Phenobarbital monotherapy algorithm for alcohol withdrawal ** EDIT - SEE UPDATED ALGORITHM HERE: https://www.grepmed.com/images/4060 -Phenobarbital monotherapy has numerous advantages compared to benzodiazepines. Emerging evidence suggests that translates into meaningful clinical benefit. -If 15 mg/kg phenobarbital fails to achieve clinical resolution, this suggests that the patient may have another problem in addition to alcohol withdrawal. Alternative causes of delirium should be explored. -For severely agitated patients, dexmedetomidine can be useful initially to gain behavioral control. However, phenobarbital should be rapidly up-titrated to treat the underlying disorder and avoid seizure. -An updated approach to phenobarbital use is suggested (figure below). -If you work at a center that is using lorazepam for alcohol withdrawal, the current shortage of lorazepam isn't a threat – it's an opportunity to move to a superior therapy. #Management #Alcohol #EtOH #Withdrawal #Phenobarbital #Monotherapy #Algorithm #Protocol #PulmCrit
