Phenobarbitone dosage in neonatal convulsions.
In order to find the optimal dosage schedule of phenobarbitone for neonatal convulsions, four groups of patients were studied. Twelve infants (group 1) received a mean phenobarbitone dose of 9.5 mg/kg a day given intramuscularly for 3 days followed by 5.8 mg/kg a day given intramuscularly and then orally. Six infants (group 2) received a mean intravenous loading dose of 9.5 mg/kg followed by 6.8 mg/kg a day given intramuscularly or orally. Nine infants (group 3) received a mean loading dose of 14.9 mg/kg intravenously followed by a maintenance dose of 5.9 mg/kg a day. Thirteen patients (group 4) received a mean intramuscular loading dose of 15.2 mg/kg followed by 5.9 mg/kg a day. Blood samples were taken regularly and phenobarbitone levels were determined by gas liquid chromatography. A mean intravenous or intramuscular loading dose of 15 mg/kg of phenobarbitone safely achieved therapeutic levels within 2 hours of injection and high therapeutic levels were maintained with a dose of 6 mg/kg a day.
D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D010634:Phenobarbital