It is important to use the medication we are prescribing for your pet. If you have concerns about anything you find on here, please contact our office at 518-446-9171 before stopping the medication.
What is Phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital Phenobarbital is a GABA receptor agonist. Might also be considered a broad spectrum anticonvulsant, as it inhibits glutamate and calcium fluxes. Phenobarbital has been used effectively as either a single or add-on anticonvulsant for long term management of seizures in dogs and cats, or for acute management of life-threatening seizures.
How is Phenobarbital given?
Phenobarbital is a capsule or tablet given orally.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Only give extra doses when directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Are there any potential side effects?
Side effects include chronic liver injury with long term use. Transient polyphagia. Ataxia, transient sedation, polyuria/polydipsia. Blood dyscrasias.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Avoid or discontinue in patients with hepatic failure. If using for seizures from congenital portosystemic shunting, consider starting at 25 to 50% of standard dosages, or choose potassium bromide. Do not use in pregnant animals. Withdrawal of phenobarbital or transition to or from another type of antiepileptic therapy should be made gradually to avoid precipitating an increase in the frequency of seizures. Hepatotoxicity may occur during anticonvulsant therapy. Therefore, hepatic function should be evaluated prior to initiation of therapy, therapeutic phenobarbital concentrations should be monitored, hepatic function should be reevaluated on a regular basis (every 6 months) and seizure activity should be reevaluated on a regular basis.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Coadministration with other CNS depressants can result in additive CNS depressant effects. Induction of hepatic enzymes may increase metabolism and decrease efficacy of anticoagulants, beta-blockers, chloramphenicol, steroids, digitoxin, doxorubicin, doxycycline, estrogens, metronidazole, cyclosporine. Can altar pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam lowering drug concentration levels.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
Monitor for response to therapy. Reassess if improvement is not seen. For phenobarbital, initial monitoring starts after 2 weeks of initiation of therapy, then every 6 months or as needed.
How do I store Phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital should be stored at room temperature between 68-77°F in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep away from light and moisture.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.