Phenoleptil

Phenoleptil Questions

What conditions does Phenoleptil treat?

It is used for the prevention of seizures due to generalised epilepsy in dogs.

How does Phenoleptil work?

It contains Phenobarbital. The antiepileptic effects of Phenobarbital are probably the result of at least two mechanisms, being decreased monosynaptic transmission, which presumably results in reduced neuronal excitability and an increase in the motor cortex's threshold for electrical stimulation.

How should I administer Phenoleptil to my pet?

It is a tablet to be given orally, by mouth. People with known hypersensitivity to barbiturates should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product. Wash hands after use.

Take utmost care that children do not come into contact with the product. Children are particularly at risk of intoxication which may prove fatal.

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 product in its original packaging to avoid accidental ingestion.

It is advisable to wear disposable gloves during administration of the product to reduce skin contact.

What is the correct dosage of Phenoleptil for my animal's weight and species?

The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.

How long should I continue with Phenoleptil for?

You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Phenoleptil?

If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.

Where can I buy Phenoleptil?

You can purchase Phenoleptil cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk

Does Phenoleptil need a prescription?

Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V. CD (Sch 3).

How can I buy Phenoleptil from Vets4u?

You can buy Phenoleptil via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.

Manufacturer’s Link to Phenoleptil

Dechra - Phenoleptil

NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Phenoleptil

Phenoleptil Datasheet

What are the side-effects of Phenoleptil?

Phenoleptil 12.5 mg and Phenoleptil 50 mg:

During start of therapy ataxia, sleepiness, slackness and dizziness can occur but these effects are usually transitory and disappear in most, but not all, patients with continued medication.

Some animals can demonstrate a paradoxical hyperexcitability, particularly after first starting therapy.

As this hyperexcitability is not linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.

Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia can occur at average or higher therapeutic active serum concentrations; these effects can be diminished by limiting intake of both food and water.

Sedation and ataxia often become significant concerns as serum levels reach the higher ends of the therapeutic range.

High plasma concentrations may be associated with hepatotoxicity.

Phenobarbital can have deleterious effects on stem cells from bone marrow. Consequences are immunotoxic pancytopenia and/or neutropenia. These reactions disappear after the treatment’s withdrawal.

Treating dogs with phenobarbital may lower their TT4 or FT4 serum levels, however 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, the decrease in the administered dose is recommended.

Phenoleptil 25 mg and Phenoleptil 100 mg:

During start of therapy ataxia, sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness can very rarely occur but these effects are usually transitory and disappear in most, but not all, patients with continued medication.

Some animals can very rarely demonstrate a paradoxical hyperexcitability, particularly after first starting therapy.

As this hyperexcitability is not linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.

Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia can very rarely occur at average or higher therapeutic active serum concentrations; these effects can be diminished by limiting intake of both food and water.

Sedation and ataxia often become significant concerns (occurring very rarely) as serum levels reach the higher ends of the therapeutic range.

High plasma concentrations may be associated with hepatotoxicity (very rare).

Phenobarbital can have deleterious effects on stem cells from bone marrow. Consequences are immunotoxic pancytopenia and/or neutropenia (very rare). These reactions disappear after the treatment’s withdrawal.

Treating dogs with phenobarbital may lower their TT4 or FT4 serum levels, however 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 dose is recommended.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals displaying adverse reaction(s) during the course of one treatment)

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated reports).

What is Phenoleptil?

It is a prescription medication containing Phenobarbital for use in dogs to prevent seizures due to epilepsy.

Can Phenoleptil be ingested via skin?

No, it is a tablet to be given orally.

Has Phenoleptil been discontinued?

No, it has not been discontinued. Sometimes supply issues occur with any drug. If you have concerns, please contact your vet.

How long does Phenoleptil 12.5mg take to work?

The drug reaches maximum levels in the blood after 4-8 hours, it is rapidly absorbed.

Dogs are generally reassessed after 2-3 weeks when a steady blood level is reached, to see what sort of response has been obtained.

If fits were only monthly, then it may take longer to know if the drug is clinically effective.

Bloods tests can be done to see if the drug is at its therapeutic level and doses adjusted accordingly.

Is Phenoleptil a brand name?

Yes, it is.

Is Phenoleptil the same as Epiphen?

They contain the same drug.

What are the side effects of Phenoleptil on my dog?

Phenoleptil 12.5 mg and Phenoleptil 50 mg:

During start of therapy ataxia, sleepiness, slackness and dizziness can occur but these effects are usually transitory and disappear in most, but not all, patients with continued medication.

Some animals can demonstrate a paradoxical hyperexcitability, particularly after first starting therapy.

As this hyperexcitability is not linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.

Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia can occur at average or higher therapeutic active serum concentrations; these effects can be diminished by limiting intake of both food and water.

Sedation and ataxia often become significant concerns as serum levels reach the higher ends of the therapeutic range.

High plasma concentrations may be associated with hepatotoxicity.

Phenobarbital can have deleterious effects on stem cells from bone marrow. Consequences are immunotoxic pancytopenia and/or neutropenia. These reactions disappear after the treatment’s withdrawal.

Treating dogs with phenobarbital may lower their TT4 or FT4 serum levels, however 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, the decrease in the administered dose is recommended.

Phenoleptil 25 mg and Phenoleptil 100 mg:

During start of therapy ataxia, sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness can very rarely occur but these effects are usually transitory and disappear in most, but not all, patients with continued medication.

Some animals can very rarely demonstrate a paradoxical hyperexcitability, particularly after first starting therapy.

As this hyperexcitability is not linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.

Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia can very rarely occur at average or higher therapeutic active serum concentrations; these effects can be diminished by limiting intake of both food and water.

Sedation and ataxia often become significant concerns (occurring very rarely) as serum levels reach the higher ends of the therapeutic range.

High plasma concentrations may be associated with hepatotoxicity (very rare).

Phenobarbital can have deleterious effects on stem cells from bone marrow. Consequences are immunotoxic pancytopenia and/or neutropenia (very rare). These reactions disappear after the treatment’s withdrawal.

Treating dogs with phenobarbital may lower their TT4 or FT4 serum levels, however 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 dose is recommended.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals displaying adverse reaction(s) during the course of one treatment)

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated reports).

Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.