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Indications

BEERS REMS

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: IV: hypotension.

Derm: photosensitivity, rash, urticaria.

GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Local: phlebitis at IV site.

MS: arthralgia, myalgia.

Neuro: hangover, delirium, depression, drowsiness, excitation, lethargy, neuralgia, vertigo.

Resp: respiratory depression.
IV: LARYNGOSPASM, bronchospasm.
Misc: (INCLUDING ANGIOEDEMA AND SERUM SICKNESS)HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS , physical dependence, psychological dependence.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Status Epilepticus

Maintenance Anticonvulsant

Sedation

Hypnotic

Hyperbilirubinemia

US Brand Names

Luminal, Sezaby

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotics

Pharmacologic Classification: barbiturates

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorption is slow but relatively complete (70–90%).

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: 75% metabolized by the liver, 25% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: Neonates: 1.8–8.3 days; Infants: 0.8–5.5 days; Children: 1.5–3 days; Adults: 2–6 days.

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule IV (C-IV)

Time/Action Profile

(sedation†)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO30–60 minunknown>6 hr
IM, SUBQ10–30 minunknown4–6 hr
IV5 min30 min4–6 hr

†Full anticonvulsant effects occur after 2–3 wk of chronic dosing unless a loading dose has been used.

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

fee-noe-BAR-bi-tal