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Phenobarbital

Luminal, Solfoton

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Anticonvulsant

Routes

POIVIM

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by prolonging chloride channel opening. Also blocks AMPA/glutamate receptors. Raises seizure threshold.

Side effects & warnings

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 with Phenobarbital dosing data (4 dose rules)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs

Controlled Substance

Controlled substance

Evidence levels across 4 dose rules

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 4 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 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.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO2.5–5 mg/kgq12hStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV16–20 mg/kgLoading dose (give in 4 mg/kg increments q20min)StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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