Phenobarbital in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome(AWS)is a serious disorder affecting alcohol-dependent patients who abruptly stop or reduce their drinking.Mild or moderate AWS usually appears within 6 to 24 h after the last drink,and symptoms may include increased blood pressure and rapid pulse,tremors,high fever,irritability,anxiety,headache,nausea,and vomiting.These symptoms may progress to a more severe AWS characterized by delirium tremens,seizures,coma,cardiac arrest,and death.This article will analyze the phenobarbital(PB)treatment of AWS and make a brief review'.