Breathing problems after Phenobarbital in dogs

80 reports to the FDA describe breathing problems in dogs given Phenobarbital. That is 5.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

80Reports
76%Marked serious
20%Recovered
46%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
18 33%
1–2 days
7 13%
3–7 days
3 5.5%
1–4 weeks
6 11%
Over a month
21 38%

How the animals did

Recovered
12 15%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 5.0%
Still unwell when reported
15 19%
Died
20 25%
Euthanised
17 21%
Not known
12 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
9
4–7 years
14
8–11 years
34
12+ years
20

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Phenobarbital cause breathing problems in dogs?
80 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 7 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Breathing problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Phenobarbital in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems