[Phenobarbital in the newborn (author's transl)].

Neonates with severe cerebral damage are usually given phenobarbital. The authors study the various means of administration and the influence of term and concomitant mannitol administration on the plasma levels of the drug. They recommend the intravenous administration of a load dose and show that phenobarbital blood levels are significantly less in prematures or in children who have been given mannitol.