Phenobarbitone (phenobarbital)

Code:
PHENO

Sample Type:

Serum (Gold Top)

Minimum volume: 1 mL

Ref Ranges/Units:

Therapeutic range 10 – 40 mg/L

Turnaround:

Same Day (60 minutes from receipt for Urgent Samples)

Stability:

7 days capped at 25°C or 2‑8°C 
1 year capped at -20°C 

Special Precautions/Comments:

Trough sample recommended (blood drawn immediately before scheduled dose). If not possible, ensure sample is always taken at same time for monitoring. 

Additional Information:

Phenobarbital is a commonly used barbiturate which is effective as an anti-convulsant in the treatment of all types of seizures except absence seizures. 

High doses of phenobarbital (>40 mg/L) are associated with toxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring allows the optimal therapeutic dose to be achieved by avoiding both subtherapeutic and toxic levels. 

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