Is Phenobarbital compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital

September 9, 2015 (Low Risk)

It is a barbiturate drug. Because it has a sedative effect, it is being displaced by other anti-epilepsy drugs in the treatment of chronic epilepsy.

Excretion into the breast milk is quite variable with concentrations that could reach clinically significant levels.

A sedative effect in infants from mothers who were treated has been described, as well as Abstinence Syndrome with spasms after sudden weaning, mostly in newborns.

Follow-up for alertness and adequate feeding in the infant is recommended. Plasma level monitoring may be required in infants for both cases in which sedation has occurred or a follow-up for a progressive weaning is desired.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Phenylethylbarbituric Acid
  • Phenylethylmalonylurea

Writings

  • فينوباربيتال (Arabic)
  • Фенобарбитал (Cyrillic)
  • 苯巴比妥 (Chinese)
  • フェノバルビタール (Japanese)
  • C12 H12 N2 O3 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

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