Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of Phenobarbital?
What pharmacologic class does Phenobarbital belong to?
Barbiturate; GABAA receptor agonist
What is the primary action of Phenobarbital?
Management of a variety of seizures and sedation
Phenobarbital should not be used for pain relief because it may increase a patient's sensitivity to ______.
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Intramuscular administration of Phenobarbital is safe without any risks.
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What are common side effects of Phenobarbital?
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What is a major contraindication for administering Phenobarbital?
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Which of the following substances should not be taken with Phenobarbital?
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What is the pregnancy category of Phenobarbital?
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Study Notes
Therapeutic Class
- Phenobarbital is classified as an antiseizure drug and sedative.
Pharmacologic Class
- It belongs to the barbiturate class and acts as a GABAA receptor agonist.
Actions and Uses
- Employed as a long-acting barbiturate for managing various seizure types and inducing sedation.
- Not intended for pain relief; may heighten sensitivity to pain.
- Biochemical action involves enhancing GABA neurotransmitter's effect, reducing abnormal neuronal discharges responsible for seizures.
Administration Alerts
- Parenteral administration can irritate soft tissues; IM injections may lead to local inflammation.
- IV use is rare due to risks of tissue necrosis from extravasation.
- Classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance and is a pregnancy category D drug.
Adverse Effects
- Potential for dependence; common side effects include drowsiness and vitamin deficiencies.
- Risk of severe respiratory and CNS depression, coma, and death in cases of overdose.
Contraindications
- Not advisable for individuals with hypersensitivity to barbiturates, severe uncontrolled pain, preexisting CNS depression, porphyrias, respiratory diseases causing dyspnea or obstruction, and those with glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy.
Interactions
- Drug interactions: Avoid combining with alcohol or other CNS depressants due to increased risk of severe respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.
- It can increase metabolism of various drugs, diminishing their effectiveness.
- May affect lab tests such as bromsulphalein and elevate serum phosphatase levels.
- Herbal supplements like kava, valerian, and chamomile can enhance sedation effects.
- No specific antidote for overdose; supportive treatment includes endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and management of bradycardia and hypotension.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as an antiseizure medication and sedative. This quiz covers its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, along with its actions and uses. Perfect for students or healthcare professionals looking to reinforce their understanding of this important drug.
