Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances
Lesson 1
Barbiturates – Indications
| Common Indications, Dosage and Route | ||
|---|---|---|
| Drug | Indication | Usual Oral Adult Dosage |
| Butalbital | used in combination with analgesics (ASA and Tylenol) in the management of mild to moderate headache | Oral: 50-100 mg PO in combination with analgesics; may be repeated in 4 hours with acute headaches. To prevent rebound headache, combination analgesics should not be used for more than 10 days. |
| Phenobarbital | seizure disorders | adults: 90-120 mg PO HS |
| preoperative sedation | adult: 100-200 mg IM 60-90 minutes prior to surgery children: 1-3 mg/kg PO or IM 60 -90 minutes prior to surgery |
|
| status epilepticus | Adults: 20 mg/kg IV at a rate of 50-75 mg/minute Children: 20 mg/kg IV over 20 minutes. Phenobarbital injection is available through the Special Access Program, Health Canada. |
|
References:
- Canadian Pharmacists Association. (2014). E-Therapeutics. Ottawa: Author.
- Edmunds, M.W. & Mayhew, M.S. (2014). Pharmacology for the Primary Care Provider (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby