Who can administer
May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife (doctor present)
Important information
- The 200mg/ml strength is a controlled drug- must be locked in CD press
- There are numerous important interactions- check current BNF
- See local guidelines for Status Epilepticus
Available preparations
Phenobarbital 30mg in 1ml ampoule (Martindale brand)
Phenobarbital 60mg in 1ml ampoule (Martindale brand)
Phenobarbital 200mg in 1ml ampoule (Martindale brand) (controlled drug)
Reconstitution
Already in solution
- Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle
- Dilute further prior to administration
Methods of intravenous administration
Slow intravenous injection
- DILUTE each 1ml injection solution to 10ml with Water for injection (ref 4)
- Administer at a rate of 50mg to 100mg per minute (ref 1). (Rates greater than 60mg/minute reserved for emergencies such as status epilepticus).
- Maximum rate of injection cannot exceed 100mg per minute
Dose in adults
Usual dose
- Status epilepticus: give 10mg/kg (max 1000mg (ref 2,3)) as a slow intravenous injection
Renal and Hepatic impairment
- Caution in mild to moderate impairment - avoid in severe impairment
Monitoring
- Monitor sedation score, respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure
- Extravasation may cause tissue damage
Further information
- Phenobarbital sodium = phenobarbitone sodium
- Injection contains propylene glycol
Storage
- Store below 250C
- The 200mg/ml strength must be stored in the controlled drug press
References
Phenobarbital sodium 30mg/ml SPC 18th November 2021
Phenobarbital sodium 200mg/ml SPC 18th November 2021
1: Uptodate - downloaded 07/03/2024
2: Martindale-via Medicinescomplete - accessed online 07/03/2024
3: BNF- via Medicinescomplete- accessed online 07/03/2024
4: Injectable medicines guide- accessed online via Medusa 07/03/2024
Therapeutic classification
Anticonvulsant
