Epilepsy: tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial (focal) seizures
Forms and strengths
50 mg and 60 mg tablets
Dosage
Follow national protocol.
For information:
Child: initial dose of3 to 4 mg/kg once daily or 1.5 to 2 mg/kg 2 times daily, increase to 8 mg/kg daily if necessary
Adult: initial dose of2 mg/kg once daily at bedtime (max. 100 mg daily), then, increase gradually if necessary, to the maximum dose of 3 mg/kg 2 times daily or 2 mg/kg 3 times daily
Duration
According to clinical response
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer in respiratory depression.
May cause: drowsiness, depression of the central nervous system. Do not stop treatment abruptly.
Risk of increased sedation when combined with alcohol and drugs acting on the central nervous system such as diazepam, chlorphenamine, chlorpromazine, etc.
Phenobarbital reduces the effectiveness of implants and oral contraceptives: use an intrauterine device (copper or levonorgestrel) or a progestogen-only injectable (medroxyprogesterone).
Pregnancy: avoid
Breast-feeding:avoid
Remarks
Phenobarbital is subject to international controls: follow national regulations.
Plasma-concentrations are stable after 2 to 3 weeks.
Caution: risk of accumulation. If necessary, phenytoin may be combined with phenobarbital.