Phenoleptil 50 mg Tablets for Dogs
Active ingredient: Phenobarbital
Form
Tablet
Species
Manufacturer
Dechra Regulatory B.V.
VMD MA No.
50406/5013
What it's used for
Phenobarbital is an antiepileptic agent for use in the control of epilepsy in the dog.
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Phenoleptil 50 mg Tablets for Dogs — SPC Details
Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 27 Mar 2026.
AN: 03691/2024 & 03692/2024
The recommended initial dosage is 2,5 mg phenobarbital per kg body weight twice
daily.
Tablets must be given at the same time each day to achieve successful therapy.
Eventual adjustments of this dosage should be made on the basis of clinical efficacy,
blood levels and the occurrence of undesirable side effects. Also see the “Special
precautions for safe use in the target species” section.
The serum phenobarbital concentrations should be measured after steady state has
been achieved. The ideal therapeutic range for serum phenobarbital concentration is
between 15 and 40 µg/ml. If serum phenobarbital concentration is less than 15 µg/ml
or the seizures are not controlled the dose may be increased by 20% at a time, with
associated monitoring of serum phenobarbital levels up to a maximum serum
concentration 45 µg/ml. The ultimate doses may vary considerably (ranging from 1 mg
to 15 mg per kg body weight twice daily) because of the differences in phenobarbital
excretion and differences in sensitivity among patients.
If the seizures are not being satisfactorily controlled and if the maximum level
concentration is about 40µg/ml, then the diagnosis should be reconsidered and/or a
second antiepileptic veterinary medicinal product (such as bromides) should be added
to the treatment protocol.
In stabilised epileptic patients, it is not recommended to switch this tablet formulation
to another phenobarbital formulation. However, if this cannot be avoided then
additional caution should be taken. It is recommended to try to achieve as similar
dosages as possible compared with the previous formulation used, taking into
consideration current plasma concentration measurements. Monitoring for increased
side effects and for hepatic dysfunction should be conducted more regularly until
stabilisation is confirmed. Stabilisation protocols as for initiating treatments should be
followed.
Withdrawal of therapy with Phenobarbital formulations should be made gradually to
avoid precipitating an increase in the frequency of seizures.
For accuracy of dosing, dogs under 10 kg should commence therapy with Phenoleptil
12.5 mg tablets.
or to any of the excipients.
Do not use in animals with serious impaired hepatic function.
Do not use in animals with serious renal or cardiovascular disorders.
AN: 03691/2024 & 03692/2024
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000
animals treated):
Ataxia
a,d
, Dizziness
a
Lethargy
a
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals
treated, including isolated
reports):
Sleepiness – Neurological disorder
a
, Sedation
d
Hyperexcitation
b
Polyuria
c
Polydipsia
c
, Polyphagia
c
Hepatic toxicosis
e
Pancytopenia
f,g
, Neutropenia
g
, Low thyroxine
h
a
During start of the therapy. These effects are usually transitory and disappear in
most, but not all, patients with continued medication.
b
Paradoxical, particularly after first starting therapy. As this hyperexcitability is not
linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.
c
At average or higher therapeutic active serum concentrations; these effects can be
diminished by limiting intake of both food and water.
d
Often become significant concerns as serum levels reach the higher ends of the
therapeutic range.
e
Associated with high plasma concentrations.
f
Immunotoxic.
g
Consequences of deleterious effects of phenobarbital on stem cells from bone
marrow. These reactions disappear after the treatment’s withdrawal.
h
This may not be an indication of hypothyroidism. Treatment with thyroid hormone
replacement should only be started if there are clinical signs of the disease.
If adverse effects are severe, a decrease in the administered phenobarbital dose is
recommended.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a
veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to
either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national
competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for
respective contact details.
AN: 03691/2024 & 03692/2024
for each individual case and depends on number, frequency, duration and severity of
seizures in dogs.
General recommendations for initiating therapy include a single seizure occurring
more than once every 4-6 weeks, cluster seizure activity (i.e. more than one seizure
within 24 h) or status epilepticus regardless of frequency.
To achieve successful therapy, administration of tablets must be at the same time
each day.
Withdrawal or transition from other types of antiepileptic therapy should be made
gradually to avoid precipitating an increase in the frequency of seizures.
Some of the dogs are free of epileptic seizures during the treatment, but some of the
dogs show only a seizure reduction, and some of the dogs are considered to be non-
responders.
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
Caution is recommended in animals with impaired hepatic and renal function,
hypovolemia, anaemia and cardiac or respiratory dysfunction.
The chance of hepatotoxic side effects can be diminished or delayed using an
effective dose that is as low as possible. Monitoring of hepatic parameters is
recommended in case of a prolonged therapy
It is recommended to assess the clinical pathology of the patient 2-3 weeks after start
of treatment and afterwards every 4-6 months, e.g. measurement of hepatic enzymes
and serum bile acids. It is important to know that the effects of hypoxia etc. do cause
increased levels of hepatic enzymes after a seizure.
Phenobarbital may increase the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase and
transaminases. These may demonstrate non-pathological changes, but could also
represent hepatotoxicity. Therefore, in the case of suspected hepatotoxicity, liver
function tests are recommended. Increased liver enzyme values do not require a dose
reduction of Phenobarbital if the serum bile acids are in the normal range.
The tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out
of reach of animals.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Barbiturates can cause hypersensitivity. People with known hypersensitivity to
barbiturates should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product. Administer the
veterinary medicinal product with caution. It is advisable to wear disposable gloves
during administration of the veterinary medicinal product to reduce skin contact. Wash
hands thoroughly after use.
Accidental ingestion may cause intoxication and could be fatal, particularly for children.
Take utmost care that children do not come in contact with the product.
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately, advising medical
services of barbiturate poisoning; show the package leaflet or the label to the
physician. If possible, the physician should be informed about the time and amount of
ingestion, as this information may help to ensure that appropriate treatment is given.
AN: 03691/2024 & 03692/2024
Phenobarbital is teratogenic and may be toxic to unborn and breastfeeding children; it
may affect the developing brain and lead to cognitive disorders. Phenobarbital is
excreted in breast milk. Pregnant women, women of childbearing age and women who
are breastfeeding should avoid accidental ingestion and prolonged skin contact with
the product.
Keep this veterinary medicinal product in its original packaging to avoid accidental
ingestion. Each time an unused part-tablet is stored until next use, it should be
returned to the open blister space and inserted back into the cardboard box.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
plasma protein (such as α1acid glycoprotein, AGP), which bind drugs. Therefore
special attention must be paid to the pharmacokinetics and doses of drugs
simultaneously administered.
The plasmatic concentration of cyclosporine, thyroid hormones and theophylline is
decreased in the case of concurrent administration of phenobarbital. The effectiveness
of these substances is diminished too.
Cimetidine and ketoconazole are inhibitors of hepatic enzymes: concurrent use with
phenobarbital can induce an increase of serum concentration of phenobarbital.
Concurrent use with potassium bromide increases the risk of pancreatitis.
Concurrent use with other drugs having a central depressive action like narcotic
analgesics, morphinic derivates, phenothiazines, antihistamines, clomipramine and
chloramphenicol can increase the effect of phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital may enhance the metabolism of, and therefore decrease the effect of,
antiepileptics, chloramphenicol, corticosteroids, doxycycline, beta blockers and
metronidazole.
The reliability of oral contraceptives is lower.
Phenobarbital may decrease the absorption of griseofulvin.
The following drugs can decrease the convulsive threshold: quinolones, high doses of
β-lactam
Medications which may alter the seizure threshold should only be used if really
necessary and when no safer alternative exists.
Do not store above 30°C.
Divided tablets should be stored in the blister pack.
4.
This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.
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Related Conditions
Other Products Containing Phenobarbital
These products share the same active ingredient and may be suitable alternatives. Always consult your vet.
Epiphen 30 mg Tablets
POM-VVetoquinol UK Limited
Epiphen 30 mg Tablets
POM-VVetoquinol SA
Epiphen 60 mg Tablets
POM-VVetoquinol UK Limited
Epiphen 60 mg Tablets
POM-VVetoquinol SA
Epiphen Solution 4% w/v, Oral Drops for Dogs
POM-VVetoquinol UK Limited
Epiphen Solution 4% w/v, Oral Drops for Dogs
POM-VVetoquinol SA
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