Phenobarb 30mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Salt Composition
Phenobarbitone (30mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Phenobarb 30mg Tablet belongs to a class of medicines called barbiturates. It is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures).
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Phenobarb 30mg 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. Phenobarb 30mg Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How it works
Phenobarb 30mg 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
Phenobarb 30mg Tablet helps in treatment and prevention of seizures. It may be habit-forming with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if it stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed. It may make you very sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. Get regular blood tests done to monitor the amount of medication in your body.
Frequently asked questions
What is Phenobarb 30mg Tablet used for?
Phenobarb 30mg Tablet is prescribed to control seizures or fits. It belongs to a class of medicines called barbiturates. It may also be used in exceptional circumstances to treat seizures that accompany a high fever in children.
What if I forget to take Phenobarb 30mg 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 Phenobarb 30mg Tablet cause addiction?
Yes, Phenobarb 30mg Tablet may cause addiction in patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse if they take it for a prolonged time. Therefore, Phenobarb 30mg Tablet should be avoided in such patients.
What are the long-term side effects of Phenobarb 30mg Tablet?
Long-term use of phenobarbital can lead to changes in soft tissues of the body, such as pain in joints or thickening in areas like the palm or bottom of the foot. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor.
Can I stop taking Phenobarb 30mg Tablet once my seizures get controlled?
No, you should not stop taking Phenobarb 30mg Tablet without consulting your doctor. Sudden withdrawal can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, feeling sick, fits, and delirium. The dose of Phenobarb 30mg Tablet should be reduced gradually.
What will happen if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose of Phenobarb 30mg 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, and breathing difficulties. Contact your nearest hospital emergency services or your doctor immediately.
What are the effects of Phenobarb 30mg Tablet in children?
Phenobarbital is useful in treating many kinds of seizures in children. It is often considered as the first choice to treat certain types of seizures in newborns. Children taking Phenobarbital 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 treatment. It may be necessary to increase the dose very slowly over several months.
Can I take folic acid with Phenobarb 30mg Tablet?
Phenobarbital can cause folic acid deficiency which is responsible for certain types of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) in some patients. But if you take folic acid, then it may decrease the levels of Phenobarbital in your body. This may lead to seizures. Therefore, folic acid should be avoided.
For how long do I need to take Phenobarb 30mg Tablet?
You should take Phenobarb 30mg Tablet for the duration advised by your doctor. This drug has a habit-forming effect, therefore long-term use is not recommended.
Are there any tests available which check the levels of Phenobarb 30mg 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 Phenobarb 30mg Tablet cause withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, suddenly stopping Phenobarb 30mg Tablet can cause withdrawal symptoms which include sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium.
