Now few know what phenobarbital is, although this substance is part of many popular drugs. Many people have been taking Corvalol or Valocordin for years without knowing which ingredients these drugs contain. After all, phenobarbital has recently been attributed to dangerous narcotic substances and banned in some countries. And the funds based on it began to gradually disappear from the sale. Now the drug "Phenobarbital" and its analogues are used only as directed by a doctor. After all, this is one of the most effective anticonvulsants and sedatives.
What is phenobarbital
This substance is from the group of barbiturates. It reduces the excitability of brain neurons and the spread of nerve impulses in epilepsy. With its influence, the influx of calcium ions into the cell increases, which contributes to a decrease in motor activity and a decrease in the tone of smooth muscles.
This substance was first obtained at the beginning of the 20th century in Germany. Phenobarbital appeared on sale under the name "Luminal." This was the most popular sleeping pill until drugs from the benzodiazepine group appeared. In recent years, many countries have banned the production of phenobarbital. In Russia, preparations based on it are on sale, but only according to doctor's prescriptions.
Now, in the treatment of epilepsy, "Phenobarbital" is used. Its analogues and agents containing this substance in small quantities can be prescribed in less serious conditions, for example, with overexcitation or insomnia.
The narcotic effect of this substance is special: it does not cause euphoria, only drowsiness and apathy. In addition, taking phenobarbital leads to a very strong dependence. But its unhealthy popularity as a drug is explained by its cheapness and accessibility.
Phenobarbital-based preparations
A medicine with this name is mostly known to patients with convulsive syndrome or severe sleep disturbances. But you can buy drugs that include phenobarbital. The most famous are Corvalol and Valocorin. They are inexpensive and very popular as sleeping pills and sedatives, especially among the older generation.
Less popular are such drugs:
- “Lavocordin”, in addition to phenobarbital, contains an extract of valerian, peppermint oil and hops.
- "Neo-Teofedrin" is an antispasmodic, used for bronchial asthma, contains theophylline, caffeine, ephedrine, paracetamol.
- Paglüferal is a phenobarbital based antiepileptic.
- Pentalgin-N is a narcotic analgesic.
- "Piralgin" is a combined non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
- Tetralgin is an analgesic and antispasmodic drug.
- "Andipal" - is used as a vasodilator for hypertension.
Action Features
Phenobarital-based drugs have long been used in medicine. They are prescribed even to children, since they have unique properties. With some pathologies, only with their help can the patient be helped. The effect of phenobarbital extends only to smooth muscles and neurons, without affecting the cardiovascular system. After taking such drugs inside, the following effects are observed:
- the intensity of metabolic processes decreases slightly;
- motor activity decreases;
- the tone of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract decreases;
- detoxification function of the liver increases;
- the concentration of bilirubin in the blood decreases.
Phenobarbital is widely used in medicine due to the fact that it has an anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic and antispasmodic effect. It is used in emergency cases, since with prolonged use it is very addictive.
Phenobarbital: indications for use
Now drugs based on it are used only in serious cases. They are no longer prescribed for normal insomnia. Indications for the use of this tool are the following conditions:
- epilepsy in any form;
- various cramps;
- chorea;
- meningitis, tetanus;
- alcohol withdrawal;
- spastic paralysis;
- severe insomnia;
- various mental disorders;
- overexcitation, anxiety.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that Phenobarital has very serious indications, not all patients can receive such treatment. The use of drugs based on this substance is contraindicated in such cases:
- with serious violations of the liver and kidneys;
- myasthenia gravis;
- anemia
- diabetes mellitus;
- Depression
- when the immune system is weakened;
- bronchial asthma;
- alcoholism;
- individual intolerance;
- during pregnancy and lactation.
Side effects
Preparations containing phenobarbital are classified as narcotic substances. In addition to the fact that they are highly addictive, even with their short-term use, side effects are possible:
- general weakness, dizziness, asthenia;
- lethargy, speech impairment;
- hallucinations, nightmares;
- depression;
- sleep disturbances;
- decreased visual acuity;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, disruption of the intestines;
- thrombocytopenia, anemia;
- heart palpitations, heart failure;
- lowering blood pressure;
- rash, swelling, dermatitis, skin itching;
- labored breathing.
Instructions for use
“Phenobarbital” and similar preparations are available in the form of 100 and 50 mg tablets for adults and 5 mg for children. Depending on the indications and regimen, the doctor prescribes a different dosage. As a sleeping pill, the drug should be drunk 100 mg an hour before bedtime. If Phenobarbital was prescribed for regular administration to a patient with epilepsy, he is recommended to take 50-100 mg twice a day. As a sedative, preparations based on this substance are taken in a dosage of 50 mg 2-3 times a day. It is recommended to reduce the dose for the elderly, as well as for patients with impaired liver and kidney function.
Children “Fenoarital” are prescribed according to strict indications. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the age and condition of the patient. Prescribe the drug half an hour before meals 2 times a day. The dosage is usually this: up to 6 months, 5 mg, up to a year - 10 mg, 1-2 years - 20 mg, up to 4 years old - 30 mg, up to 7 years old - 40 mg, 7-10 years old - 50 mg, up to 14 years - 75 mg. After this age, the dosage of the drug is already adult.
With regular admission, discontinuation of treatment is necessary gradually. With a sharp discontinuation of drugs based on phenobarbital, depression and insomnia often develop, headaches appear. Dependence develops after a two-week regular intake, so it is not recommended to use it as a sleeping pill and sedative for longer than 10 days.
Special instructions for use
Many do not know what phenobarbital is, but they calmly take drugs based on it. Some are sold over the counter, and people don’t even suspect what kind of serious drug they are taking. Therefore, it is advisable to always study the composition and instructions before using each drug. When using a drug containing phenobarbital, it is desirable to take into account such features:
- this substance accumulates in the body and is addictive;
- discontinue treatment with such drugs should be gradual, as often there is a "withdrawal syndrome"
- with regular admission, you can not drive a car and engage in activities that require attention and a good reaction;
- while taking with oral contraceptives, antibiotics and antifungal agents, their effectiveness decreases;
- this substance also reduces the digestibility of glucocorticosteroids, anticoagulants, salicylates and estrogens;
- while taking with alcohol or antidepressants, depression of the functions of the central nervous system may develop;
- this substance enhances the action of analgesics, muscle relaxants and sedatives;
- the hypnotic effect of phenobarbital is reduced if it is taken simultaneously with belladonna preparations, atropine, thiamine, nicotinic acid and psychostimulants;
- it is strictly forbidden to take such drugs during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, as this leads to a violation of blood coagulability in the child and bleeding;
- taking phenobarbital during lactation causes inhibition of the nervous system in the baby.
Analogues of the drug
Few people know what Phenobarbital is in tablets. Most often, analogues of this tool are used. The most famous of them has long been Luminal. But recently, it is used less and less. More common are now such means:
- Topirol.
- Zeptol.
- Barbital.
- "Doxylamine."
- Etaminal Sodium.
- Orfiril.
- Gabagamma
- "Depakine."
- "Phenazepam."
Phenobarbital Reviews
Most doctors oppose the use of this drug for children under 6 years of age. But until now, phenobarbital is often used even at that age. Reviews about this treatment are contradictory. Many note a large number of side effects. For example, patients worsen memory, develop depression. Others respond positively about the drug, believing that the main thing is to comply with the dosage and follow all the doctor's recommendations. Patients like that phenobarbital-based drugs are cheap (packaging costs about 20 rubles), and they have a good sleeping pill. But such pills are prescribed by prescription.