Butabarbital Dosage

Applies to the following strengths: 30 mg/5 mL; 15 mg; 30 mg; 50 mg; 100 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Sedation

Daytime sedation: 15 to 30 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Duration of therapy: Up to 2 weeks

Preoperative sedation: 50 to 100 mg orally ONCE, given 60 to 90 minutes prior to surgery

Comments:

When treating used as a daytime sedative, this drug typically loses effectiveness for sleep induction and maintenance after 2 weeks.
Intermediate-acting barbiturates may be more effective in maintaining sleep; however, controlled studies have failed to demonstrate the effects.
Treatment should be limited to short-term use.

Uses:

As a daytime sedative
For preoperative sedation

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia

Hypnotic: 50 to 100 mg orally once a day at bedtime
Duration of therapy: Up to 2 weeks

Comments:

When treating insomnia, this drug typically loses effectiveness for sleep induction and maintenance after 2 weeks.
Intermediate-acting barbiturates may be more effective in maintaining sleep; however, controlled studies have failed to demonstrate the effects.
Treatment should be limited to short-term use.

Use: As a bedtime hypnotic for the short-term treatment of insomnia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sedation

Children: 2 to 6 mg/kg orally ONCE, given 60 to 90 minutes prior to surgery

Maximum dose: 100 mg

Use: As a preoperative sedative

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Patients with liver damage: Use with caution; initial doses should be reduced.

Patients with premonitory signs of hepatic coma: Not recommended.

Dose Adjustments

Patients who are elderly and/or debilitated: The dose should be reduced because these patients may be more sensitive to barbiturates.

Withdrawal regimens: Cautious and gradual withdrawal of this drug should be performed over an extended period. The manufacturer product information should be consulted regarding recommendations for specific dosing regimens.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity to the active component, known sensitivity to barbiturates, or to any of the ingredients
Patients with a history of latent or manifest porphyria

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule III

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Storage requirements:

Store at 20 to 25C.

General:

The lowest effective dose should be used for shortest amount of time possible.

Monitoring:

HEMATOLOGIC: Periodic blood counts, especially in patients on long-term treatment
HEPATIC: Periodic liver function tests, especially in patients on long-term treatment
RENAL: Periodic renal function tests (e.g., respiration rate), especially in patients on long-term treatment

Patient advice:

Patients should be instructed to immediately report "sleep driving," other complex behaviors, and any new/worsening signs/symptoms of depression.
Inform patients that this drug may cause blurred vision, dizziness, impaired coordination, prolonged reaction time, short-term memory impairment, and/or somnolence, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
Patients should avoid drinking alcohol or taking other drugs that may cause sleepiness or dizziness while taking this drug until they talk to their healthcare provider.
Patients should be told to contact their healthcare provider before changing the dose or discontinuing treatment.
Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.