Phenobarbital Serum Test

Higher plasma concentrations may be required to control the lattersimple partial seizures. Complex partial seizures do not respond as well to phenobarbital, and absence seizures are not relieved and may be exacerbatedby it. Phenobarbital is frequently used in the treatment of neonatal seizures and may be the initial drug employed in young children; but because of increasing concern about adverse neuropsychological reactions to sedative/hypnotic antiepileptic drugs, many neurologists prefer less sedating drugs, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or valproate. The prophylactic use of phenobarbital in babies with febrile seizures has been challenged. Phenobarbital also is useful in seizures caused by barbiturate withdrawal in those dependent. The sodium salt is administered parenterally as part of treatment regimen for status epilepticus.