Drug Name:Phenobarbital
Drug Class:Barbiturate
Mechanism of Action:
  • Enhances the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to GABA-A receptors in the brain
  • Reduces the excitability of neurons in the brainstem and cortex
Use:
  • Treatment of seizures (partial, generalized, tonic-clonic)
  • Sedation
  • Insomnia
Side Effects:
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Ataxia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
  • Porphyria
  • Respiratory depression
  • Severe liver disease
  • Pregnancy
Specialty:
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Emergency Medicine