Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Luminal, Solfoton, Barbita, Fenobarbital
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate, a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. It works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. This leads to a decrease in neuronal excitability, resulting in sedation, hypnosis, and anticonvulsant effects. Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate and is used to treat various seizure disorders and sometimes as a sedative or hypnotic. It's known for its long half-life, which means it stays in the body for an extended period.
Used to treat seizures (especially in infants and children), status epilepticus, and sometimes as a sedative.
May cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Can cause respiratory depression, especially when combined with other CNS depressants.
Outcome:
Increased sedation, respiratory depression
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Reduced doxycycline effectiveness
Mechanism:
Increased doxycycline metabolism
Outcome:
Increased drowsiness
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depressant effects
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release phenobarbital for improved adherence in epilepsy management (Year: 2026, 70% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and emerging alternatives, there is a 20% likelihood of increased restrictions on phenobarbital prescriptions for non-epileptic indications in the next 5 years.
Barbiturate, Anticonvulsant, Sedative-Hypnotic
Barbiturate