spread of seizure activity in the cortex, thalamus, and limbic systems, and increases the threshold for electrical stimulation of the motor cortex. There is a decrease in both pre- and postsynaptic excitability.

Categories

• 5 Anticonvulsants and Antiepileptics

• 24 Psychotherapeutic drugs
  • 24.3 Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders

Page headings

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Pharmacokinetics

Contraindications

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Dosage

Phenobarbitone's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
50 to 200 mg	120 (125)	6 hourly	IV,IM
60 to 180 mg	120 (120)	24 hourly	PO	Taken at night.
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
3.1 mg/kg	3.1 (3.1)	24 hourly	Oral	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
3.1 mg/kg	3.1 (3.1)	24 hourly	Oral	-

High Risk Groups

Warning / Precautions

Storage Conditions

Interference in Pathology

Brands / Trade Names of Phenobarbitone

Manufacturers of Phenobarbitone in Pakistan

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