Description
What is this medicine for
It is used to stop or treat high bilirubin levels in newborns. It is used to stop or control seizures. It is used to treat anxiety. It is used to treat sleep problems.
How does it work
Phenobarbital calms the brain.
How should this medicine be used
Take 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime if using for sleep. Do not take for more than 2 weeks in a row. There is a liquid (elixir) if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given. Take elixir with water, milk, or juice. If you are taking this drug long-term, take calcium and vitamin D as you were told to do by your doctor.
Common side effects of this medicine
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. – Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.
What precautions should I take when taking this medicine
If you have an allergy to phenobarbital or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have any of these health problems: A block in the airway, liver disease, porphyria, or shortness of breath. If you are breast-feeding.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Trouble breathing. Big change in balance. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Very nervous and excitable. Feeling very tired or weak. If seizures are worse or not the same after starting this drug. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take it with other medicines
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. – Taking them together can cause bad side effects. – Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store this medicine
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. – Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Therapeutic Classification
Anticonvulsants, Hypnotics & Sedatives
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.