Barbit(Phenobarbital)
Therapeutic Group: Drugs of Nervous System
Presentation
Barbit 30: Each tablet contains Phenobarbital BP 30 mg.
Barbit 60: Each tablet contains Phenobarbital BP 60 mg.
Barbit Elixir: Each 100 ml or 50 ml bottle contains Phenobarbital BP 20 mg/5ml.
Barbit Injection: Each 1 ml ampoule contains Phenobarbital Sodium BP 200 mg.
Description
Barbit is a preparation of Phenobarbital which is a barbiturate, nonselective, central nervous system depressant which is primarily used as a sedative hypnotic and also as an anticonvulsant in subhypnotic doses.
Indications
Barbit is indicated for the following conditions:
Sedatives
Hypnotics for the short-term treatment of insomnia
Pre-anesthetics
Long-term anticonvulsants for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and cortical local seizures. And, in the emergency control of certain acute convulsive episodes, ( those associated with status epilepticus, eclampsia meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to Strychnine or local anesthetics).
Dosage & Administration
Suggested doses of Phenobarbital for specific indications are as follows:
a. Pediatric Oral Dosage:
Preoperative: 1 mg to 3 mg/kg.
Anticonvulsant: 1 mg to 6 mg/kg per day
b. Adult Oral Dosage:
1. Daytime sedative: 30 mg to 120 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses.
2. Bedtime hypnotic: 100 mg to 320 mg.
3. Anticonvulsant: 50 mg to 100 mg 2 to 3 times daily.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reaction is somnolence. Other less frequent adverse reactions are agitation, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, thinking abnormality, apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Precautions
Tolerance and psychological and physical dependence may occur with continuing use. Phenobarbital should be administered with caution to patients who are mentally depressed, have suicidal tendencies, or a history of drug abuse. In patients with hepatic damage, Phenobarbital should be administered with caution and initially reduced doses.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Phenobarbital can cause fetal damage when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be in risk of the potential hazard to the fetus. Caution should be taken when Phenobarbital is administered to a nursing woman since small amounts of Phenobarbital are excreted in the milk.
Drug Interaction
The concomitant use of Alcohol or other CNS depressants may produce additive CNS depressant effects.
Over Dose
The toxic dose of barbiturates varies considerably. In general, an oral dose of 1 gram of most barbiturates produces serious poisoning in an adult. Death commonly occurs after 2 to 10 grams of ingested barbiturate. Acute overdosage with barbiturates is manifested by CNS and respiratory depression Treatment of overdosage is mainly supportive and immediate hospitaslization is necessary.
Commercial Pack
Barbit 30: Each box contains 10 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Barbit 60: Each box contains 10 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Barbit Elixir: Each box contains 50 ml or 100 ml Elixir with a plastic dropper.
Barbit Injection: Each box contains 1 blister strip of 5 ampoules of 1 ml.