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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Solfoton

Generic Name: phenobarbital (Pronunciation: fee noe BAR bi tal)

What is phenobarbital (Solfoton)?

Phenobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Phenobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Phenobarbital is used to treat or prevent seizures. It is also used short-term to treat insomnia, or as a sedative before surgery.

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

Phenobarbital 100 mg-EXC

round, white, imprinted with EP 903

Phenobarbital 100 mg-RAN

round, white, imprinted with RX 744

Phenobarbital 16.2 mg-QUA

round, white, imprinted with 5011 V

Phenobarbital 30 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with West-Ward 450

Phenobarbital 60 mg-EXC

round, white, imprinted with EP 902

Phenobarbital 60 mg-LIL

round, white, imprinted with LILLY J37

Phenobarbital 97.2 mg-QUA

elliptical, white, imprinted with 5014 V

What are the possible side effects of phenobarbital (Solfoton)?

Phenobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking phenobarbital and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
  • slow heartbeat, shallow breathing;
  • feeling light-headed, fainting;
  • a fever or a sore throat;
  • sores in your mouth;
  • easy bruising or bleeding; or
  • broken blood vessels under your skin.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • drowsiness or dizziness;
  • problems with memory or concentration;
  • excitement, irritability, aggression, or confusion (especially in children or older adults);
  • loss of balance or coordination;
  • nausea, constipation;
  • headache; or
  • "hangover" effect (drowsiness the day after a dose).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about phenobarbital (Solfoton)?

Phenobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking phenobarbital and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Do not stop using phenobarbital without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using phenobarbital suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Take phenobarbital only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking phenobarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Do not use phenobarbital without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Phenobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking phenobarbital.

Phenobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Phenobarbital should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.


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Brand Names:
Solfoton
[+]

Generic Name:
phenobarbital
[+]

Seizures and Fever »

Seizures and Fever Overview

Febrile seizures, also known as convulsions, body spasms, or shaking, occur mainly in children and are caused by fever. (Febrile is derived from the Latin febris, meaning fever.) As with most types of seizures, the onset is dramatic, with little or no warning. In most instances, the seizure lasts only a few minutes and stops on its own.

Febrile seizures may occur because a child's developing brain is sensitive to the effects of fever. These seizures are most likely to occur with high body temperatures (higher than 102°F) but may also occur with milder fevers. The sudden rise in temperature seems to be more important than the degree of temperature. The seizure may occur with the initial onset of fever before a child’s caregiver is even aware the child is ill.

  • Seizures generally occur in those aged 3 months to 5 years; peak incidence is in infants aged 8-20 months. 

  • About 2-5...

Read the Seizures and Fever article »


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