PHENOBARBITAL

PHENOBARBITAL (fee noe BAR bi tal) prevents and controls seizures in people with epilepsy. It may also be used to treat anxiety or cause drowsiness, including before a procedure. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Lonafarnib
-Lurasidone
-Mavacamten
-Praziquantel
-Ranolazine
-Sodium oxybate
-Some medications for cancer, such as idelalisib, lorlatinib, pacritinib
-Some medications for COVID-19, such as ensitrelvir or nirmatrelvir; ritonavir
-Some medications for fungal infections, such as isavuconazonium or voriconazole
-Some antivirals for HIV or hepatitis, such as atazanavir, cabotegravir, cobicistat, dolutegravir, doravirine, elbasvir; grazoprevir, fostemsavir, rilpivirine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
-Doxycycline
-Estrogen and progestin hormones
-Griseofulvin
-Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
-Medications that help you fall asleep
-Medications that relax muscles
-Opioids for pain or cough
-Other medications for seizures, such as phenytoin or valproic acid
-Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-Some antihistamines
-Some medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, isocarboxazid, trazodone
-Some medications for nerve pain, such as gabapentin or pregabalin
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
If you have taken this medication for a long time or at high doses, do not stop it suddenly. Stopping too fast can make you very sick. Your care team will slowly lower the dose when it is time to stop.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
This medication can cause new or worsening depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.
If you are taking this medication for seizures, wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the contraceptive option that works for you.
This medication may cause low levels of vitamin D and folic acid in your body. Make sure that you get enough vitamin D and folic acid while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
People who become pregnant while using this medication may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medication use during pregnancy.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
-Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Headache
-Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
This medication may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medication with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medication away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medication after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.