Fenobarbital is a sedative and anticonvulsant that belongs to the class of barbiturates and is known by the trade name Fenabbott. The medication acts as an enzyme inducer and increases the activity of the monooxygenase enzyme system. The active substance has a soporific effect and inhibits the activity of motor zones of the cortex and subcortex of the brain. Increases the CNS content of endogenous inhibitory mediator GABA, and reduces the excitatory effect of amino acids (glutamate, aspartate) on the CNS.

Indications for use of Fenabbott

Fenabbott 100 mg is indicated in the following cases:

• As a general sedative, especially for epilepsy and for conditions requiring prolonged sedation
• In the treatment of tonic-clonic seizures
• In the treatment of focal cortical seizures
• In detoxification of chronic barbiturism
• Illnesses and conditions when sedatives must also be taken during the day (e.g., oligophrenia, encephalopathy with signs of agitation, impulsivity)
• When discontinuing medications that do not contain Fenobarbital, to which the body is already accustomed, and in the period of agitation when alcohol is prohibited
• In the case of getting rid of drug addiction
• Parkinson's disease

Prevention of fetal jaundice, which forms in maternal hyperbilirubin anemia due to Crigler-Najjar type II syndrome.

Abrupt discontinuation of therapy in patients with epilepsy may cause epileptic status. 

Because suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been reported during treatment with the drug, patients should be monitored for timely detection of symptoms.

Side effects

Fenabbott tablets can cause different types of side effects, although they do not occur in all patients. It depends on each person's different sensitivity to the drug.
 

Other side effects include miosis (constriction of the pupil), mydriasis (dilation of the pupils), nystagmus, optical neuropathy, and genetic mutations.

Dosage of Fenabbott 100 mg

When administered orally as an anticonvulsant, the usual dose of Fenobarbital for adults is 100-300 mg per day. When used as a sedative, the drug dose is 50-100 mg per day.

The recommended dose of Phenobarbital for children is 20-100 mg and depends on age and body weight. The medication is long-acting barbiturate. A dose of 6 to 10 grams can be fatal.

Overdose

If a patient has taken too large a dose of Fenabbott tablets, the following side effects may occur, such as headache; nausea; vomiting; darkening of the eyes; confusion; a state close to a coma. The comatose state is accompanied by irregular bradypnea, tracheobronchial obstruction, and arterial hypotension.

In case of intoxication, gastric lavage should be performed immediately, if the patient's condition allows it. Excretion of already absorbed Phenobarbital can be carried out by forced diuresis or by alkalizing the urine. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be prescribed. Treatment is symptomatic, there is no antidote.

Contraindications

Administration of Fenabbott tablets is contraindicated in the following cases:

1. Cases of hypersensitivity to Fenabbott

2. Patients with porphyria

3. Patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment

4. Patients with respiratory illnesses

5. Patients with severe heart disease

6. Patients with acute alcohol intoxication 

7. Together with analgesics and sedatives

8. During pregnancy and breastfeeding

9. Patients who take other drugs containing Phenobarbital and Primidone (an antiepileptic drug).

Fenabbott may be addictive. Great caution should be exercised when prescribing the drug to patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, elderly patients, or patients with alcoholism.