Trade name
Phenobarbitone (Aspen)
Strength
200 mg/mL (volume: 1 mL)
IV administration
Dilute to 20 mg/mL with water for injections and give over 30 minutes or longer.
Note: Has been infused over shorter time durations in emergencies.
Maximum concentration if necessary: 130 mg/mL.
Other routes of administration
IM: Suitable. Give undiluted by deep IM injection into a large muscle mass.
SC: Not recommended.
Compatible IV fluids
Glucose 5%
Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.9%
Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.45%
Glucose 10%
Hartmann’s
Ringer’s
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Additional information
Extravasation risk.
Rapid administration may cause respiratory depression and circulatory collapse.
Use intravenously only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring may be required; refer to local guidelines.
Concomitant use of CNS depressants (e.g. opioids, parenteral benzodiazepines, IM olanzapine) increases the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, coma and death.
Additional respiratory support may be required when using high and/or repeated loading doses, or if given in combination with other anti-seizure medicines.
Contains propylene glycol, which can cause CNS depression, hyperosmolality, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment.