[Phenobarbital in febrile convulsions of children (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Febrile convulsions are common in young children.
• Effective management is crucial to prevent recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal initial and maintenance dosage of phenobarbital for preventing febrile convulsions in children.
• To evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of phenobarbital via oral and intramuscular routes.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 41 children (11 months to 4.5 years) with uncomplicated febrile convulsions.
• Administration of phenobarbital orally or intramuscularly with varying initial doses (10-15 mg/kg) and maintenance doses (5 mg/kg).
• Monitoring of serum phenobarbital levels to achieve a therapeutic concentration of 15 µg/ml.

Main Results:

• Intramuscular administration of 15 mg/kg phenobarbital achieved therapeutic serum levels significantly faster than oral administration.
• Oral doses of 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg reached effective levels at 25 hours and 90 minutes, respectively.
• Intramuscular doses of 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg reached effective levels at 12 hours 40 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively.

Conclusions:

• An initial intramuscular dose of 15 mg/kg phenobarbital is the most effective for rapid achievement of therapeutic levels in children with febrile convulsions.
• A maintenance oral dose of 5 mg/kg is suggested for continued prevention after the initial loading dose.