Barbit 60 mg

Description

Indications
Barbit is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Sedation
• Short-term treatment of insomnia as a hypnotic
• Pre-anesthetic use
• Long-term anticonvulsant therapy for generalized tonic-clonic and cortical focal seizures.
  Additionally, Barbit is utilized in the emergency management of acute convulsive episodes, including those associated with status epilepticus, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to strychnine or local anesthetics.
  It is essential to follow the instructions of a registered healthcare professional when using this medication.

Description
Barbit is a barbiturate, a non-selective central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It primarily serves as a sedative-hypnotic and, at lower doses, functions as an anticonvulsant. It is commonly used for its calming effects on the CNS and to help manage seizures in various neurological conditions.

Pharmacology
Phenobarbital, the active ingredient in Barbit, is the longest-acting barbiturate. It is widely used for its anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic properties. Phenobarbital affects the GABAA receptors in the brain, increasing synaptic inhibition. This action raises the seizure threshold and reduces the propagation of seizure activity from the seizure focus. Additionally, phenobarbital may inhibit calcium channels, decreasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Its sedative-hypnotic effects are believed to result from its action on the polysynaptic midbrain reticular formation, which is responsible for controlling CNS arousal and alertness.

Dosage & Administration
The following are the recommended doses of phenobarbital for various indications:

Pediatric Oral Dosage:

• Preoperative: 1 mg to 3 mg/kg
• Anticonvulsant: 1 mg 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, 2 to 3 times daily

Pediatric Injection Dosage:

• 15 to 20 mg/kg IV over 10 to 15 minutes
• 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 for quicker therapeutic levels. The maximum IV rate should not exceed 60 mg/min.

Adult Injection Dosage:

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

Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Interactions
The simultaneous use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Barbit may lead to enhanced CNS depressant effects. Exercise caution when using these substances together.

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

Side Effects
The most common side effect of Barbit is somnolence (drowsiness). Other less frequent adverse reactions include:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Hyperkinesia (excessive movement)
• Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
• CNS depression
• Nightmares
• Nervousness
• Psychiatric disturbances
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Cognitive disturbances
• Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Pregnancy & Lactation
Phenobarbital is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It may cause harm to the fetus when administered during pregnancy. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking Barbit, they should be fully informed of the potential risks to the fetus. Caution is advised when administering Barbit to nursing women, as small amounts of phenobarbital are excreted in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings
Long-term use of Barbit may lead to the development of tolerance, as well as psychological and physical dependence. Caution should be exercised when administering Barbit to patients with a history of mental depression, suicidal tendencies, or drug abuse. In individuals with liver damage, Barbit should be used cautiously, with initial reduced doses.

Overdose Effects
The toxic dose of barbiturates can vary widely. An oral dose of 1 gram may cause serious poisoning in adults, and death can occur after the ingestion of 2 to 10 grams. Acute overdose symptoms typically include CNS and respiratory depression. In the event of an overdose, immediate hospitalization is required, and treatment is mainly supportive.

Therapeutic Class
Adjunct anticonvulsant drugs, Barbiturates.

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