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Phenobarbital - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Phenobarbital

Generic Name : Phenobarbital
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Phenobarbital are provided here.

Pronunciation : fee noe bar� bi tal

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Phenobarbital, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y47.0 Therapeutic Classification : Anticonvulsants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Phenobarbital

India :

International :


Luminal, Solfoton

Why is Phenobarbital Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a barbiturate, prescribed for seizures and as a sedative to relieve anxiety. It works by slowing activity in the brain.

When should Phenobarbital not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Phenobarbital?

Child- PO- 1 to 3 mg/kg.
Adult- PO- The recommended dose range is 30 to 120mg/day in divided doses.
IV - Doses of 10 mg/kg. Max: 1 g.

How should Phenobarbital be taken?

It comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth, 10 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
It also comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein, muscle or under the skin.

What are the warnings and precautions for Phenobarbital?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of increased eye pressure, enlarged prostate, intestinal blockage, myasthenia gravis, hernia, ulcer, kidney, heart, or liver disease, high blood pressure, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• It should not be used in children less than 12 years old.

What are the side effects of Phenobarbital?

Most Common - Drowsiness.
Central Nervous system - Agitation, confusion, incoordination, depression, abnormal dream, nervousness, mental disturbance, hallucinations, sleeplessness, anxiety, dizziness and thinking abnormality.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing.
Heart - Slow heart rate, low blood pressure and fainting.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Miscellaneous - Headache, injection site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions such as shock, skin rashes; fever, liver damage and anemia.

What are the other precautions for Phenobarbital?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Phenobarbital?

Store it at controlled room temperature (15�- 30� C), and in airtight container.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
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