Occasionally phenobarbitol can cause liver damage.21 Liver enzyme function tests and blood levels
of phenobarbitol should be monitored to be sure significant liver injury in not occurring and that therapeutic levels are achieved.
«Side Effects
Of Phenobarbitol On Dogs» last modified September 26, 2017.
It takes several weeks for the blood level
of phenobarbitol to reach adequate levels, so there might be an occasional seizure during that time.
Not exact matches
Dogs can become refractory to
phenobarbitol, so it is imperative you give the medication as prescribed and monitor carefully so we can decide the best course
of action in this case.
We recommend performing the
phenobarbitol check every few weeks to months for the first few months
of therapy in order to get an idea
of how your pet reacts to the medication.
Phenobarbitol works in the majority
of dogs, is inexpensive, and safe, so it is widely used.
Phenobarbitol levels can be measured in the bloodstream, and are an important guide to proper dose
of this drug.
One
of the most common and effective medications for epilepsy is
phenobarbitol, given twice to three times daily.
The
phenobarbitol level is interpreted in conjunction with the amount
of seizures that is occurring.
The dose
of this drug has a wide range, so if your dog is not responding to
phenobarbitol, and the blood level
of the drug is low to normal, we might increase the dose.
Phenobarbitol is considered by most veterinarians to be the drug
of first choice.
Unfortunately there is a significant proportion
of dogs in which
phenobarbitol alone is not enough.