Phenobarbital: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Phenobarbital Benefits & Uses

Phenobarbital is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Epilepsy

Other Benefits

Epilepsy
Insomnia

Phenobarbital Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 3 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Infant (1 month to 2 years)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 4 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Neonates (0 to 1 month)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 4 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Phenobarbital Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Phenobarbital is used -

Severe

Drowsiness

Moderate

Skin Rash
Depression
Constipation (Read More - Home remedies for constipation)
Bronchospasm
Angioedema

Mild

Diarrhoea
Photosensitivity

Common

Vertigo

Phenobarbital Related Warnings

Is the use of Phenobarbital safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may experience moderate side effects from Phenobarbital. It is best to stop taking Phenobarbital immediately and inform your doctor if you notice any discomfort.

Moderate
Is the use of Phenobarbital safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding, may experience serious side effects after taking Phenobarbital. So it is adviced to consult the doctor before using it.

Severe
What is the effect of Phenobarbital on the Kidneys?

Very few cases of side effects of Phenobarbital on kidney have been reported.

Mild
What is the effect of Phenobarbital on the Liver?

Phenobarbital may have mild side effects on the liver. Most people will never see any effect on the liver.

Mild
What is the effect of Phenobarbital on the Heart?

Side effects of Phenobarbital rarely affect the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Phenobarbital with Other Drugs

Phenobarbital should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Cyclosporin

Warfarin

Felodipine

Cyclosporine

Moderate

Chloramphenicol

Clonazepam

Mild

Metronidazole

Phenobarbital Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Phenobarbital unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Allergy
Depression
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Respiratory Depression
Liver Disease
Porphyria
Heart Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Phenobarbital

Is this Phenobarbital habit forming or addictive?

You may get addicted to Phenobarbital. Therefore, before taking it, consult your doctor.

Yes
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

No, you should do not do anything that requires concentration and attention as the Phenobarbital can make you feel drowsy.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, but consume Phenobarbital only on doctor's advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Yes, taking Phenobarbital can treat mental disorders.

Yes

Phenobarbital Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Phenobarbital

Taking Phenobarbital with food does not cause any problems.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Phenobarbital

Consumption of alcohol and Phenobarbital together may have severe effects on your health.

Severe

Frequently asked Questions about Phenobarbital

Question almost 5 years ago

Can I take clonazepam and Phenobarbital together?

Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha BAMS , Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ayurveda, Sexology, Diabetology

No, Phenobarbital should not be taken with clonazepam. Taking these drugs together is more likely to increases the sedative (drowsiness) effect. Hence, you are advised to avoid taking them together.

Question about 5 years ago

Is Phenobarbital addictive?

Dr. Abhijit MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Long-term use of Phenobarbital might result in psychological and physiological dependence (addiction). Hence its long-term use should be avoided.

Question almost 5 years ago

Can I take Phenobarbital and xanax together?

Dr. R.K Singh MBBS , Diabetology

No, Phenobarbital should not be taken along with Xanax (alprazolam). Taking these drugs together is more likely to increase the side effects of both of these medicines such as increased sedation (drowsiness). Hence, you are advised to avoid taking them together.

Question about 5 years ago

Does Phenobarbital help with anxiety?

Dr. MBBS , Dermatology, General Physician, Dietician, Infectious Disease, Sexual Medicine & Marital Therapy, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIDS/HIV Sexually Transmitted Infections

Yes, Phenobarbital can help with anxiety or tension because it can induce sleep but it is generally not preferred for the treatment of anxiety due to its side effects.

Question almost 6 years ago

What is Phenobarbital?

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Phenobarbital is a brand name of phenobarbital (Phenobarbitone) and it comes in form of a tablet, injection, syrup, and oral drops. It is a prescription drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as barbiturates (sedative & hypnotic). It is used mainly for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It is also used for the treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness). It is used off-label in the management of hyperbilirubinemia (high levels of bilirubin in the blood).