ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/phenobarbital
US brand names:Luminal, Solfoton
Also known as: Phenobarbitone
Phenobarbital is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h in rabbits, per Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Appendix Formulary, Table A.5 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Small Mammals), p.630, Rabbits column. 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.
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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 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1006, Phenobarbital monograph spanning p.1006-1010. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1010, Phenobarbital monograph. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1006, Phenobarbital monograph spanning p.1006-1010.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.