Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
Published on: July 13, 2014
Linear correlation between phenobarbital dose and concentration in alcohol withdrawal patients
Karen Tangmose1, Mogens Kai Nielsen, Peter Allerup
1Psychiatric Centre Gentofte, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
Phenobarbital dosage strongly correlates with blood concentration in alcohol withdrawal patients. This predictable relationship aids safe and effective treatment, with no serious complications observed during the study.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Barbiturates, like phenobarbital, are used for alcohol withdrawal but carry risks.
- Over-dosage and respiratory depression are potential complications of barbiturate use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between phenobarbital dose and blood concentration.
- To assess the predictability of phenobarbital absorption in patients with alcohol withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- 497 patients hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal were studied over 18 months.
- Phenobarbital (200 mg) was administered orally based on symptoms.
- Blood samples were collected within 24 hours to measure phenobarbital concentration and cumulative dose.
Main Results:
- A significant linear correlation was found between phenobarbital dose and blood concentration (83-84% variation explained).
- Mean cumulative dose was 877 mg +/- 557 mg, with a mean plasma concentration of 104 micromol/l +/- 62 micromol/l.
- No serious complications like respiratory depression or severe sedation were observed.
Conclusions:
- The strong linear correlation indicates predictable gastrointestinal absorption of phenobarbital.
- This predictability supports the safe and effective use of phenobarbital in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
More Related Videos
08:49Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
07:31Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Drug Concentration Versus Time Correlation
Two pivotal parameters are the minimum effective concentration (MEC) and the minimum toxic concentration (MTC). The MEC is the lowest drug...
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Dose to Pharmacological Effect
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Intensity of Dose-Effect Relationship
Pharmacodynamic Models: Logarithmic Concentration–Effect Model
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Dosage Regimen: Multiple Oral Dosage