Product introduction

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup belongs to a class of medicines called barbiturates. It is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). They also have hypnotic properties. This means, they slow down the activity of the brain and can make you feel sleepy or dizzy.

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it may be habit-forming with long-term use. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, hyperactivity, depression, confusion, decreased blood pressure, and fatigue. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.

Remember to consult your doctor if you notice severe rashes, especially accompanied by fever after taking this medicine. It should be noted that long-term use of this medicine can cause pain in joints also.

Uses of Gardenal Syrup

Epilepsy/Seizures

Benefits of Gardenal Syrup

In Epilepsy/Seizures

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup slows down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. Do not stop using this medicine even if you feel well, until your doctor advises you to. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

Side effects of Gardenal Syrup

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Gardenal

DrowsinessNauseaDiarrheaHyperactivityDepressionConfusionDecreased blood pressureFatigueHeadacheDizzinessConstipationExcitementHangover

How to use Gardenal Syrup

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Gardenal Syrup works

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup controls seizures or fits by increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

AlcoholUNSAFEIt is unsafe to consume alcohol with Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup.PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTORGardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor. Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTORGardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Monitor the baby for sleepiness, skin rash, and feeding issues.DrivingUNSAFEGardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.KidneyCAUTIONGardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.LiverCAUTIONGardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

Quick tips

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup helps in treatment and prevention of seizures. It may be habit-forming with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if it stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed. It may make you very sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you notice pain in your joints or if you have a history of bone disease. Get regular blood tests done to monitor the amount of medication in your body. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice skin rash accompanied with fever. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Fact Box

Chemical ClassBarbituric Acid DerivativeHabit FormingYesTherapeutic ClassNEURO CNSAction ClassBarbiturate

FAQs

Q. What is Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup used for?

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is prescribed to control seizures or fits. Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup belongs to barbiturate group of medicines. In exceptional circumstances, it is also used to treat seizures that sometimes accompany a high fever in children.

Q. What if I forget to take Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

Q. Can Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup cause addiction?

Yes, Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup may cause addiction in patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse if they take it for a prolonged time. Therefore, Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup should be avoided in such patients.

Q. What are the long-term side effects of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup?

Long-term use of phenobarbital can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms include pain in the joints or thickening in areas such as the palm or the bottom of the foot. If you notice any changes of this kind, tell the doctor.

Q. Can I stop taking Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup once my seizures get controlled?

No, you should not stop taking Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup without consulting your doctor. Sudden withdrawal can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, feeling sick, fits and delirium. The dose of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup should be reduced gradually.

Q. What will happen if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup?

Swallowing more than the recommended doses may cause drowsiness, speech problems, jerky movements, jerky eye movements, loss of inhibition, reduced reflex response, low body temperature, low blood pressure and breathing problems. Contact your nearest hospital emergency services or your doctor immediately.

Q. What are the effects of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup in children?

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup is useful in treating many kinds of seizures in children. It is often considered as the first choice to treat certain kinds of seizures in newborns. The child taking Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup treatment may develop problems with behavior and learning. Side effects are much more likely to be troublesome if high doses are given or if too high a dose is given at the beginning of the treatment. It may be necessary to increase the dose very slowly over several months.

Q. Can I take folic acid with Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup?

Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup causes folic acid deficiency which is responsible for certain types of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) in some patients. But if you take folic acid, then it may decrease the levels of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup in your body. This may lead to seizures. Therefore, folic acid should be avoided.

Q. For how long do I need to take Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup?

You should take Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup for the duration advised by your doctor. This drug has a habit-forming effect, therefore, its long-term use is not recommended.

Q. Are there any tests available which check the levels of Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup in the blood?

Yes, laboratory tests are available. If you feel excessively sleepy and experience tremor or balance issues or double vision, inform your doctor and get the levels checked.

Q. Can Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, suddenly stopping Gardenal 20mg/5ml Syrup can cause withdrawal symptoms which include sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium.Show moreShow less