Phenobarbital

Generic name: phenobarbital [ FEE-noe-BAR-bi-tal ]
Brand names: Solfoton, Luminal
Dosage forms: oral elixir (20 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (100 mg; 15 mg; 16.2 mg; 30 mg; 32.4 mg; 60 mg; 64.8 mg; 97.2 mg)
Drug classes:Barbiturate anticonvulsants, Barbiturates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 8, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate (bar-BIT-chur-ate). Phenobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Phenobarbital is used to treat or prevent seizures. Phenobarbital is also used short-term as a sedative to help you relax.

Phenobarbital may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use phenobarbital if you have severe liver disease, severe asthma or COPD, a personal or family history of porphyria, or a history of addiction to drugs similar to phenobarbital.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take phenobarbital if you are allergic to phenobarbital or other barbiturates (Nembutal, Seconal, and others), or if you have:

• severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

• a personal or family history of porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• severe liver disease; or

• a history of add...