Drug Name:Phenobarbitone
Drug Class:Barbiturate
Mechanism of Action:
  • Enhances the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
  • Binds to the GABA-A receptor, increasing the duration of chloride channel opening
Use:
  • Treatment of seizures and epilepsy
  • Sedation and anesthesia
  • Alcohol withdrawal
Side Effects:
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Ataxia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension
  • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
  • Porphyria
  • Respiratory depression
  • Severe liver disease
Specialty:
  • Neurology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Psychiatry