Barbit Elixir 100ml

Indications

Barbit is a member of the barbiturate drug class. This medication is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy (seizures). Additionally, they have hypnotic qualities. This means that they reduce brain activity and may cause you to feel lightheaded or tired.

Pharmacology

A barbiturate with a long half-life is phenobarbital. The sensory cortex is suppressed, motor activity is decreased, the cerebellar function is altered, and tiredness, sedation, and hypnosis are produced. When used in high doses, it exhibits anticonvulsant properties. Phenobarbital increases synaptic inhibition by acting on GABAA receptors. As a result, the seizure threshold is raised and the spread of seizure activity away from the seizure focus is decreased. Inhibition of calcium channels by phenobarbital may also reduce the release of excitatory transmitters. The effects of phenobarbital on the polysynaptic midbrain reticular formation, which regulates CNS arousal, are probably what cause its sedative[1]hypnotic effects.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• 100 to 320 mg for hypnosis
• 30 to 120 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses, for sedation
• 60 to 250 mg per day for epilepsy
• Convulsion: 50 to 100 mg daily, divided into two to three doses.
• IV. Status epilepticus 10–20 mg/Kg; repeat as necessary children:
• 1-3 mg/Kg body weight prior to surgery
• seizures: 4-6 mg/Kg/day
• IV. Status epilepticus 15-20 mg/Kg over 10-15 minutes

May be taken with or without food.

Interaction

Several prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, anticoagulants like warfarin, chloramphenicol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antidepressants, asthma, cold, and allergy treatments, sedatives, steroids, tranquilizers, and vitamins, can interact with phenobarbital. Phenobarbital's tendency to make people sleepy can be exacerbated by interactions with these drugs.

Contraindications

Phenobarbital is contraindicated in patients with acute intermittent porphyria and who have a natural or idiosyncrasy to barbiturates

Side Effects

Drowsiness is the most common side effect. Less common side effects are CNS depression, nervousness, agitation, psychiatric disturbance, lethargy, mental depression, ataxia, nightmares, bradycardia, apnea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, restlessness, and confusion in the elderly, and hyperkinesia in children.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category D. Phenobarbital can cause potential fetal damage. Their use in pregnancy alone, or in combination with other anticonvulsants, can cause coagulation defects in the newborn infant which may be preventable by the prophylactic administration of Vitamin K to the mother prior to delivery. Phenobarbital is excreted through human milk; so caution should be taken during the lactation period.

Precautions & Warnings

If taken for a long time, phenobarbital has the potential to become addictive. The medicine should not be taken for longer than two weeks while being prescribed to treat insomnia. Patients who are clinically depressed, have liver damage, have suicidal thoughts, or have a history of drug misuse should be treated with caution.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.