Mephobarbital tablets

What is this medicine?

MEPHOBARBITAL (me foe BAR bi tal) is a barbiturate. It is used to help you sleep or to help control seizures.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• feeling faint, lightheaded

• fever, chills, sore throat

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• irregular heart beat

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• clumsy, unsteady

• constipation

• drowsiness, tired

• headache

• irritability or nervousness

• nausea, vomiting

• nightmares, trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol

• other barbiturates

• voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antihistamines

• certain medicines for seizures like phenytoin, valproic acid

• doxycycline

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

• griseofulvin

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• other medicines that cause drowsiness, sleep

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression

• drug abuse or addiction

• history of suicide attempt

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• porphyria

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mephobarbital, phenobarbital, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

If you are taking this medicine for seizures, wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have seizures, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.