Phenobarbital Dosing for Seizure Management

Monitoring and Safety

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends monitoring serum phenobarbital levels regularly to maintain therapeutic range 2
• Phenobarbital can cause hypotension in all patients requiring treatment with vasopressors, and respiratory depression is a common adverse effect, especially with rapid administration 3
• In patients with anoxic or metabolic disturbances, seizure control may be achieved in less than 40% of cases 4

Special Considerations

• Phenobarbital is a potent inducer of CYP3A4, leading to significant drug interactions 2