Severe hepatitis due to Atrium

(1) Atrium, a combination of difebarbamate, febarbamate and phenobarbital first marketed in France more than 30 years ago, carries a risk of hepatitis. (2) Despite restrictions on its indications and treatment duration introduced in 1997, cases of severe liver damage have continued to be notified in France. (3) Benzodiazepines are the reference drugs for alcohol withdrawal. Carbamates and barbiturates are no more effective than benzodiazepines, and carry a higher risk of adverse effects. (4) The recent decision to withdraw Atrium from the market was long awaited.