Phenobarbital tablets

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient phenobarbital (previously known as phenobarbitone in the UK), which belongs to a group of medicines called barbiturates. It is an antiepileptic medicine that can be used to regulate the activity of nerves. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. GABA is a chemical that, when released in the brain, acts as a natural calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. Once the brain absorbs the GABA (uptake), this chemical can no longer act on the nerves. Too little GABA, the brain may become overexcited. Other chemicals in the brain act directly on nerve cells causing an increase in nerve activity. Phenobarbital is thought to mainly act by preventing chemicals from passing through openings on the nerve cells. In addition, phenobarbital acts to increase the effects of GABA and decrease the effect of other chemicals such as glutamate that excite nerve activity. This results in stabilised electrical nerve activity in the brain, leading to prevention of fits and maintenance of normal brain function.

What is it used for?

Epilepsy

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly, as it may result in insomnia, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, delirium and convulsions.

Use with caution in

Children

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diabetes mellitus

Elderly people

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

History of asthma

Hyperactivity

Ongoing pain that suddenly worsens

Senility

Severe anaemia

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Not to be used in

Allergy to any medication in the barbiturate group

Dangerously slow, shallow breathing (severe respiratory depression)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not to be used during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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