MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Department of Pharmacy
Department of Nursing
Critical Care
| Generic Name: | Phenobarbital |
| Trade Name: | |
| Action: | - Reduction of monosynaptic and
polysynpatic transmission resulting in decreased excitability of the nerve cell - Increases threshold of electrical stimulation in the cerebral cortex |
| Indications: | Tonic-clonic seizures Partial seizures Status epilepticus refractory to diazepam Sedation |
| Administration Guidelines: | |
| Usual Dose and Route: | LOAD: 10 to 15 mg / kg IVP at 60 mg
/ min in acute convulsive disorders
Maintenance: 60 mg T.I.D. titrated to patient response and serum drug level |
| Standard Concentration: | N / A |
| Special Considerations: | - Burning sensation may result at site of
injection if administered through peripheral access. Flush with 0.9% NaCl pre- and
post-administration. - Dosage adjustments may be required in:
- Cumulative effect may be observed, dosage adjustment may be required - Caution: will potentiate actions and side effects of narcotics and other CNS depressants - Administration of full loading dose often requires intubation |
| Precautions and side effects: | - For extravasation, refer to MGH Nursing
procedure manual - Hypotension - Bradycardia - Respiratory depression |
revised 09/03