Effect of Haemodialysis in Phenobarbital Toxicity: A Case Report

Dr. Azharuddin Patel, Dr. Tilottama Parate, Dr. Nitin Bhure, Dr. Sandeep Charde

Abstract: A 18 years old male presented with coma caused by a phenobarbital toxicity, requiring critical care admission. This male has done suicide attempt by consuming multiple tablets of Phenobarbitone of 60mg each around 50 tablets (total 3 gm). Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate, which in an overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure and haemodynamic instability; these patients can remain obtunded for many days. After initial supportive therapy, he was dialysed to help in elimination of the drug. Haemodialysis resulted in markedly reduced plasma level of phenobarbital, which decreased the length of stay in critical unit and aided full recovery.

Keywords: coma, phenobarbital toxicity, suicide attempt, overdose, haemodialysis