What is phenobarbital? Indications for use and analogues of the preparation

Now, few know what phenobarbital is, although this substance is a part of many popular medicines. Many people for years accept "Corvalol" or "Valocordinum", not suspecting what ingredients contain these drugs. Recently, phenobarbital has been classified as dangerous narcotic substances and banned in some countries. And the means on its basis began to gradually disappear from the sale. Now the drug "Phenobarbital" and its analogs are used only for the doctor's prescription. After all, this is one of the most effective anticonvulsants and sedatives.

What is phenobarbital

This is a substance from the barbiturate group. It reduces the excitability of brain neurons and the spread of nerve impulses in epilepsy. When it acts, the intake of calcium ions into the cell increases, which helps to reduce motor activity and reduce the tone of smooth muscles.

This substance was first obtained in Germany in the early 20th century. For sale phenobarbital appeared under the name "Luminal". It was the most popular hypnotic, until drugs from the benzodiazepine group appeared. In recent years, many countries have banned the production of phenobarbital. In Russia, drugs based on it are on sale, but only on the prescription of a doctor.

Now basically in the treatment of epilepsy, "Phenobarbital" is used. Analogues of it and the means containing this substance in small amounts can be prescribed in less serious conditions, for example, in overexcitation or insomnia.

The narcotic effect of this substance is special: it does not cause euphoria, only drowsiness and apathy. In addition, the use of phenobarbital leads to a very strong dependence. But his unhealthy popularity as a drug is explained by cheapness and accessibility.

Preparations based on phenobarbital

The drug with this name is familiar mainly to patients with convulsive syndrome or severe sleep disorders. But you can buy drugs that include phenobarbital. The most famous are "Corvalol" and "Valokorin". They are inexpensive and very popular as a hypnotic and sedative, especially among the older generation.

Less popular are such drugs:

• "Lavocordin", in addition to phenobarbital, contains an extract of valerian, mint oil and hops.
• "Neo-Theo-epidrine" is an antispasmodic, used for bronchial asthma, contains theophylline, caffeine, ephedrine, paracetamol.
• "Paglyuferal" is an antiepileptic agent based on phenobarbital.
• "Pentalgin-N" is a narcotic analgesic.
• "Piralgin" is a combined non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• "Tetralgin" is an anesthetic and antispasmodic drug.
• "Andipal" - is used as a vasodilator for hypertension.

Features of the action

Preparations based on phenobarital have long been used in medicine. They are assigned even to children, since they have unique properties. With some pathologies, only with their help can help the patient. The action of phenobarbital extends only to smooth muscles and neurons, without affecting the cardiovascular system. After taking such drugs, the following effects are observed inside:

• Slightly decreases the intensity of metabolic processes;
• Decreased motor activity;
• The tone of smooth musculature of the gastrointestinal tract decreases;
• Increases the detoxification function of the liver;
• The concentration of bilirubin in the blood decreases.

Phenobarbital is widely used in medicine because it has anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic and spasmolytic effects. It is used in emergency cases, as with prolonged admission it causes a strong addiction.

Phenobarbital: indications for use

Currently, 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 states:

• Epilepsy in any form;
• Various convulsions;
• chorea;
• Meningitis, tetanus;
• Alcohol abstinence;
• Spastic paralysis;
• Severe insomnia;
• Various mental disorders;
• Overexcitement, anxiety.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that the "Fenobarital" testimony is very serious, not all patients can receive such treatment. Contraindicated taking drugs on the basis of this substance in such cases:

• With serious violations of the liver and kidneys;
• Myasthenia gravis;
• Anemia;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Depression;
• With weakening of the immune system;
• Bronchial asthma;
• Alcoholism;
• Individual intolerance;
• During pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects

Preparations containing phenobarbital are related to narcotic substances. In addition to the fact that they are highly addictive, even with short-term use, side effects are possible:

• General weakness, dizziness, asthenia;
• Retardation, speech disturbance;
• Hallucinations, nightmares;
• depression;
• Sleep disorders;
• Decreased visual acuity;
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, impaired intestinal function;
• Thrombocytopenia, anemia;
• Heart palpitations, heart failure;
• Lowering blood pressure;
• Rash, swelling, dermatitis, itchy skin;
• labored breathing.

Instructions for use

"Phenobarbital" and preparations, similar in composition, are available in the form of tablets of 100 and 50 mg for adults and 5 mg for children. Depending on the indications and the regimen, the doctor prescribes a different dosage. As a hypnotic, the drug should be drunk at 100 mg per hour before bedtime. If "Fenobarbital" was appointed for regular admission to a patient with epilepsy, he is recommended to 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. Reduce the dose is recommended for elderly people, as well as patients with impaired liver and kidney function.

Children "Fenoarital" is appointed according to strict indications. Dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the age and condition of the patient. Assign the drug for half an hour before meals 2 times a day. Dosage is usually as follows: up to 6 months 5 mg, up to a year 10 mg, 1-2 years 20 mg, up to 4 years 30 mg, up to 7 years 40 mg, 7-10 years 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 should be gradual. With a sharp withdrawal of drugs on the basis of phenobarbital, depression often develops, insomnia, headaches appear. Dependence develops after a two-week regular intake, so it is not recommended to use it as a hypnotic and sedative for more than 10 days.

Special instructions for use

Many do not know what is phenobarbital, but calmly take drugs based on it. Some of them are sold without a doctor's prescription, and people do not even suspect what a serious drug they use. Therefore, it is always advisable to study the composition and the instructions before using each preparation. When using a preparation containing phenobarbital, it is desirable to take into account such features:

• This substance accumulates in the body and is addictive;
• To stop treatment with such drugs should be gradually, since often there is a "withdrawal syndrome";
• With regular admission, you can not drive a car and engage in activities that require attention and good response;
• With simultaneous reception with oral contraceptives, antibiotics and antifungal agents, their effectiveness decreases;
• This substance also reduces the assimilability of glucocorticosteroids, anticoagulants, salicylates and estrogens;
• With simultaneous reception 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 decreases if it is taken concomitantly with bellies, atropine, thiamine, nicotinic acid and psychostimulating agents;
• Categorically 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 the appearance of bleeding;
• Taking phenobarbital during lactation causes depression of the nervous system in the baby.

Drug analogues

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 has been used less and less. More common are now such means:

• "Topirol."
• Zeptol.
• "Barbital".
• Doxylamine.
• "Ethanol-sodium."
• Orphyril.
• "Gabagamma".
• "Depakin."
• "Phenazepam."

Reviews about phenobarbital

Most doctors oppose the prescription of this drug for children under 6 years. But until now, phenobarbital is quite often used even at this age. Reviews about this treatment are contradictory. Many people report a large number of side effects. For example, patients deteriorate memory, develop depression. Others are positive about the drug, believing that the main thing is to observe the dosage and follow all the doctor's recommendations. It is pleasant to patients, that preparations on the basis of phenobarbital are cheap (packing costs about 20 rubles), and a soporific effect at them good. But such pills are available on prescription.