Is Phenobarbital an Effective Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Author Department
Emergency Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
5-2024
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder is associated with a variety of complications, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which may occur in those who decrease or stop alcohol consumption suddenly. AWS is associated with a range of signs and symptoms, which are most commonly treated with GABAergic medications.
Clinical question: Is phenobarbital an effective treatment for AWS?
Evidence review: Studies retrieved included two prospective, randomized, double-blind studies and three systematic reviews. These studies provided estimates of the effectiveness and safety of phenobarbital for treatment of AWS.
Conclusions: Based on the available literature, phenobarbital is reasonable to consider for treatment of AWS. Clinicians must consider the individual patient, clinical situation, and comorbidities when selecting a medication for treatment of AWS.
Keywords: GABA; alcohol; alcohol use disorder; alcohol withdrawal syndrome; benzodiazepines; phenobarbital.
Recommended Citation
Long B, Keim SM, Gottlieb M, Rathlev N. Is Phenobarbital an Effective Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome? J Emerg Med. 2024 May 8:S0736-4679(24)00153-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2024.05.007. Epub ahead of print.
PMID
39227241