CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Simon Platt,
Medication: Phenobarbital
Medication: Phenobarbital
Your cat has been prescribed phenobarbital for the treatment of a seizures.
Key points:
• Anticonvulsant.
• Dosage: twice daily by mouth; occasionally a three times daily dose will be prescribed.
• Regular blood tests will be required to monitor dosing and liver health.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Phenobarbital (fee-noh-barb-it-al).
Brand name
- There are no licensed products for cats.
- Epiphen® 30 mg and 60 mg Tablets for dogs (UK).
- Epiphen® solution 4% w/v, oral drops (UK).
- Epityl® 60 mg Flavored Tablets for Dogs (UK).
- Lepitil® 60 mg Flavored Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenobarbital Epirepress® 60 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenoleptil® 12.5 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenoleptil® 25 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenoleptil® 100 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenotab® Flavored 25 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenotab® Flavored 60 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Phenotab® Flavored 100 mg Tablets for Dogs.
- Soliphen 15 mg Tablet for Dogs.
- Soliphen 120 mg Tablet for Dogs.
- Nobatol® Tablets for Dogs (US).
Class of medication
- Anticonvulsant.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed phenobarbital?
Your veterinarian has prescribed phenobarbital for the treatment of seizures.
How is the medication given?
Phenobarbital is given by injection or orally (as tablets or solution). It is usually administered twice daily. Tablets can either be administered directly into your cat's mouth or along with some food.
The required dose varies between individual patients. Your veterinarian will start at a certain dose and will need to do a blood test approximately two weeks after starting phenobarbital to monitor blood levels of the medication. The blood results will be used alongside clinical examination to adjust the dose to suit your pet.
It may take a while to calibrate to the correct dose for your pet. Withdrawal from phenobarbital or transition to a different anticonvulsant mediation must be performed gradually. Follow your veterinarian's directions carefully.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Reported reactions to phenobarbital include drowsiness/sedation, loss of balance, increased thirst/urination and appetite, abnormal eye movements, restlessness or hyperexcitability and a rash. Mild side effects will often settle down after your pet has been on the medication for a while and so the occurrence of side effects will not necessarily mean that the medication needs to stop. It’s always best to be on the safe side though, so speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Liver disease is a rare complication for cats on long term treatment with phenobarbitone and is characterized by sedation, loss of balance, loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal swelling and bleeding problems. Liver disease may be reversible if diagnosed quickly and the phenobarbital stopped.
Contact your veterinary surgeon if you have any concerns that your pet is experiencing side effects from the medication.
Phenobarbital may interact with the following medications: corticosteroids, beta-blockers, metronidazole, anticoagulant drugs, quinidine, theophylline, griseofulvin and other epilepsy medications.
Phenobarbital is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating queens.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Phenobarbital tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Depending on the diagnosis, your pet may need this medication for life.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused phenobarbital safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save phenobarbital for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally administer too high a dose to your pet then inform your veterinarian immediately. If a significant overdosage is given then your pet may require prompt emergency veterinary attention.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Phenobarbital should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on phenobarbital?
Yes. Your veterinarian will check your pet’s liver function prior to starting this treatment and liver function will need to be periodically monitored via blood test. Your veterinarian will also need to monitor the dose of phenobarbital via blood test.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on phenobarbital can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products for cats.
- Vetoquinol (UK) Epiphen® 30 mg and 60 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productInformationdatabase/product/A002354; www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_112791.PDF
- Vetoquinol (UK) Epiphen® Solution 4% w/v, Oral Drops for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_141082.PDF
- Chanelle (UK) Epityl® 60 mg Flavored Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A008421
- Virbac Ltd (UK) EpiRepress® 60 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: vet-uk.virbac.com/home/products/dogs/neurology/epirepress.html
- TVM Animal Healthcare (UK) Soliphen 60 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A009070
- Dechra (UK) Phenoleptil® 12.5 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/product/A007509
- Chanelle (UK) Lepitil® 60 mg Flavored Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A008420
- Pharma Handelsgesellschaft mbH (UK) Phenotab® Flavored 25 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A012278
- Domes Pharma SC (UK) Phenovet 60 mg Tablets for Dogs. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A009861
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products for cats.
- Mizner Biosciences Nobatol 30 mg and 60 mg Tablets for dogs. Website: nobatol.miznerbioscience.com/veterinary-professional/
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat's medication.
