PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN
About PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN
PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN belongs to the group of neurological medication called 'anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs', primarily used to control seizures (fits) in epilepsy. PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN is also used to control or prevent seizures during/after brain surgery and also treats trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Epilepsy is the central nervous system's disorder characterized by a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain leading to seizures or fits, unusual behaviour and loss of awareness.
PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN contains two antiepileptic medicines: 'Phenobarbital' and 'Phenytoin'. Phenobarbital (also known as phenobarbitone or phenobarb) belongs to the class of drugs called barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics. It works by increasing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the central nervous system. This GABA reduces the abnormal brain activity that occurs during a seizure episode. Phenytoin belongs to the class of drugs called hydantoins. Brain cells or neurons normally work at a certain rate. During a seizure episode, these brain cells are forced to work rapidly in an uncontrolled way. Phenytoin helps prevent the brain cells from such rapid uncontrolled working, thus preventing the brain's abnormal electrical activity during seizures.
Take PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN with or without food. You are advised to take PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Like all medicines, PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN also causes side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects of PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN include dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, spinning sensation and trouble sleeping. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over treatment. However, if these side-effects persist for a longer time, please seek medical advice.
Please do not skip or stop taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN midway without consulting your doctor since it may increase seizures. Let your doctor know if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN. PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN as it might increase the occurrence of side effects. Please inform your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take before starting PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN.
Uses of PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN
Medicinal Benefits
PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN contains two antiepileptic/anticonvulsant medicines, namely: 'Phenobarbital' and 'Phenytoin.' It is used to control seizures (fits) in epilepsy. PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN also controls or prevents seizures during/after brain surgery and treats trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Phenobarbital (also known as phenobarbitone or phenobarb) is a barbiturate anticonvulsant/hypnotic. It increases GABA activity (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a chemical messenger in the central nervous system. This GABA reduces the abnormal brain activity that occurs during a seizure episode. Phenobarbital does not work for absence seizures. Phenytoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant medication. It helps prevent the brain cells from rapid uncontrolled working, thus preventing the brain's abnormal electrical activity during seizures. Phenytoin effectively controls jerking movements and muscle spasms during seizure episodes known as grand mal fits. However, Phenytoin does not work for absence (petit mal) seizures.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Excitation
- Headache
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Spinning sensation
- Trouble sleeping
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, leading to rapid fits/seizure episodes with unusual behaviour and loss of awareness.
Fits/Seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain. The main symptom of epilepsy is fits. Epilepsy is of two main types: Generalized seizures (affect the entire brain) and Partial seizures (affect one part of the brain). A mild seizure might be difficult to recognize as it lasts for only a few seconds, during which one lacks awareness. Stronger seizures cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes. Lack of sleep, high fever, stress, bright lights, caffeine, certain medicines, alcohol and skipping meals/overeating are a few of the most common triggers for seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumour and genetic disorders.
FAQs
PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasm of the muscles and jerking.
Phenytoin in PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN can make birth control pills less effective. Talk to your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms and diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.
Please do not stop taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN without consulting your doctor on your own as it may lead to increased seizures. Continue taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN.
Phenytoin in PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN may cause swelling in the gums. Massage your gums, brush and floss your teeth daily, visit your dentist if you experience this problem regularly.
Phenytoin in PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN may affect the blood sugar levels. Also, liquid formulations of PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN may contain sucrose or sugar. Hence it is advised to consult a doctor before starting PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN. Your doctor may also advise sugar-free formulations.
Phenytoin in PHENOBARBITAL+PHENYTOIN may rarely cause depression/suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.