Phenobarbital

ATC Code N03AA02

Phenobarbital

Definition

A long-acting barbituric acid derivative with antipsychotic property. Phenobarbital binds to and activates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor, thereby mimicking the inhibitory actions of GABA in the brain. The activation effects of the phenobarbital-receptor-ionophore complex include increased frequency of chloride channel openings, membrane hyperpolarization and ultimately synaptic inhibition and decreased neuronal excitability. In addition, this agent inhibits glutamate induced depolarization.

Also known as 5-Ethyl-5-phenyl-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-pyrimidinetrione, PHENO, PHENOBARBITAL — per NCIT

Also identified as

Indications

Disease Relation Source
Epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)
Focal epilepsy may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)
Hyperbilirubinemia may treat MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Organ Effects

Organ Side effect / interaction Source
Brain may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0
Central nervous system may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0
Nervous system may treat a disease of this organ DERIVED · CC BY 4.0

3 entries above are marked DERIVED: Atlas Médico inferred them by combining two sourced claims, and no source asserts these links directly. Treat them as a navigation aid, not as a clinical statement.