Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
[Accelerated elimination using hemoperfusion in a patient with phenobarbital intoxication]
A W Bouma1, B van Dam, I A Meynaar
1Afd. Apotheek, Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, Postbus 1098, 2800 BB Gouda. annemien.bouma@ghz.nl
Abstract:
A 44-year-old female was found comatose after attempting suicide. Toxicological screening showed phenobarbital intoxication. The patient was treated symptomatically. After ten days her serum level of phenobarbital still had not decreased and she was not clinically recovered. The patient was transferred to another hospital for hemoperfusion to decrease the level of phenobarbital. After hemoperfusion the level of phenobarbital dropped significantly and the patient recovered neurologically. Phenobarbital has a long elimination half-life and for this reason it is advisable to use means to accelerate clearance until the clinical condition of the patient shows improvement. Multiple-dose activated charcoal effects the elimination of phenobarbital. If elimination needs to be speeded up, then hemoperfusion can be considered. If this technique is unavailable, hemodialysis is a good alternative.
Related Concept Videos
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Reabsorption
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Enterohepatic Cycling
Post-release drugs and metabolites can be reabsorbed into the body from the intestine. For conjugated metabolites like glucuronides, reabsorption requires enzymatic hydrolysis by intestinal microflora. This...
