Phenobarbital belongs to the barbiturate class of medications.

It acts by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, producing sedative and anticonvulsant effects.

Clinical uses include:

Long‑term management of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Short‑term use as a sedative or hypnotic.

Occasionally used in neonatal jaundice to stimulate liver enzymes.

Limitations:

Risk of dependence and tolerance with prolonged use.

Side effects include drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression at high doses.

Safer alternatives (benzodiazepines, newer anticonvulsants) are often preferred, but Gardinal remains widely used in resource‑limited settings.

(For cataloging purposes, since this is a drug entry rather than a diagnostic test)

Active Ingredient: Phenobarbital.

Formulations: Tablets, injections, syrup.

Clinical Monitoring:

Therapeutic drug levels in serum (10–40 µg/mL).

Liver function tests during prolonged therapy.

CBC and renal function if used long‑term.

Clinical Use:

Provides effective seizure control in epilepsy.

Helps guide sedation, anxiety relief, and neonatal jaundice management.

Supports neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general medicine practice.