Substance / Medication

Phenobarbital

Overview

Active Ingredient
phenobarbital
RxNorm CUI
8134

Indications

A. SedativeB. Anticonvulsant - For the treatment of generalized and partial seizures.

Labeler: Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC.Updated: 2026-02-25T00:00:00.000ZFull label on DailyMed

Contraindications

When this intervention should not be used

Phenobarbital is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to barbiturates, in patients with a history of manifest or latent porphyria, and in patients with marked impairment of liver function or respiratory disease in which dyspnea or obstruction is evident.

Indications & Related Conditions

Conditions associated via SNOMED clinical relationships

Administration & Protocol

Dosing, route, and treatment protocol

Detailed dosage and administration information is available in the full FDA drug label.

View full prescribing information on DailyMed

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Biomarkers relevant to this intervention via related conditions

Research Evidence

Published studies and systematic reviews

Sort:
Phenobarbital versus valproate for generalized convulsive status epilepticus in adults. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
Haq Umair Ul, Majeed Neha, Kumari Nisha et al. · Epilepsy Res · 2025
PMID: 40349574Meta-Analysis
Phenobarbital treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the emergency department: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lee Carmen M, Dillon David G, Tahir Peggy M et al. · Acad Emerg Med · 2024
PMID: 37923363Meta-AnalysisFull text (PMC)
SAEM GRACE: Phenobarbital for alcohol withdrawal management in the emergency department: A systematic review of direct evidence.
Punia Kiran, Scott William, Manuja Kriti et al. · Acad Emerg Med · 2024
PMID: 37589203Meta-Analysis
Evaluation of phenobarbital based approach in treating patient with alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pourmand Ali, AlRemeithi Rashed, Kartiko Susan et al. · Am J Emerg Med · 2023
PMID: 37060631Meta-Analysis
Postnatal phenobarbital for the prevention of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants.
Romantsik Olga, Smit Elisa, Odd David E et al. · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2023
PMID: 36924438Meta-AnalysisFull text (PMC)
Current evidence and clinical utility of phenobarbital for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Nishimura Yoshito, Choi Horyun, Colgan Bridget et al. · Eur J Intern Med · 2023
PMID: 36935249Meta-Analysis
Acute Phenobarbital Poisoning for the Management of Seizures in Newborns and Children; A Systematic Literature Review.
Ghorani-Azam Adel, Balali-Mood Mahdi, Riahi-Zanjani Bamdad et al. · CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets · 2021
PMID: 33290203Meta-Analysis
Pharmacokinetic variability of phenobarbital: a systematic review of population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Methaneethorn Janthima, Leelakanok Nattawut · Eur J Clin Pharmacol · 2021
PMID: 33078242Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam vs. Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Qiao Meng-Yuan, Cui Hong-Tao, Zhao Ling-Zhi et al. · Front Neurol · 2021
PMID: 34867732Meta-AnalysisFull text (PMC)
Postnatal phenobarbital for the prevention of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants.
Smit Elisa, Odd David, Whitelaw Andrew · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2013
PMID: 23943189Meta-AnalysisFull text (PMC)

Research data from MEDLINE/PubMed

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

Benefits, expected outcomes, efficacy data, and NNT (Number Needed to Treat) are pending physician authorship and evidence review.

Risks & Side Effects

Adverse reaction and safety data for this drug is sourced from the FDA-approved label.

View adverse reactions & drug interactions on DailyMed

Related Symptoms

Symptoms associated with conditions this intervention addresses

No related symptoms have been mapped yet. Symptom linkages are derived through associated conditions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

Alternative treatments, comparison data, and clinical decision support are pending physician authorship.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment plan.

Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

Quick Facts

Type
Substance / Medication
Fully Specified Name
Phenobarbital (substance)
SNOMED CT
373505007
UMLS CUI
C0031412
RxNorm CUI
8134
Labeler
Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC.

Clinical Data

This intervention maps to 4 entities in the Ltrl knowledge graph.

3
Conditions
1
Biomarkers
0
Specialists
0
Symptoms

Data is sourced from SNOMED CT, UMLS, and the Ltrl clinical knowledge graph. Content sections marked as pending require physician authorship. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.