Phenobarbital (By injection)

Phenobarbital Sodium (fee-noe-BAR-bi-tal SOE-dee-um)

Treats seizures and epilepsy. Also used to relieve tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

Brand Name(s):

Sezaby

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other healthcare provider will give you this medicine through a needle placed into your vein. It must be injected slowly, so the needle will need to stay in place for 15 minutes.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how phenobarbital works. Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills, phenytoin, disulfiram, an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), valproic acid, digitoxin, steroid medicine, doxycycline, griseofulvin, midazolam, sodium valproate, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, lung or breathing problems, or enzyme problems. Tell your doctor if you also had depression, thoughts about suicide, or a drug addiction.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation
  • Unusual change in mood or behavior
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Severe confusion, drowsiness, or muscle weakness
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech, trouble walking, or tremors

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023