Fenobarb: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Fenobarb Information

Fenobarb is a commercial drug that is prescribed in the form of Injection. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of Epilepsy. Fenobarb also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.

The correct dosage of Fenobarb depends on the patient's age, gender, and medical history. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. For detailed information on this, read through the dosage section.

Fenobarb also has some side effects, the most common being Vertigo. Apart from the aforementioned side effects, Fenobarb can also lead to other problems, which have been listed below. Usually, these side effects of Fenobarb go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.

Furthermore, you should know that effect of Fenobarb is Moderate for pregnant women and Severe for women who are breastfeeding. Further, the section on Fenobarb related warnings talks about Fenobarb's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.

Fenobarb is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate), Respiratory Depression, Liver Disease are examples of such conditions. Other conditions have been mentioned below in the Fenobarb contraindications section.

Additionally, Fenobarb may also adversely react with other medicines. A complete list of these interactions is given below.

In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Fenobarb is not safe while driving, and is is not addictive in nature.

Fenobarb Benefits & Uses
Fenobarb Dosage & How to Take
Fenobarb Side Effects
Fenobarb Related Warnings
Severe Interaction of Fenobarb with Other Drugs
Fenobarb Contraindications
Frequently asked Questions about Fenobarb
Fenobarb Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Fenobarb Benefits & Uses

Fenobarb is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Epilepsy

Other Benefits

Epilepsy
Insomnia

Fenobarb Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 3 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Infant (1 month to 2 years)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 4 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Neonates (0 to 1 month)	Disease: Epilepsy Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 4 mg/kg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Fenobarb Related Warnings

Is the use of Fenobarb safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may experience moderate side effects from Fenobarb. It is best to stop taking Fenobarb immediately and inform your doctor if you notice any discomfort.

Moderate
Is the use of Fenobarb safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding, may experience serious side effects after taking Fenobarb. So it is adviced to consult the doctor before using it.

Severe
What is the effect of Fenobarb on the Kidneys?

Fenobarb has very mild side effects on the kidneys.

Mild
What is the effect of Fenobarb on the Liver?

Very few cases of side effects of Fenobarb on the liver have been reported.

Mild
What is the effect of Fenobarb on the Heart?

Fenobarb is rarely harmful for the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Fenobarb with Other Drugs

Fenobarb should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Cyclosporin

Warfarin

Felodipine

Cyclosporine

Moderate

Chloramphenicol

Clonazepam

Mild

Metronidazole

Fenobarb Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Fenobarb unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Allergy
Depression
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Respiratory Depression
Liver Disease
Porphyria
Heart Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Fenobarb

Is this Fenobarb habit forming or addictive?

Fenobarb can be addictive. You should not take it without medical advice.

Yes
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Fenobarb you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Fenobarb should be used only after doctor's advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Yes, in many cases, taking Fenobarb can help with mental disorders.

Yes

Fenobarb Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Fenobarb

It is safe to take Fenobarb with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Fenobarb

Taking Fenobarb with alcohol can have severely harmful effects on your health.

Severe

Frequently asked Questions about Fenobarb

Question over 4 years ago

Is Fenobarb a benzo?

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

No, Fenobarb is not a benzo (benzodiazepine). It belongs to the class of drug known as barbiturates and it is mainly used for the prevention of seizures and insomnia.

Question over 5 years ago

What is Fenobarb?

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Fenobarb is a brand name of phenobarbital (Phenobarbitone) and it comes in form of a tablet, injection, syrup, and oral drops. It is a prescription drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as barbiturates (sedative & hypnotic). It is used mainly for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It is also used for the treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness). It is used off-label in the management of hyperbilirubinemia (high levels of bilirubin in the blood).

Question about 5 years ago

How to take Fenobarb?

Dr. Surender Kumar MBBS , General Physician

Take Fenobarb as advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food because the presence of food does not affect the absorption of this drug. Precautions must be taken in patients with depression, respiratory disease, and improper liver or kidney function.

Question over 4 years ago

Can I take Fenobarb and xanax together?

Dr. R.K Singh MBBS , Diabetology

No, Fenobarb should not be taken along with Xanax (alprazolam). Taking these drugs together is more likely to increase the side effects of both of these medicines such as increased sedation (drowsiness). Hence, you are advised to avoid taking them together.

Question over 4 years ago

Can I take clonazepam and Fenobarb together?

Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha BAMS , Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ayurveda, Sexology, Diabetology

No, Fenobarb should not be taken with clonazepam. Taking these drugs together is more likely to increases the sedative (drowsiness) effect. Hence, you are advised to avoid taking them together.