Barbit 30 mg

Description

Indications: Barbit is indicated for the following medical conditions:

• Sedation: Used as a sedative for short-term management of insomnia.
• Pre-anesthesia: To prepare patients before surgical procedures.
• Anticonvulsant therapy: Employed in the long-term treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and cortical local seizures. It is also used in the emergency management of specific acute convulsive episodes, such as those caused by status epilepticus, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, or toxic reactions from Strychnine or local anesthetics.

Use only as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Description: Barbit is a barbiturate that acts as a nonselective central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is primarily used as a sedative-hypnotic for short-term treatment of insomnia and as an anticonvulsant in sub-hypnotic doses. It has proven efficacy in treating various seizure disorders and providing pre-anesthetic sedation.

Pharmacology: Barbit contains phenobarbital, which is the longest-acting barbiturate. It is used for its anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic properties. Phenobarbital works by interacting with GABAA receptors, enhancing synaptic inhibition. This action increases the seizure threshold and limits the spread of seizure activity. Additionally, it may inhibit calcium channels, which reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release.

The sedative and hypnotic effects of phenobarbital are likely due to its action on the midbrain reticular formation, which is responsible for controlling CNS arousal.

Dosage & Administration: The following are the general dosage recommendations for Barbit (Phenobarbital) based on specific indications:

Pediatric Oral Dosage:

• Preoperative: 1 to 3 mg/kg.
• Anticonvulsant: 1 to 6 mg/kg per day.

Adult Oral Dosage:

• Daytime sedative: 30 mg to 120 mg daily, divided into 2 to 3 doses.
• Bedtime hypnotic: 100 mg to 320 mg.
• Anticonvulsant: 50 mg to 100 mg, taken 2 to 3 times daily.

Pediatric Injection Dosage:

• Preoperative Sedation: 1 to 3 mg/kg IM/IV.
• Anticonvulsant: 4 to 6 mg/kg IM/IV per day, for 10 days, or 10 to 15 mg/kg IM/IV per day to quickly reach therapeutic levels. Maximum IV infusion rate: 60 mg/min.

Adult Injection Dosage:

• Insomnia: 100 to 320 mg IM/IV.
• Convulsions: 100 to 320 mg IV. May be repeated as needed (maximum 600 mg per day).
• Status Epilepticus: 10 to 20 mg/kg IV, repeat as needed.

Use only as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Interactions:

• The concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS depressants can enhance CNS depressant effects, leading to increased sedation and respiratory depression.

Contraindications: Barbit is contraindicated in individuals who have a known sensitivity to phenobarbital or a history of latent porphyria.

Side Effects: The most common side effect of Barbit is somnolence. Other potential side effects may include:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Hyperkinesia (increased movement)
• Ataxia (lack of coordination)
• CNS depression
• Nightmares
• Psychiatric disturbances (e.g., hallucinations, anxiety)
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., nausea, vomiting, constipation)

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy Category D: Phenobarbital may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy or if pregnancy occurs while taking Barbit, there is potential risk to the fetus.
• Caution is advised when administering phenobarbital to nursing mothers, as small amounts of the drug are excreted in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Long-term use of Barbit may lead to tolerance, and both psychological and physical dependence.
• It should be administered cautiously to individuals with mental depression, suicidal tendencies, or a history of drug abuse.
• In patients with liver impairment, lower initial doses of Barbit should be considered, and use should be carefully monitored.

Overdose Effects: The toxic dose of barbiturates can vary significantly. A typical oral dose of 1 gram of barbiturates is generally toxic to adults, and death can occur after ingesting 2 to 10 grams. Symptoms of overdose include CNS and respiratory depression. Treatment of overdose primarily consists of supportive care, and immediate hospitalization is required.

Therapeutic Class:

• Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs
• Barbiturates

Storage Conditions:

• Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.