Details

Phenobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. Phenobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system. Phenobarbital is used to treat or prevent seizures. It is also used short-term to treat insomnia, or as a sedative before surgery. Phenobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to phenobarbital or other barbiturates or if you have porphyria severe liver disease a history of addiction to a barbiturate, sedative or severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing disorder.

Typical Uses

Phenobarbital is used alone or with other medications to control seizures. Controlling and reducing seizures lets you do more of your normal daily activities, reduces your risk of harm when you lose consciousness, and lessens your risk for a possibly life-threatening condition of frequent, repeated seizures. Phenobarbital belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics. It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure. This medication is also used for a short time (usually no more than 2 weeks) to help calm you or help you sleep during periods of anxiety. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain to cause calming.

Side Effects

Phenobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking phenobarbital and get emergency medical help if you experience restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck slow heartbeat, shallow breathing feeling light-headed, fainting a fever or a sore throat sores in your mouth easy bruising or bleeding or broken blood vessels under your skin.

Drug Interactions

• Phenobarbital+abiraterone- Phenobarbital can significantly reduce the blood levels of abiraterone, which may make the medication less effective in treating your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Phenobarbital+anisindione- Phenobarbital can reduce the blood levels of anisindione, which may make the medication less effective in preventing blood clots. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Phenobarbital+apremilast- Phenobarbital can significantly reduce the blood levels of apremilast, which may make the medication less effective in treating your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Phenobarbital+bosutinib- Phenobarbital can significantly reduce the blood levels of bosutinib, which may make the medication less effective in treating your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Phenobarbital+cobicistat- Using cobicistat together with Phenobarbital is not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly decrease the blood levels of cobicistat, which may reduce its effectiveness in treating HIV infection.

Mechanism of action

Phenobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate. It depresses the sensory cortex, reduces motor activity, changes cerebellar function, and produces drowsiness, sedation and hypnosis. Its anticonvulsant property is exhibited at high doses.

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