Kidney problems after Phenobarbital in dogs

47 reports to the FDA describe kidney problems in dogs given Phenobarbital. That is 3.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.4% across reports for all dog medicines.

47Reports
85%Marked serious
2.1%Recovered
51%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 15%
1–2 days
8 31%
3–7 days
3 12%
1–4 weeks
3 12%
Over a month
8 31%

How the animals did

Recovered with lasting effects
1 2.1%
Still unwell when reported
13 28%
Died
9 19%
Euthanised
15 32%
Not known
9 19%

Problems reported at the same time

25 53%
18 38%
18 38%
15 32%
Hyperphosphataemia
14 30%
10 21%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
3
4–7 years
11
8–11 years
17
12+ years
14

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Phenobarbital cause kidney problems in dogs?
47 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 6 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).

Kidney problems with similar medicines

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