What is mephobarbital?
Mephobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Mephobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Mephobarbital is used as a sedative to treat anxiety, tension, and apprehension (dreading or feeling uneasy about what you think may happen). Mephobarbital is also used to treat seizures.
Mephobarbital may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about mephobarbital?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to mephobarbital or to other barbiturates such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).
Before taking mephobarbital, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, asthma or other breathing disorder, or a history of depression, mental illness, suicide attempt, or drug/alcohol addiction.
Do not use mephobarbital without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Mephobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking mephobarbital.
Mephobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Mephobarbital should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mephobarbital?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to mephobarbital or to other barbiturates such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use mephobarbital:
liver or kidney disease;
anemia (lack of red blood cells);
heart disease;
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicide attempt; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Mephobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Mephobarbital should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. It could also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes mephobarbital during late pregnancy. Do not use mephobarbital without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Mephobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking mephobarbital.
Mephobarbital can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.