Gardenal 60 Tablet
Manufacturer
Abbott
Salt Composition
Phenobarbitone (60mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Gardenal 60 Tablet belongs to a class of medicines called barbiturates. It is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). They also have hypnotic properties.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Gardenal 60 Tablet may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it may be habit-forming with long-term use. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Directions for Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Gardenal 60 Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How it works
Gardenal 60 Tablet controls seizures or fits by increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick Tips
Gardenal 60 Tablet helps in treatment and prevention of seizures. It may be habit-forming with long-term use. Do not take more than prescribed. It may make you very sleepy. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you notice pain in your joints or if you have a history of bone disease. Get regular blood tests done to monitor the amount of medication in your body. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice skin rash accompanied with fever. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gardenal 60 Tablet used for?
Gardenal 60 Tablet is prescribed to control seizures or fits. It belongs to the barbiturate group of medicines and is also used to treat seizures that sometimes accompany a high fever in children in exceptional circumstances.
What if I forget to take Gardenal 60 Tablet?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
Can Gardenal 60 Tablet cause addiction?
Yes, Gardenal 60 Tablet may cause addiction in patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse if they take it for a prolonged time. Therefore, it should be avoided in such patients.
What are the long-term side effects of Gardenal 60 Tablet?
Long-term use of phenobarbital can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms include pain in the joints or thickening in areas such as the palm or the bottom of the foot. If you notice any changes of this kind, tell your doctor.
Can I stop taking Gardenal 60 Tablet once my seizures get controlled?
No, you should not stop taking Gardenal 60 Tablet without consulting your doctor. Sudden withdrawal can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, feeling sick, fits, and delirium. The dose of Gardenal 60 Tablet should be reduced gradually.
What will happen if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose of Gardenal 60 Tablet?
Swallowing more than the recommended doses may cause drowsiness, speech problems, jerky movements, jerky eye movements, loss of inhibition, reduced reflex response, low body temperature, low blood pressure, and breathing problems. Contact your nearest hospital emergency services or your doctor immediately.
What are the effects of Gardenal 60 Tablet in children?
Gardenal 60 Tablet is useful in treating many kinds of seizures in children. It is often considered as the first choice to treat certain kinds of seizures in newborns. The child taking Gardenal 60 Tablet treatment may develop problems with behavior and learning. Side effects are much more likely to be troublesome if high doses are given or if too high a dose is given at the beginning of the treatment. It may be necessary to increase the dose very slowly over several months.
Can I take folic acid with Gardenal 60 Tablet?
Gardenal 60 Tablet causes folic acid deficiency, which is responsible for certain types of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) in some patients. However, if you take folic acid, it may decrease the levels of Gardenal 60 Tablet in your body, which may lead to seizures. Therefore, folic acid should be avoided.
For how long do I need to take Gardenal 60 Tablet?
You should take Gardenal 60 Tablet for the duration advised by your doctor. This drug has a habit-forming effect, therefore, its long-term use is not recommended.
Are there any tests available which check the levels of Gardenal 60 Tablet in the blood?
Yes, laboratory tests are available. If you feel excessively sleepy and experience tremor or balance issues or double vision, inform your doctor and get the levels checked.
Can Gardenal 60 Tablet cause withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, suddenly stopping Gardenal 60 Tablet can cause withdrawal symptoms, which include sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium.
