Clinical progress note: Phenobarbital in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Abstract

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a common condition experienced by hospitalized patients. Practice patterns have evolved over time to include the use of phenobarbital, a barbiturate, as an adjunct to benzodiazepines or as an alternative monotherapy. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has recommended the use of phenobarbital in the management of AWS in certain clinical contexts. The current evidence base for the use of phenobarbital in AWS remains limited, though sufficient to demonstrate safety and efficacy as an alternative to benzodiazepines.