ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/phenobarbital
US brand names:Luminal, Solfoton
Also known as: Phenobarbitone
Phenobarbital is dosed at 1–7 mg/kg PO q12-24h in african grey parrots, per 952. van Zeeland Y. Medication for behavior modification in birds. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2018;21(1):115-149. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.474 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.10 (Psychotropic and Antiepileptic Agents Used in Birds.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by prolonging chloride channel opening. Also blocks AMPA/glutamate receptors. Raises seizure threshold.
First-line anticonvulsant for dogs. Hepatotoxicity with chronic use (monitor liver enzymes and serum levels). PU/PD, polyphagia, sedation (often transient). Hepatic enzyme inducer (many drug interactions). DEA controlled.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Gerbil drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 7 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 16–20 mg/kg | Loading dose (give in 4 mg/kg increments q20min) | Strong | Munana KR. Update seizure management in small animal practice. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(5):1127-1147. PMID: 23890243 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1036 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1006, Phenobarbital monograph spanning p.1006-1010; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — figure located 2026-08-05 at Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1010, Phenobarbital monograph; the page cited previously does not carry it. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1036 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1006, Phenobarbital monograph spanning p.1006-1010; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |