Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion PHP with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
Successful use of haemodialysis to treat phenobarbital overdose
Kimberley Hoyland1, Michael Hoy, Richard Austin
1Department of Intensive Care, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK.
Abstract:
A 50-year-old woman presented with coma caused by a phenobarbital overdose, requiring intubation and admission to critical care. She was an international visitor and had been prescribed the drug for night-sedation. Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate, which in an overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure and haemodynamic instability; these patients can remain obtunded for many days. After initial supportive therapy, she was dialysed to help in the elimination of the drug. Haemodialysis resulted in a markedly reduced plasma level of phenobarbital, which decreased the length of intubation and stay in the critical care unit and aided full recovery.
Related Concept Videos
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
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...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Reabsorption
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

