Pentobarbitone is used to treat sleeping problems (also known as insomnia) and it also helps you relax before surgery.
This medicine may also be used to treat seizures (fits) brought by other medical conditions e.g. eclampsia, meningitis, alcohol withdrawal and tetanus.
Pentobarbitone may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Pentobarbitone injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) or intramuscularly (into the muscles).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems) as Pentobarbitone may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- history of drug or alcohol abuse
- depression or suicidal tendencies
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are using Pentobarbitone, your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drink include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.
Pentobarbitone may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, nervousness, slow or shallow breathing, and pain and swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being aggressive, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- slow heartbeat, fainting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- rashes, swollen mouth or eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. valproic acid, phenytoin
- antibiotics e.g. doxycycline
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. griseofulvin
- other sleeping pills e.g. midazolam
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- birth-control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pentobarbitone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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