Phenobarbital 377who use phenobarbital is considered marginally acceptable, but infants should
be watched for untoward effects.
Combination products.Arco-Lase Plus combines phenobarbital, hyoscya-
mine sulfate, and atropine sulfate. The product is a remedy for digestive com-
plaints ranging from bloat and cramps to nausea, diarrhea, and ulcers.
Arco-Lase Plus can impair vision and is not recommended for persons with
glaucoma. The substance increases heart rate and reduces saliva production.
The combination product should be avoided by persons suffering from en-
larged prostate.
Donnatal combines phenobarbital, hyoscyamine sulfate, atropine sulfate,
and scopolamine hydrobromide. The combination product is a treatment for
assorted bowel complaints and duodenal ulcers. Normally Donnatal is con-
sidered inappropriate for persons with glaucoma or with gastrointestinal or
urinary obstruction. The substance may decrease alertness, so a person taking
Donnatal should not run dangerous machinery.
Additional scientific information may be found in:
Joyce, C.R., et al. “Potentiation by Phenobarbitone of Effects of Ethyl Alcohol on Hu-
man Behaviour.”Journal of Mental Science105 (1959): 51–60.
Lerman-Sagie, T., and P. Lerman. “Phenobarbital Still Has a Role in Epilepsy Treat-
ment.”Journal of Child Neurology14 (1999): 820–21.
“Phenobarbital.” InTherapeutic Drugs, ed. C. Dollery. 2d ed. New York: Churchill Liv-
ingstone, 1999. P83–P85.
Poindexter, A.R. “Phenobarbital, Propranolol, and Aggression.”Journal of Neuropsychi-
atry and Clinical Neurosciences12 (2000): 413.
Reinisch, J.M., et al. “In Utero Exposure to Phenobarbital and Intelligence Deficits in
Adult Men.”Journal of the American Medical Association274 (1995): 1518–25.
Rodgers, J.E., and M.A. Crouch. “Phenobarbital for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.”
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy56 (1999): 175–78.