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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.
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This medication is injected into a vein or muscle. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to 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.
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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.
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
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.
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.
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This does not apply.
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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
-Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site
-Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Headache
-Nausea
-Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
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.
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This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
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.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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