fenobarbital
Fenobarbital (international spelling of phenobarbital) is a long-acting barbiturate used primarily as an anticonvulsant and sedative. First synthesized in the early 20th century, it remains on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines for management of seizures, including neonatal convulsions and certain generalized and partial epilepsies.
Pharmacologically, fenobarbital enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABAA receptors by prolonging chloride
Therapeutic monitoring is common; typical serum therapeutic ranges are cited around 15–40 µg/mL. Common adverse effects
Because it alters metabolism of other drugs (e.g., reducing effectiveness of some anticoagulants and oral contraceptives),