Sign inBefore taking phenobarbital
Before taking phenobarbital make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have breathing problems.
- If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you have had any problems with drug or alcohol dependence.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take phenobarbital
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take phenobarbital exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take phenobarbital at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It is best taken at night.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any tests or treatment (such as an operation or dental treatment), tell the person carrying out the test or treatment which medicines you are taking.
- You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
- You are advised not to drink alcohol while you are taking phenobarbital. Phenobarbital will make you feel drowsy and drinking alcohol will increase these feelings of drowsiness.
- People with epilepsy must stop driving. Your doctor will advise you about when it may be possible for you to resume driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with phenobarbital.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose very gradually as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
Can phenobarbital cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Light-headedness, unsteadiness | Getting up or moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments before sitting or standing. If this continues let your doctor know |
| Drowsiness, weakness | Make sure your reactions are normal before doing any jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Shortness of breath, behaviour changes, mood changes (such as irritability, confusion, excitement or depression), hearing or seeing things that are not real, and skin rashes | If any of these become troublesome, speak to your doctor |
Important: If you experience any yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store phenobarbital
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Manufacturer's PIL, Phenobarbital Tablets 30mg, 60mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised October 2008, accessed April 2009.