Barbit Elixir 100ml

Indications

Barbit Elixir is prescribed for the following conditions:

• Sedative
• Hypnotic: For short-term management of insomnia
• Pre-anesthetic
• Anticonvulsant: Used in the long-term treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and cortical local seizures. It is also effective in the emergency management of acute convulsive episodes, including status epilepticus, eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, and toxic reactions to strychnine or local anesthetics.

Use as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Description

Barbit Elixir is a non-selective barbiturate that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is mainly used for its sedative and hypnotic effects but can also serve as an anticonvulsant in lower, sub-hypnotic doses.

Pharmacology

Phenobarbital, the longest-acting barbiturate, is primarily used for its anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic properties, particularly in the management of seizure disorders (except absence seizures). Phenobarbital works by enhancing GABA-A receptor activity, which increases synaptic inhibition, thus raising the seizure threshold and limiting the spread of seizures. Additionally, it may inhibit calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release. Its sedative-hypnotic effects are likely due to its action on the midbrain reticular formation, which regulates CNS arousal.

Dosage & Administration

Below are the suggested doses for Phenobarbital based on age and condition:

Pediatric Oral Dosage

• Preoperative sedation: 1-3 mg/kg
• Anticonvulsant therapy: 1-6 mg/kg per day

Adult Oral Dosage

• Daytime sedative: 30-120 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses
• Bedtime hypnotic: 100-320 mg
• Anticonvulsant therapy: 50-100 mg 2-3 times daily

Pediatric Injection Dosage

• General dosage: 15-20 mg/kg IV over 10-15 minutes
• Preoperative sedation: 1-3 mg/kg IM/IV
• Anticonvulsant therapy: 4-6 mg/kg IM/IV per day for 10 days, or 10-15 mg/kg IM/IV per day to reach therapeutic levels quickly. Maximum IV rate: 60 mg/min

Adult Injection Dosage

• Insomnia treatment: 100-320 mg IM/IV
• Convulsions: 100-320 mg IV (Repeat as needed, maximum 600 mg per day)
• Status Epilepticus: 10-20 mg/kg IV (Repeat as needed)

Use as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Interactions

Concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase CNS depressant effects.

Contraindications

Phenobarbital should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to barbiturates or a history of latent porphyria.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include somnolence, while other potential adverse effects include agitation, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbances, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, cognitive impairments, apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Phenobarbital is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should only use this medication if the benefits outweigh the risks. Caution is advised when administering Phenobarbital to nursing mothers, as small amounts are excreted in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

Tolerance, psychological, and physical dependence may develop with long-term use. Barbit Elixir should be administered with caution to patients with depression, suicidal tendencies, or a history of drug abuse. In patients with liver disease, starting with reduced doses is recommended.

Overdose Effects

Toxicity can occur with doses as low as 1 gram of barbiturates, leading to serious poisoning. Doses exceeding 2-10 grams can result in fatal poisoning. Symptoms of overdose include CNS and respiratory depression. Immediate medical attention and hospitalization are necessary.

Therapeutic Class

• Adjunctive Anti-Epileptic Medications
• Barbiturates

Storage Conditions

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