Phenobarbital is a barbituric acid derivative with a sedative effect. In high doses, it has a sedative and anticonvulsant effect. The drug also inhibits the production of thyroid hormones. The effect of slightly lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate is pronounced in people with arterial hypertension. Peripherally, it reduces smooth muscle tone (has an antispasmodic effect).

Phenobarbital medication is used to treat insomnia and as a sedative to relieve symptoms of anxiety or tension. Phenobarbital tablets are also prescribed to reduce some forms of seizures. The active ingredient works by slowing down the brain and nervous system.

Phenobarbital is also used to lower bilirubin levels in infants. Bilirubin is a substance that is produced by the body and excreted by the liver. Bilirubin elimination from the body of the newborn is slower, so the drug is prescribed to speed up the process.

Phenobarbital suppresses thyroid hormone production. Peripherally reduces smooth muscle tone (has an antispasmodic effect).

What is Phenobarbital used for?

The indications for the use of this medicine are the following conditions:

• epilepsy in any form;
• various seizures;
• chorea;
• meningitis; tetanus;
• alcohol withdrawal;
• spastic paralysis;
• severe insomnia;
• various mental disorders;
• overstimulation, anxiety.

Discontinuation of treatment with such drugs should be gradual because “withdrawal syndrome” often occurs.

When should the drug not be used?

Phenobarbital medication should not be used if the patient is allergic to the active substance or any other substance contained in the drug. It is also not recommended for people suffering from respiratory insufficiency, severe liver failure, or porphyria, as well as for pregnant and lactating women. If you have any other medical conditions, tell your doctor to reduce the risk of side effects.

Phenobarbital: side effects

Phenobarbital medication may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are noticed:

• drowsiness;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• agitation or increased activity (especially in children);
• nausea or vomiting.

More serious side effects include slow breathing or shortness of breath; swelling of the eyes, lips, or cheeks; rash; bloating and peeling of the skin; fever; confusion.

Phenobarbital may be addictive. Do not increase the dose; take it strictly as prescribed by your doctor.

Phenobarbital dosage

The drug is indicated for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and simple partial seizures, particularly for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Adults can take Phenobarbital tablets independently of meals. The tablets can be divided into equal halves and washed down with plenty of liquid. Phenobarbital tablets should not be chewed. The dosage is prescribed strictly by the doctor for each patient individually. The doctor prescribes 50-250 mg once a day or divided into several doses. The highest daily dose for adults is 500 mg. If a dose is missed, it must be taken as soon as possible. When it is time to take the next tablet, skip the missed one to avoid an overdose.

Children

For children under 3 years of age, crush the required number of tablets to a powdery state, dissolve them in water and use as suspension. The duration of treatment depends on the course of the disease.

Phenobarbital for anxiety

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate medication used to treat several conditions, including seizures, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. The drug is sometimes given to patients who have been treated for chemical dependency (an example, from barbiturates).

Phenobarbital: epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that occurs in the central nervous system. An epileptic seizure is an expression of brain dysfunction consisting of excessive, uncontrolled bioelectrical discharges in neurons. The key here is the excessive excitability of the nerve cells.

A seizure can take many forms, such as typically generalized seizures, mild muscle tremors, or simply changes in a person’s behavior. Phenobarbital (known anticonvulsant drug) controls epileptic seizures, depresses the central nervous system, and is sometimes used as a sedative. The drug is used to control tonic-clonic and simple partial seizures.

Phenobarbital: interaction

Phenobarbital when interacting with other medications may affect their effectiveness:

• weakening the action of hypoglycemic drugs
• increasing the effect of analgesics (non-steroidal analgesics)
• decrease in the effect of anticoagulants
• decrease in the effect of contraceptives.

Phenobarbital can affect the absorption of calcium from food and drugs, which leads to a deterioration of bone calcification. Sudden discontinuation of barbiturates may increase the effect of anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives). Alcohol greatly enhances the effects of barbiturates, which can lead to collapse and even death.