PHENOBARBITONE (GARDINAL) – BC150
💊 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
₹799
MRP ₹950
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC150
Report: Next day Evening
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC150
About this Test:
The Phenobarbitone (Gardinal) test measures the concentration of Phenobarbital in the blood. This medication is a barbiturate commonly used to control seizures (epilepsy) and relieve anxiety. Because the gap between a helpful dose and a toxic dose is small, regular monitoring is essential.
✔ Monitor Dosage: Ensures the drug level is within the therapeutic range to prevent seizures.
✔ Prevent Toxicity: Detects if drug levels are too high, which can be dangerous.
✔ Check Compliance: Verifies if the patient is taking the medication as prescribed.
✔ Timing Matters: Ideally, the sample is collected just before the next dose (Trough Level).
The Phenobarbitone (Gardinal) test measures the concentration of Phenobarbital in the blood. This medication is a barbiturate commonly used to control seizures (epilepsy) and relieve anxiety. Because the gap between a helpful dose and a toxic dose is small, regular monitoring is essential.
✔ Monitor Dosage: Ensures the drug level is within the therapeutic range to prevent seizures.
✔ Prevent Toxicity: Detects if drug levels are too high, which can be dangerous.
✔ Check Compliance: Verifies if the patient is taking the medication as prescribed.
✔ Timing Matters: Ideally, the sample is collected just before the next dose (Trough Level).
Why Monitor Gardinal Levels?
Phenobarbitone has a narrow therapeutic index. This means the amount required to treat seizures is very close to the amount that can cause harmful side effects. Every person metabolizes drugs differently, so the standard dose might be too low for one person and too high for another.
Understanding Your Levels:
- Therapeutic Range: The ideal level where seizures are controlled without severe side effects.
- Low Levels: May indicate that the dosage is insufficient, increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures.
- Toxic Levels: Excessively high levels can cause drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma.
Clinical Note: For the most accurate result, doctors usually recommend a Trough Level sample. This means drawing the blood just before you are scheduled to take your next dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Phenobarbitone used for?
Phenobarbitone (sold under brand names like Gardinal) is primarily used to treat and prevent seizures (epilepsy). It acts by slowing down the activity of the brain and nervous system.
Phenobarbitone (sold under brand names like Gardinal) is primarily used to treat and prevent seizures (epilepsy). It acts by slowing down the activity of the brain and nervous system.
Q2: When is the best time to give the blood sample?
The ideal time is immediately before your next scheduled dose (Trough Level). This tells the doctor the lowest level of the drug in your body to ensure protection lasts between doses. However, always follow your doctor's specific timing instructions.
The ideal time is immediately before your next scheduled dose (Trough Level). This tells the doctor the lowest level of the drug in your body to ensure protection lasts between doses. However, always follow your doctor's specific timing instructions.
Q3: What are the symptoms of Phenobarbitone toxicity?
Signs that your levels might be too high include extreme drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, unsteadiness (ataxia), and slow breathing.
Signs that your levels might be too high include extreme drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, unsteadiness (ataxia), and slow breathing.
Q4: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, fasting (not eating food) is generally not required. However, the timing relative to your medication intake is very important.
No, fasting (not eating food) is generally not required. However, the timing relative to your medication intake is very important.
Q5: Can other medicines affect the test results?
Yes. Phenobarbitone interacts with many other drugs (like blood thinners or other seizure meds). Inform your doctor about all supplements and medications you are taking.
Yes. Phenobarbitone interacts with many other drugs (like blood thinners or other seizure meds). Inform your doctor about all supplements and medications you are taking.