Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium
About
Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium belongs to the group of 'anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs', primarily used to control seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It is also used to control or prevent seizures during/after brain surgery and also treats trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain leading to seizures or fits, unusual behaviour, and loss of awareness.
Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium contains two antiepileptic medicines: 'Phenobarbitone' and 'Phenytoin sodium'. Phenobarbitone works by increasing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter. This helps reduce the abnormal brain activity which occurs during a seizure episode. Phenytoin sodium helps prevent the brain cells from rapid uncontrolled working, thus preventing the brain's abnormal electrical activity during seizures.
Take Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium with or without food. You are advised to take Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may cause dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, spinning sensation, and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, if these side effects persist for a longer time, please seek medical advice.
Please do not skip or stop taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium midway without consulting your doctor since it may increase seizures. Please inform your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Let your doctor know if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium as it might increase the occurrence of side effects. Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor.
Uses of Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium
Medicinal Benefits
Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium contains two antiepileptic/anticonvulsant medicines, namely: 'Phenobarbitone' and 'Phenytoin sodium.' It is used to control seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It also controls or prevents seizures during/after brain surgery and treats trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Phenobarbitone is a barbiturate anticonvulsant/hypnotic. It increases GABA activity (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a chemical messenger in the central nervous system. GABA reduces the abnormal brain activity that occurs during a seizure episode. Phenytoin sodium helps prevent the brain cells from rapid uncontrolled working, thus preventing the brain's abnormal electrical activity during seizures. Phenytoin sodium effectively controls jerking movements and muscle spasms during seizure episodes known as grand mal fits.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Excitation
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation
- Spinning sensation
- Trouble sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have a medical history of liver/kidney/heart diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalance (Addison's disease), vitamin deficiencies (folic acid, vitamin K, and Vitamin B12), lung disorders (sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), mood disorders (depression, suicidal thoughts), alcohol or drug use and blood disorders like porphyria before starting Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium. Let your doctor know if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium as it might increase the occurrence of side effects. Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium can cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive, hence drive with caution. Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may interact with anti-inflammatory drugs (azapropazone), HIV/AIDS drugs (darunavir, delavirdine), heart-related drugs (dofetilide), blood pressure-lowering drugs (nisoldipine), cholesterol-lowering agents (colesevelam), anti-psychotics (molindone, quetiapine), weight loss drugs (orlistat), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), other anti-seizure medicines (valproic acid), azole antifungals (itraconazole), anti-ulcer drugs (sucralfate) and antibiotics (telithromycin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol and St. John's wort (antidepressant and herbal supplement) while using Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, hormonal imbalance, lung problems, diabetes, anaemia, alcoholism, blood disorders, and kidney or liver diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid taking alcohol while using Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium since it may worsen the side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPhenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium is a pregnancy category D drug and may have harmful effects on the baby. However, seizure control is mandatory during pregnancy. Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risk for a pregnant woman. Please consult your doctor before taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionPhenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium is excreted into the breast milk and is not recommended if you are a breastfeeding woman. Please consult your doctor before taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionYou may experience dizziness and drowsiness while using Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium. In such cases, do not drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert and focused.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPhenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium can be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. The dosage depends on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Following a ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fat) is recommended.
- Meditation, walking, involving in a task and smelling a strong odour are a few self-control methods to prevent seizures.
- Acupuncture therapy may also be helpful.
- Rest properly and avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
- Include Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, mackerel, tuna, dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.
- Also, it is advised to take folic acid and vitamin K-rich foods and supplements during pregnancy.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular blood tests to test the amount of Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium in your blood.
- Monitor your blood pressure and sugar levels regularly while using Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium.
- It is advised to get a Vitamin D profile done once in a while during the course of treatment with Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium.
- Phenobarbitone in Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may lower your folic acid and Vitamin K levels, increasing the risk of spinal cord defects. Please undergo examinations for folic acid and Vitamin K to keep a check and use folate and Vitamin K supplements if necessary.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, leading to rapid fits/seizure episodes with unusual behaviour and loss of awareness. Fits/seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain. The main symptom of epilepsy is seizures (fits). Seizures are of two main types: Generalized seizure (affects the entire brain) and Partial seizures (affects one part of the brain). A mild seizure might be difficult to recognize as it lasts for only a few seconds, during which one lacks awareness. Stronger seizures cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes. Lack of sleep, high fever, stress, bright lights, caffeine, certain medicines, alcohol, and skipping meals/overeating are a few of the most common triggers for seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumours, and genetic disorders.
FAQs
Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking.
Phenytoin in Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium can make birth control pills less effective. You are recommended to use non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms and diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy. If you have any concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.
Please do not stop taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium without consulting your doctor as it may lead to increased seizures. Continue taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium.
Phenytoin in Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may cause swelling in the gums. Massage your gums, brush and floss your teeth daily, and visit your dentist if you experience this problem regularly.
Phenytoin in Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may affect blood sugar levels. Hence it is advised to consult a doctor before starting Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium if you are diabetic.
Phenytoin in Phenobarbitone+phenytoin Sodium may rarely cause depression/suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.
