This product is regulated by law in Japan and will not be shipped to Japan.
Phenobarbital 30mg x 10tabs
- DESCRIPTION
Phenobarbital is a barbituric acid derivative for oral administration and occurs as a white, odorless, slightly bitter powder that is soluble in chloroform, freely soluble in alcohol or ether, , and slightly soluble in water. Its saturated solution has a pH of about 5.6. Chemically, it is 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid with the molecular formula C12H12N2O3
- CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, is a central nervous system depressant. In ordinary doses, the drug acts as a sedative and anticonvulsant. Its onset of action occurs within 30 minutes , and the duration of action ranges from 5 to 6 hours. It is detoxified in the liver.
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Phenobarbital Tablets, USP are indicated for use as a sedative or anticonvulsant.
- CONTRAINDICATIONS
Phenobarbital is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to barbiturates. In such patients, severe hepatic damage can occur from ordinary doses and is usually associated with dermatitis and involvement of parenchymatous organs. A personal or familial history of acute intermittent porphyria represents one of the few absolute contraindications to the use of barbiturates. Phenobarbital is also contraindicated in patients with marked impairment of liver function, or respiratory disease in which dyspnea or obstruction is evident. It should not be administered to persons with known previous addiction to the sedative/hypnotic group, since ordinary doses may be ineffectual and may contribute to further addiction.
- WARNINGS
In small doses, the barbiturates may increase the reaction to painful stimuli. Taken by themselves, the barbiturates cannot be relied upon to relieve pain or even to produce sedation or sleep in the presence of severe pain.
- PRECAUTIONS
General Precautions – Barbiturates induce liver microsomal enzyme activity. This accelerates the biotransformation of various drugs and is probably part of the mechanism of the tolerance encountered with barbiturates. Phenobarbital, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with decreased liver function.
- ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions have been reported: CNS Depression – Residual sedation or “hangover”, drowsiness, lethargy, and vertigo. Emotional disturbances and phobias may be accentuated In some persons, barbiturates such as phenobarbital repeatedly produce excitement rather than depression, and the patient may appear to be inebriated. Like other nonanalgesic hypnotic drugs, barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, when given in the presence of pain, may cause restlessness, excitement, and even delirium. Rarely, the use of barbiturates results in localized or diffused myalgic, neuralgic, or arthritic pain, especially in psychoneurotic patients with insomnia. The pain may appear in paroxysms, is most intense in the early morning hours, and is most frequently located in the region of the neck, shoulder girdle, and upper limbs. Symptoms may last for days after the drug is discontinued.
- DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Dependence
Prolonged, uninterrupted use of barbiturates (particularly the short-acting drugs), even in therapeutic doses, may result in psychic and physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms due to physical dependence following chronic use of large doses of barbiturates may include delirium, convulsions, and death.
- OVERDOSAGE
The signs and symptoms of barbiturate poisoning are referable especially to the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Moderate intoxication resembles alcoholic inebriation. In severe intoxication, the patient is comatose, the level of reflex activity conforming in a general way to the intensity of the central depression. The deep reflexes may persist for some time despite coexistent coma. The Babinski sign is often positive. The EEG may be of the “burst-suppression” type, with brief periods of electrical silence. The pupils may be constricted and react to light, but late in the course of barbiturate poisoning they may show hypoxic paralytic dilatation. Respiration is affected early. Breathing may be either slow or rapid and shallow; Cheyne-Stokes rhythm may be present. Respiratory minute volume is diminished, and hypoxia and respiratory acidosis may develop. The blood pressure falls, owing partly to depression of medullary vasomotor centers; partly to a direct action of the drug on the myocardium, sympathetic ganglia, and vascular smooth muscle; partly to hypoxia.The patient thus develops a typical shock syndrome, with a weak and rapid pulse, cold and clammy skin, and a rise in the hematocrit. Respiratory complications (atelectasis, pulmonary edema, and bronchopneumonia) and renal failure are much dreaded and not infrequent concomitant of severe barbiturate poisoning. There is usually hypothermia, sometimes with temperatures as low as 32°C.
Treatment
General management should consist of symptomatic and supportive therapy, including gastric lavage, administration of intravenous fluids, and maintenance of blood pressure, body temperature and adequate respiratory exchange. Dialysis will increase the rate of removal of barbiturates from the body fluids. Antibiotics may be required to control pulmonary complications
- DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Oral Sedative Dose
Adults: 30 to 120 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses.
