Drugs & Vitamins

Secobarbital Active Ingredients: Secobarbital Representative Names: Seconal What are secobarbital capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with secobarbital? What side effects may I notice from taking secobarbital? What should I watch for while taking secobarbital? Where can I keep my medicine? What are secobarbital capsules? (Back to top) SECOBARBITAL (Seconal®) is a barbiturate that slows down activity of the brain and nervous system. Secobarbital has sedative and hypnotic properties, which will help make you feel relaxed and sleepy when used before surgery. For short periods of 2 weeks or less, secobarbital can help treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Federal law prohibits the transfer of secobarbital to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic secobarbital capsules are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol or substance abuse problem •kidney disease •low blood pressure •lung disease or breathing difficulties •mental depression or mental problems, suicidal thoughts •porphyria •an unusual or allergic reaction to secobarbital, other barbiturates, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take secobarbital capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If secobarbital upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you are on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with secobarbital? (Back to top) •alcohol •caffeine •chloramphenicol •cyclophosphamide •cyclosporine •doxorubicin •doxycycline •metronidazole •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •hormones such a prednisone or cortisone •medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam •medicines for hay fever and other allergies •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for mental depression •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •medicines for pain •medicines to control heart rhythm or other heart problems •quinine •seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine •theophylline •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking secobarbital? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reaction (itchy, watery eyes, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or throat) •bone tenderness •changes in behavior, mood, or mental ability •changes in the frequency or severity of seizures •confusion, agitation •eye problems, very small or enlarged centers to the eyes •fever, sore throat •hallucinations •lightheadedness or fainting spells •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •sleepwalking or performing other activities while asleep •slow heartbeat •unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin •unusual tiredness or weakness •weight loss •yellowing of skin or eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •clumsiness, unsteadiness, or a 'hang-over' effect •difficulty sleeping or nightmares •drowsiness, dizziness •headache •irritability, nervousness •nausea or vomiting What should I watch for while taking secobarbital? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have been taking secobarbital regularly and suddenly stop taking it, you may increase the risk of seizures. Your prescriber or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. If sleep medicine is taken every night for a long time it may no longer help you to sleep. In general secobarbital should not be taken for longer than 1 or 2 weeks as a sleep aid. Consult your prescriber or health care professional if you still have difficulty in sleeping. After taking secobarbital you may get a residual hangover effect that leaves you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how secobarbital affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase possible unpleasant effects. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Sleep medicines sometimes cause a type of memory loss, in which the person may not remember what has happened in the several hours after taking the medication. This type of memory loss is usually not a problem since this medicine is commonly taken at bedtime; however there have been reports of driving or performing other activities while asleep after taking a sleep medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems while on this medication. Secobarbital can stop birth control pills (oral contraceptives) working properly. Use another method of birth control while you are taking phenobarbital. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking secobarbital. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/26/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.