Medication Information for: Phenobarbital

(fee-no-barb-it-all)

Why? Phenobarbital helps control seizures. Some babies need phenobarbital for a short time if they have a seizure. The pediatrician and neurologist work together to decide how long a baby should stay on phenobarbital. Some babies outgrow the medicine and the seizure problem. Some babies will need a brain wave test (EEG). Do not stop the medicine or give extra without talking to a doctor.

How? Give phenobarbital as ordered. Phenobarbital is usually given two time a day.

Your baby's dose is:
_____________ml, ______________times a day at ____________o'clock and __________o'clock.

Measure the dose and mix it with a small amount of milk before you give it to the baby.

Phenobarbital does not have to be kept in the refrigerator.

Any problems? Most side effects of phenobarbital would be seen in the hospital before the baby goes home. Phenobarbital can cause sleepiness or drowsiness. In some babies, it causes the exact opposite--wakefulness and irritability. Skin rashes are also possible side effects of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is poisonous if too much is given. It can cause shallow breathing or stopped breathing (apnea). Call the doctor if the baby vomits two regularly scheduled doses.

Sometimes the baby will need a blood test called a "phenobarbital level". The test tells the doctor if the baby has enough medicine in his or her body, and helps determine if more medicine is needed.

ALWAYS KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Pharmacies keep special records of phenobarbital prescriptions. Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able to obtain more.

Kelly Burch, PharmD
November, 1999
Reviewed and revised August 2004
(provided by St. John's Mercy Medical Center