A randomized, double-blind, crossover study of phenobarbital and mephobarbital.

Abstract

Some pediatric neurologists maintain that mephobarbital (Mebaral) causes fewer behavioral side effects than phenobarbital. Because this hypothesis has not been previously tested, we conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized, crossover study of these two anticonvulsants. Both drugs were equally effective in reducing the frequency of seizure, although serum phenobarbital levels were significantly higher when the patients were taking phenobarbital compared to mephobarbital. As measured by the Abbott Parent Questionnaire, there was no significant deterioration of behavior with either phenobarbital or mephobarbital, regardless of which drug was administered first.

• Authors: R S Young, P M Alger, L Bauer, D Lauderbaugh
• Journal: Journal of child neurology (J Child Neurol) Vol. 1 Issue 4 Pg. 361-3 (Oct 1986) ISSN: 0883-0738 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3298402 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Mephobarbital
• Phenobarbital

Topics

• Child
• Child Behavior (drug effects)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mephobarbital (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Phenobarbital (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Random Allocation