Phenobarbital Tablet Breastfeeding

It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then while introducing to other food sources extend it to twelve months. In this duration most mothers will need help of some sort of medication, It could be for short term like could and flue or it could be something chronic like Arthritis or Diabetes and here comes the question of safety of medication in use. In this post we will figure out what is Phenobarbital Tablet and whether its safe to use Phenobarbital Tablet while nursing or not.

Phenobarbital is a barbituric acid derivative for oral administration and occurs as a white, odorless, slightly bitter powder that is soluble in chloroform, freely soluble in alcohol or ether, and slightly soluble in water. Its saturated solution has a pH of about 5.6. Chemically, it is 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid with the molecular formula C 12H 12N 2O 3 (232.24). The structural formula is as follows: Each Phenobarbital Tablet, USP contains 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg or 100 mg of phenobarbital, USP. Inactive ingredients include: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and stearic acid. Phenobarbital structural formula

Is Phenobarbital Tablet usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Phenobarbital Tablet low risk for breastfeeding
Phenobarbital is the one and only active ingredient present in Phenobarbital Tablet. Phenobarbital in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Phenobarbital Tablet also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Phenobarbital in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when phenobarbital is administered to a nursing woman.

Phenobarbital Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 50-06-6

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.

Phenobarbital Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-06-6

Inter- and intrapatient variability in excretion of phenobarbital into breastmilk is extensive. Phenobarbital in breastmilk apparently can decrease withdrawal symptoms in infants who were exposed in utero, but it can also cause drowsiness in some infants, especially when used with other sedating drugs. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs. Sometimes breastfeeding might have to be limited or discontinued because of excessive drowsiness and poor weight gain. If there is concern, measurement of the infant's serum phenobarbital concentration might help rule out toxicity.

Phenobarbital Tablet and breastfeeding

What if I already have used Phenobarbital Tablet?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Phenobarbital Tablet then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Phenobarbital Tablet comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Phenobarbital Tablet, is it safe?

Phenobarbital Tablet comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Phenobarbital Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Phenobarbital Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Phenobarbital Liquid
Phenobarbital Elixir
Phenobarbital Solution