Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml (Phenobarbital)

Epiphen Oral Solution contains phenobarbital, an active ingredient widely recognised for its effectiveness as an anti-epileptic agent in veterinary medicine. It works by reducing neuronal excitability and increasing the motor cortex's threshold for electrical stimulation, helping to minimise the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs.

Why Choose Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml?

• Effective Seizure Control: Formulated to help manage epilepsy and reduce seizure activity in dogs.
• Oral Solution Format: Easy to administer, especially for pets who may struggle with tablets.
• Trusted Medication: Phenobarbital is a well-established and widely used anti-epileptic drug in veterinary practice.

It is important to note that Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml (Phenobarbital) is a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V). This means it must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. Weldricks Pharmacy is proud to offer a convenient and reliable way to obtain your pet's prescription medicines, delivered discreetly to your door. We ensure all veterinary prescriptions are handled with the utmost care and professionalism, reinforcing our commitment to accessible, trustworthy healthcare for all members of your family, including your pets.

How to Administer Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml

Always follow your veterinary surgeon's precise instructions regarding dosage and frequency. The required dosage will vary between individuals and with the nature and severity of the disorder.

Dogs should be dosed orally, starting with a dose of 2.5 - 5.0 mg/kg (0.06 - 0.125ml per kg) bodyweight per day. The dose should be divided and administered twice daily using the 2ml syringe provided. 1ml contains 40mg of phenobarbital.

Using the Dosing Syringe:

1. Remove the child-resistant closure.
2. Firmly insert the dosing syringe into the recess in the plastic adapter on the top of the bottle.
3. Holding the syringe and bottle together, invert them and withdraw the product into the syringe PAST THE VOLUME MARK REQUIRED.
4. Ensure no air is trapped in the syringe by gently tapping.
5. Push the plunger back so that the top of the plunger registers against the volume required.
6. Return the bottle and syringe to the upright position. Carefully remove the syringe from the adapter.
7. Close the bottle again with the child-resistant closure, ensuring the cap is tightly screwed on.
8. Administer the product in the feed. Rinse out and dry the syringe before replacing both bottle and syringe in the carton.

Daily Dosage Guide (divided and administered twice daily):

• Weight of dog 1-1.5 kg: 0.1 ml per day (2.7-4.0 Mg/kg)
• Weight of dog 2-3 kg: 0.2 ml per day (2.7-4.0 Mg/kg)
• Weight of dog 4-5 kg: 0.4 ml per day (3.2-4.0 Mg/kg)
• Weight of dog 6-9 kg: 0.6 ml per day (3.1-4.7 Mg/kg)
• Weight of dog 10-15 kg: 1.2 ml per day (3.2-4.8 Mg/kg)
• Weight of dog 16-20 kg: 1.6 ml per day (3.2-4.0 Mg/kg)

Steady state serum concentrations are not reached until 1 - 2 weeks after treatment is initiated. The full effect of the medication does not appear for two weeks and doses should not be increased during this time. If seizures are not being controlled, the dosage may be increased by 20% at a time, with associated monitoring of serum phenobarbital levels.

Important Warnings for Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml (Phenobarbital)

General Warnings:

• For animal treatment only.
• To be supplied only on veterinary prescription (POM-V).
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately, advising medical services of barbiturate poisoning, or show this container.
• Flammable liquid. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not smoke.
• Wash hands thoroughly after use.
• Do not use this veterinary medicinal product after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP.

Contraindications (Do NOT use if):

• For use in pregnant animals or nursing bitches.
• Administering to animals with impaired hepatic function.
• Cases of hypersensitivity to phenobarbital, other barbiturates, or any excipients.
• Animals with serious renal and/or cardiovascular/respiratory disorders.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Common at start of treatment (may persist): Ataxia (lack of coordination), somnolence (drowsiness), listlessness, dizziness.
• Rarely: Paradoxical hyperexcitability (no dosage reduction needed), significant sedation/ataxia at higher serum levels, polyphagia (increased hunger), polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) – these are usually transitory.
• Very rarely: Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) at doses over 20mg/kg/day or with high serum levels; deleterious effects on bone marrow stem cells (immunotoxic pancytopenia, neutropenia, anaemia); superficial necrolytic dermatitis.
• Hypoalbuminaemia may occur. Phenobarbital may increase serum alkaline phosphatase and transaminases activity (liver function tests are recommended).
• Change of behaviour such as aggression (very rare cases).
• If severe adverse effects occur, it is recommended to decrease the daily dose.

Special Precautions for Use in Animals:

• Decision to start antiepileptic drug therapy should be evaluated for each individual case (depends on number, frequency, duration, severity of seizures).
• Administer drops at the same time(s) each day, co-ordinated with feeding times.
• Withdrawal or transition from other antiepileptic therapies should be gradual to avoid precipitating an increase in seizure frequency.
• Caution is recommended in animals with impaired hepatic and renal function, hypovolemia, anaemia, and cardiac or respiratory dysfunction.
• Monitoring of hepatic parameters is recommended in case of prolonged therapy.

Special Precautions for Administering Person:

• Flammable, keep away from sources of ignition. Do not smoke.
• People with known hypersensitivity to phenobarbital or other barbiturates should avoid contact.
• Advisable to wear disposable gloves when handling to reduce skin contact.
• Phenobarbital is a teratogen (causes birth defects) and developmental neurotoxicant and transfers to breast milk. Should not be administered by pregnant women, women intending to become pregnant, or lactating women.
• Ingestion can cause neurotoxicity which may prove fatal. Take utmost care that children do not come into any contact with the product. The vial should be closed immediately after withdrawing the required number of drops for one administration and stored in a safe place.

Interactions with Other Medicinal Products:

• Phenobarbital may reduce activity of some drugs by increasing their metabolism (e.g., antiepileptics, chloramphenicol, corticosteroids, doxycycline, beta blockers, metronidazole).
• May decrease blood concentration of griseofulvin.
• May lower TT4 or FT4 serum levels in dogs (not necessarily indicating hypothyroidism).
• The reliability of oral contraceptives is lower.
• Some drugs can decrease the convulsive threshold (e.g., quinolones, high doses of β-lactam antibiotics, theophylline, aminophylline, cyclosporine, propofol).
• Concurrent use with primidone is not recommended as primidone is metabolised to phenobarbital.
• Concurrent use with potassium bromide increases the risk of pancreatitis.
• Concurrent use with other central depressive drugs can increase central depressive effects.
• Decreases plasmatic concentration of cyclosporine, thyroid hormones, and theophylline.

Overdose (Symptoms & Management):

• Overdosage may result in coma, severe respiratory and cardiovascular depression, hypotension, shock, renal failure, and death.
• Following recent ingestion, stomach may be emptied by lavage.
• Management involves intensive symptomatic and supportive therapy, with attention to cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal functions and electrolyte balance.

Storage Conditions:

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Protect from light.
• Store in tightly closed original container.

Epiphen Oral Solution 40mg/ml 30ml contains the active substance:

• Phenobarbital: 4% w/v (equivalent to 40mg/ml)