Secobarbital Dosage

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

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia

100 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Comments:

This drug may lose effectiveness for sleep induction and maintenance after 2 weeks.
Short-acting barbiturates may be more effective in producing sleep; however, controlled studies have failed to demonstrate the effects.
Treatment should be limited to short-term use.
Patients should ensure that they are able to get a full night's sleep before being active again.

Use: Hypnotic for the short-term treatment of insomnia

Usual Adult Dose for Sedation

Preoperative: 200 to 300 mg orally ONCE 1 to 2 hours before surgery

Comment: This drug has little analgesic effect at subanesthetic doses.

Use: Preanesthetic/preoperative sedation

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sedation

Pediatric patients:
Preoperative: 2 to 6 mg/kg orally ONCE

Maximum dose: 100 mg/dose

Comment: This drug has little analgesic effect at subanesthetic doses.

Use: Preanesthetic/preoperative sedation

Renal Dose Adjustments

Dose adjustment(s) may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate liver dysfunction: Dose adjustment(s) may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution recommended.
Severe liver dysfunction: Contraindicated

Patients with premonitory signs of hepatic coma: Not recommended.

Dose Adjustments

Elderly and/or debilitated patients: Dose adjustment(s) may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution recommended.

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, barbiturates, or any of the ingredients
Patients with a history of manifest/latent porphyria
Patients with a respiratory disease in which dyspnea/obstruction is evident
Patients with marked liver dysfunction

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: II

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

This drug should not be taken with/right after a meal.

General:

Doses should be individualized, and should be determined by the patient's age, weight, and condition.

Monitoring:

HEMATOLOGIC: Periodic blood counts in patients receiving prolonged treatment
HEPATIC: Periodic liver function tests in patients receiving prolonged treatment
RENAL: Periodic renal function tests in patients receiving prolonged treatment

Patient advice:

This medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Patients should report any behavior of concern to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and/or reduced alertness. Patients should not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until they know how this drug affects them.
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 increasing/decreasing the dose or discontinuing treatment.
Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.