Phenobarbitone
Molecule Description
Phenobarbitone is a long-acting barbiturate which is helpful in the treatment o
f epilepsy (fits).
Uses of Phenobarbitone
Reducing the brain activity which are responsible for causing fits or seizures in epilepsy.
Contraindications of Phenobarbitone
When should one not use Phenobarbitone
- Allergic to this medicine
- Do not take this medicine if you have severe respiratory diseases
- Do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney disease
- Do not take this medicine if you have porphyria (a genetic or inherited disorder of the red blood pigment haemoglobin)
- Do not take this medicine if you have liver disorder
Side effects of Phenobarbitone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Unsteadiness
- Sleepiness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that does not exist in reality)
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Megaloblastic anemia (a blood disorder where the number of red blood cells are decreased)
- Slow heartbeat Low blood pressure
- Excitation or depression
- Reduced urine output
Precautions and Warnings of Phenobarbitone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Phenobarbitone during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine is probably unsafe to be taken during pregnancy. It should be taken if advised by your doctor depending on the evaluation of risks vs. benefits. When taken during pregnancy, folic acid tablets are recommended to be taken along with it.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Phenobarbitone while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine passes into breast milk & may be harmful to the baby. You should not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding without your doctor's advice.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Phenobarbitone?
A:
Taking this medicine may lead to cause decreased alertness. It is not considered safe to drive when taking this medicine.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Phenobarbitone?
A:
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have known intolerance to some sugars; you should contact your doctor before taking this medicine as it contains a type of sugar called lactose
- You are suffering from any conditions like severe respiratory diseases, severe kidney disease, liver disorder or heart problems like irregular heartbeats
Mode of Action of Phenobarbitone
How Does It Work?
Phenobarbitone inhibits the calcium channels, resulting in a decrease in nerve impulse conduction and offers control of fits (seizures). It also increases the levels of a chemical (serotonin) in the brain....
Interactions of Phenobarbitone
Interactions with other medicines
- Anticoagulants like Aspirin
- Medicines like Phenytoin, Antihistamines, tranquilizers
- Steroidal hormones like Estradiol
- Corticosteroids
- Antifungal medicines (Itraconazole or Posaconazole)
- Antibiotic medicines (Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline, Metronidazole, and Rifampicin)
- Medicines for anxiety and psychosis (Aripiprazole, Paroxetine, Mianserin)
- Antiviral medicines (Abacavir, Amprenavir, Darunavir, Lopinavir, Indinavir)
- Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus
- Medicines for heart problems (Digoxin, Propranolol)
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of Phenobarbitone when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dietary Restrictions of Phenobarbitone
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Phenobarbitone, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Dosage of Phenobarbitone
Overdose
Overdose of this medicine may be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms include excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, coma, trouble breathing, heart problems and a drop in blood pressure....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your subsequent scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Phenobarbitone?
- Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions-
- If you have known intolerance to some sugars, you should contact your doctor before taking this medicine as it contains a type of sugar called lactose
- If you suffer from any of these conditions-
- Allergic to this medicine
- Severe respiratory diseases
- Severe kidney disease
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Liver disorder
- Heart problems like irregular heartbeats
Q: What precautions should I take while on this medicine?
A: The medicine should be avoided in persons who drive or operate heavy machines, have a severe addiction to sedative/ hypnotic medicines, suicidal tendencies, reduced adrenal gland function, elderly, kidney or liver disease. Avoid abruptly stopping the medicine without the doctor's consent.
References
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