Medicine Identification Chart

Phenobarbital^®

This is the oldest antiepileptic drug in common use. A barbiturate, phenobarbital was first used as an antiepileptic drug in 1912. It is used for generalized tonic-clonic and complex or simple partial seizures in adults and children. It may also be used for myclonic seizures. Once considered to be a first line drug, it is now generally thought to be a second-line therapy because of its side effects, which include sedation, depression and agitation. Phenobarbital is prescribed as capsules, tablets, and in syrup. In some patients, phenobarbital may make absence seizures worse. Phenobarbital interacts with a number of other antiepileptic drugs. It may take two weeks or more for a therapeutic level to develop. Phenobarbital may produce drowsiness, difficulty thinking, loss of balance and, in children, hyperactivity. Some people have an allergic reaction that produces rash. Tolerance, and even addiction, may occur over time. If phenobarbital is to be discontinued, it should be done slowly to prevent rebound seizures or other problems. Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.