Phenobarbital
Generic Name:
Phenobarbital
Brand Names:
Luminal
Phenobarbital Description:
Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant prescribed patients 12 years and older to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and as a short-term treatment for insomnia.
Phenobarbital may also be combined with belladonna alkaloids to relieve stomach and intestinal cramping or spasms.
Phenobarbital Side Effects:
Treatment with phenobarbital may cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nightmares
- Constipation
- Bloody nose
- Bruising
For more information, visit our phenobarbital side effects page.
Phenobarbital Uses:
Phenobarbital is primarily prescribed as a treatment for epileptic seizures. It may also be prescribed to as a sedative to relieve anxiety or to temporarily treat insomnia. Phenobarbital is a habit-forming drug and should only be taken as it is prescribed by your doctor.
Phenobarbital Interactions:
Other medications may interact with phenobarbital or increase the risk of side effects. Discuss any medications, supplements, or vitamins with your doctor before taking phenobarbital.
The following medications may interact with phenobarbital:
- Acetominophen (Tylenol)
- Blood thinners (Coumadin)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Corticosteroids (Azmacort, Durezol, Flovent HFA)
- Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
- Phenytoin
- Valproic acid (Depakene)
- CNS depressants (Ambien)
- MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate)
- Birth control pills
- Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
- Verapamil
- Sedatives
- Sleeping pills
- Cold medicines
- Sodium oxybate (GHB)
- Antihistamines
- Metoprolol
Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with phenobarbital:
- Anemia
- Seizures
- Porphyria
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Allergies to phenobarbital or similar medications
Phenobarbital Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take phenobarbital exactly as prescribed by a doctor, as dosage recommendations differ for the treatment of various conditions.
Phenobarbital is distributed as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Depending on prescribing conditions, Phenobarbital can be taken one to three times a day. If your dose of phenobarbital is prescribed for once-a-day use, take it at bedtime.
If your phenobarbital prescription is for the treatment of insomnia, do not take your medication for more than two weeks. Phenobarbital is a habit-forming medication. If you take phenobarbital for an extended period of time, consult your doctor before stopping your dose. This drug can sudden withdrawal symptoms and should be decreased gradually.
Missing a Dose of Phenobarbital
If you miss a dose of phenobarbital, take it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for your missed dose.
Phenobarbital Overdose
If you overdose on phenobarbital, seek immediate emergency medical treatment. Patients who overdose on this medication may have the following symptoms:
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Fainting
Phenobarbital Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls or Black Box warnings for phenobarbital.
-
July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
-
July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
-
July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
-
July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
