Gardenal 30 Tablet
Manufacturer
Abbott
Salt Composition
Phenobarbitone (30mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Gardenal 30 Tablet is a barbiturate used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures) and has hypnotic properties.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Gardenal 30 Tablet is a barbiturate used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). It is used to slow down the activity of the brain and can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. It is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it may be habit-forming with long-term use. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Directions for Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Gardenal 30 Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Safety Information
Side Effects
No common side effects listed.
Alcohol Warning
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Gardenal 30 Tablet.
Breastfeeding Warning
Gardenal 30 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Monitor the baby for sleepiness, skin rash, and feeding issues.
Pregnancy Warning
Gardenal 30 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Interacting Medicines
Aprepitant Disopyramide Nimodipine Voriconazole
How it works
Gardenal 30 Tablet controls seizures or fits by increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick Tips
Gardenal 30 Tablet helps in treatment and prevention of seizures. It may be habit-forming with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if it stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed. It may make you very sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you notice pain in your joints or if you have a history of bone disease. Get regular blood tests done to monitor the amount of medication in your body. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice skin rash accompanied with fever. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gardenal 30 Tablet used for?
Gardenal 30 Tablet is prescribed to control seizures or fits. It belongs to the barbiturate group of medications. In exceptional cases, it may also be used to treat seizures that occur alongside a high fever in children.
What if I forget to take Gardenal 30 Tablet?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the following dose as scheduled. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
Can Gardenal 30 Tablet cause addiction?
Yes, prolonged use of Gardenal 30 Tablet may increase the risk of dependence in individuals with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse. Therefore, it should be avoided in such patients.
What are the long-term side effects of Gardenal 30 Tablet?
Long-term use of phenobarbital can lead to changes in soft tissues of the body. These may include joint pain or thickening in areas like the palm or the sole of the foot. If you notice any such changes, please inform your doctor.
Can I stop taking Gardenal 30 Tablet once my seizures get controlled?
No, you should not abruptly discontinue Gardenal 30 Tablet without consulting your physician. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium. Your dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
What will happen if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose of Gardenal 30 Tablet?
Overdosing on Gardenal 30 Tablet may cause drowsiness, slurred speech, jerky movements, abnormal eye movements, impaired inhibition, decreased reflex response, low body temperature, hypotension, and respiratory problems. Seek immediate medical attention by contacting your nearest hospital emergency services or your physician.
What are the effects of Gardenal 30 Tablet in children?
Gardenal 30 Tablet is effective in treating various types of seizures in children. It is often considered the first-line treatment for certain seizure types in newborns. However, children taking Gardenal 30 Tablet may develop behavioral and learning problems. Side effects are more likely to occur when high doses or a dose increase starting too soon is used. A gradual dose increase over several months might be required.
Can I take folic acid with Gardenal 30 Tablet?
Gardenal 30 Tablet can cause folic acid deficiency, leading to megaloblastic anemia in some patients. Taking folic acid with Gardenal 30 Tablet may decrease the level of Gardenal 30 Tablet in your body and increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, taking folic acid with Gardenal 30 Tablet is not recommended.
For how long do I need to take Gardenal 30 Tablet?
Your doctor will determine the duration of treatment based on your individual needs. The medication has a habit-forming effect, so long-term use is not generally recommended.
Are there any tests available which check the levels of Gardenal 30 Tablet in the blood?
Yes, laboratory tests are available. If you experience excessive sleepiness accompanied by tremor, balance issues, or double vision, inform your doctor and request a blood test.
Can Gardenal 30 Tablet cause withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, abruptly stopping Gardenal 30 Tablet can trigger withdrawal symptoms including sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium.
