Phenobarbital
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Phenobarbital for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Phenobarbital is a medicine used to help stop seizures from happening.
Other common names
- Fidoquel-CA1
- phenobarbitone
Uses
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving. Phenobarbital can react with many other drugs.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- What risks may exist if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- Animals that have an allergy to phenobarbital or to similar medicines, including primidone.
- Animals with serious liver disease.
Use with caution in animals with:
- Lung disease, kidney disease, or heart disease.
- Lower-than-normal adrenal gland function.
- Low red blood cell levels (anemia).
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medication.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medication.
- This is a controlled substance. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Phenobarbital is given to help prevent seizures.
- You may give it with food or without food.
- If you are giving a liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects of Phenobarbital for pets
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or low energy. This often improves as time goes on.
- Restlessness or anxious behavior (acting nervous, upset, or unable to settle). This often improves as time goes on.
- Eating more than usual or gaining weight.
- Drinking more and urinating more.
- Itching on the face.
- Poor balance, weakness, or acting wobbly.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Bleeding, infections, pale gums, or getting tired easily. These may be signs that blood cell levels have dropped.
- Skin sores or a rash.
- Not eating at all, vomiting, a swollen belly, or yellow color on the skin, eyes, or gums. These may be signs of liver trouble.
Liver problems can happen with phenobarbital. Call your veterinarian if your animal stops eating, develops a swollen belly, or you notice yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums.
Do not stop this medicine suddenly. Stopping all at once can lead to seizures or serious side effects.
How will I know it's working?
You will not be able to directly see how this medicine is working. Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up testing to check how your animal is handling the medicine and to judge how well it is working.
This medicine may need a few weeks before it reaches its full effect.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s seizures get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
The effects of this medicine may continue for a few days after the final dose.
The effects may last longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
If the medicine is being stopped, the dose must be lowered slowly over time to help prevent side effects and seizures that can happen with withdrawal.
Your veterinarian will give you instructions for reducing the dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used for life. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian tells you.
Plan refills ahead of time so treatment is not interrupted.
Do not stop this medicine suddenly.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply).
If possible, have the container or label available.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Because this is a controlled substance, keep it in a safe place and out of view.
Disposal
Because this medicine is a controlled substance, get rid of any unused medicine as soon as you can.
- Do not flush this medicine down a toilet.
- Do not pour it into a sink drain.
Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag. Throw the sealed bag into the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions? Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”