Benzobarbital

Developed in the Soviet Union in 1959. Benzonal was obtained as a result of “modification” of the phenobarbital molecule. As can be seen from the formula, it differs from phenobarbital only in that in position N1 it contains the remainder of benzoic acid .

Pharmacokinetic studies have established that benzonal is rapidly metabolized in the body, releasing phenobarbital, which also has an anticonvulsant effect. Benzonal may thus be regarded as a “ prodrug ”.

Benzonal is used to treat convulsive forms of epilepsy of various origins, including cases with focal and Jackson's seizures.

In combination with hexamidine , carbamazepine , diphenin and other antiepileptic drugs, benzonal is used to treat convulsive and polymorphic seizures.

Assign inside in the form of tablets (after eating).

A single dose for adults is 0.1-0.15-0.2 g, daily - up to 0.8 g; more often prescribed 0.1 g 3 times a day.

Highest doses for adults: single 0.3 g daily 1 g.

Children aged 3-6 years are prescribed 0.025-0.05 g per reception (0.1-0.15 g per day), 7-10 years old - 0.05-0.1 g per reception (0.5 -0.3 g per day), 11-14 years - 0.1 g per reception (0.3-0.4 g per day).

Highest doses for children (older age): single 0.15 g, daily 0.45 g.

Treatment begins with a single dose. After 2-3 days, the dose is gradually increased to the optimal daily dose (reduction in frequency and intensity and the cessation of seizures with good tolerance). If the patient has previously taken other anticonvulsants, then benzonal treatment should be gradually transferred; First benzonal is replaced with one, and then (after 3-5 days) the second and third doses of the previous drug. After the complete replacement of the previous drug, the dose of benzonal is gradually increased until the seizures completely stop or their frequency and intensity decrease. Treatment is continued for a long time (at least 1-2 years) even in the absence of seizures. With persistent compensation, the dose is slowly reduced to one single dose per day, continuing, however, the long-term use of the drug. In the event of signs of seizures when the dose is reduced, one should again return to the previous daily dose.

Like phenobarbital, benzonal is an “inducer” of enzymes, increases the activity of the monooxygenase enzyme system of the liver, and therefore can be used to treat hyperbilirubinemia. There is evidence of the effectiveness of benzonal in the treatment of hemolytic disease of the newborn and its better tolerance compared to phenobarbital.

Benzonal is generally well tolerated. In anticonvulsant doses, it does not cause severe drowsiness, mental lethargy, lethargy, or headache. These phenomena (as well as ataxia, nystagmus, difficulty speaking) are observed only in some cases - with increased sensitivity or with an overdose, and then a dose reduction or caffeine is required (0.05-0.075 g per dose). In some patients, appetite worsens.

In patients who have previously taken barbiturates, when switching to benzonal treatment, sleep may be disturbed, which is easily eliminated by prescribing 0.05-0.1 g of phenobarbital or other sleeping pills at night.

Benzonal is contraindicated in cases of damage to the kidneys and liver with a violation of their functions, with cardiac decompensation.

• Mashkovsky M. D. Medicines. - 15th ed. - M .: New Wave, 2005. - S. 36-37. - 1200 s. - ISBN 5-7864-0203-7 .

• Benzobarbital // Medicines / M.D. Mashkovsky . - Reference Mashkovsky on-line .
• Benzobarbital (Benzobarbital) - Encyclopedia of medicines and pharmaceutical products . Radar Patent. - Instruction, application and formula.
• Benzobarbital (Benzobarbital) - Encyclopedia of medicines and pharmaceutical products . Radar Patent. - Active substance.