In the pharmaceutical industry, Phenobarbital 30 mg is a long-acting Barbiturate classified as an anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this 30 mg strength as a versatile “titration dose.” While it is an older generation medication, it remains a frontline, cost-effective essential medicine in global health, particularly for long-term seizure management.

Primary Clinical Uses

• Epilepsy Management: Used primarily for the control of generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures. It is often the drug of choice in neonatal seizures.

• Status Epilepticus: Used as a secondary treatment to stop prolonged, acute seizures when first-line benzodiazepines fail.

• Sedation: Short-term treatment for anxiety or as a pre-operative sedative to calm patients before surgery.

• Insomnia: Occasionally used for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders, though this has largely been replaced by newer agents.

• Detoxification: Sometimes utilized in the management of withdrawal symptoms from other barbiturates or alcohol.

Mechanism of Action: GABA Potentiation

Phenobarbital works by depressing the central nervous system through a specific interaction with the inhibitory neurotransmitter system.

GABA-A Receptor Binding: It binds to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor complex in the brain.

Chloride Channel Modulation: Unlike benzodiazepines (which increase the frequency of channel opening), Phenobarbital increases the duration that the chloride channel remains open.

Hyperpolarization: The influx of chloride ions into the neuron makes the cell “hyperpolarized” (more negatively charged).

Inhibition: This raises the seizure threshold and reduces the excitability of the neurons, effectively “quieting” the electrical storm in the brain.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, Phenobarbital 30 mg involves high-level regulatory and technical requirements:

• Controlled Substance Status: As a firm owner, you know that Phenobarbital is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (under the 1971 Convention). For your export business, this requires specific Export/Import Permits (NDPS) and rigorous “Track and Trace” documentation.

• The “Titration” USP: The 30 mg strength is a critical selling point for your digital platform. It allows doctors to fine-tune dosages for pediatric patients or elderly patients with compromised hepatic function, where the standard 60 mg or 100 mg might be too potent.

• Enzyme Induction (The Interaction Challenge): Phenobarbital is a potent CYP450 enzyme inducer. It speeds up the metabolism of many other drugs (like warfarin or oral contraceptives). Including a Drug Interaction Matrix in your technical dossiers is a major value-add for your B2B clients.

• Stability & Packaging: Phenobarbital is stable but should be protected from light. We utilize Alu-Alu or Amber-colored PVC/PVDC blisters to ensure a 36-month shelf life for international tenders.