title: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study of phenobarbital and mephobarbital.
abstract: Some pediatric neurologists maintain that mephobarbital (Mebaral) causes fewer behavioral side effects than phenobarbital. Because this hypothesis has not been previously tested, we conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized, crossover study of these two anticonvulsants. Both drugs were equally effective in reducing the frequency of seizure, although serum phenobarbital levels were significantly higher when the patients were taking phenobarbital compared to mephobarbital. As measured by the Abbott Parent Questionnaire, there was no significant deterioration of behavior with either phenobarbital or mephobarbital, regardless of which drug was administered first.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Alger
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lauderbaugh
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008618:Mephobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D008618:Mephobarbital; D010634:Phenobarbital