Phenobarbital Elixir Breastfeeding
There are high number of clear evidence that breastfeeding provides best nutrition that you can give to your baby. It is also evident that lactation is good for mothers health as well. Evolution has designed breastfeeding in a way that it caters all nutritional need of your child. However modern medicine is quite new for evolution, that is why mothers body is not well prepared to filter unnecessary chemical found in medicines. It becomes a necessity to figure out which drug is safe and which drug is dangerous for your newborn while nursing. In this article we will understand function of Phenobarbital Elixir and its suitability with breastfeeding.

What is Phenobarbital Elixir used for?


A. Sedative B. Anticonvulsant- For the treatment of generalized and partial seizures.

Is Phenobarbital Elixir usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Phenobarbital Elixir low risk for breastfeeding
Phenobarbital is the one and only active ingredient present in Phenobarbital Elixir. Phenobarbital in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Phenobarbital Elixir also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Phenobarbital in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers Caution should be exercised when phenobarbital is administered to a nursing woman, because small amounts of barbiturates are excreted in the milk.

Phenobarbital Elixir Breastfeeding Analsys


Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 50-06-6

It is a barbiturate drug. Because it has a sedative effect, it is being displaced by other anti-epilepsy drugs in the treatment of chronic epilepsy. Excretion into the breast milk is quite variable with concentrations that could reach clinically significant levels. A sedative effect in infants from mothers who were treated has been described, as well as Abstinence Syndrome with spasms after sudden weaning, mostly in newborns. Follow-up for alertness and adequate feeding in the infant is recommended. Plasma level monitoring may be required in infants for both cases in which sedation has occurred or a follow-up for a progressive weaning is desired.

Phenobarbital Elixir Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-06-6

Inter- and intrapatient variability in excretion of phenobarbital into breastmilk is extensive. Phenobarbital in breastmilk apparently can decrease withdrawal symptoms in infants who were exposed in utero, but it can also cause drowsiness in some infants, especially when used with other sedating drugs. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs. Sometimes breastfeeding might have to be limited or discontinued because of excessive drowsiness and poor weight gain. If there is concern, measurement of the infant's serum phenobarbital concentration might help rule out toxicity.


What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Phenobarbital Elixir?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Phenobarbital Elixir then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Phenobarbital Elixir comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Phenobarbital Elixir, is it safe?

Phenobarbital Elixir comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Phenobarbital Elixir, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Phenobarbital Elixir in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Phenobarbital Solution