Phenobarbitalum

Phenobarbital; 5-ethyl-5-phenylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione; 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid; acidum phenylaethylbarbituricum (CAS 50-06-6; C12H12N2O3; PubChem CID 4763) · Luminal, Gardenal, phenobarbitone, phenobarb

Modern MM

A modern drug remedy whose sphere of action mirrors barbiturate pharmacology: the central nervous system (sedation, ataxia, tremor, convulsive states) and, by clinical empiricism, the skin (pruritus). There is no classical pathogenetic proving; the remedy picture is derived from toxicology and drug-disease (isopathic/tautopathic) use.

Key symptoms

No keynotes exist from a formal proving. The toxicological symptom-sphere that guides similimum use comprises: profound drowsiness and CNS depression; ataxia with unsteady gait; nystagmus; slurred speech; vertigo; tremor (notably on withdrawal); paradoxical hyperexcitability in children and excitement/confusion in the elderly; and pruritus (the indication listed by a commercial homeopathic supplier). These are pharmacological/clinical indications, NOT proving symptoms.

Worse (aggravation)

No proving-derived modalities are established. None can be reliably stated.

Better (amelioration)

No proving-derived modalities are established. None can be reliably stated.

Manohar V Nagaiah

Materia Medica of Modern Homeopathic Medicine · 2026

Luminal, Gardenal, phenobarbitone, phenobarb

Source & Nature

Phenobarbitalum is the homeopathic preparation of phenobarbital (5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid; C12H12N2O3; CAS 50-06-6; PubChem CID 4763), a long-acting barbiturate sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant. It was synthesized by Emil Fischer in 1904 and introduced by Bayer in 1912 under the trade name Luminal; other synonyms include Gardenal and phenobarbitone. The substance is a crystalline white powder, slightly soluble in water, and remains a WHO Essential Medicine for epilepsy.

Preparation

Prepared from the pure drug substance by trituration and alcohol-water dilution. Commercial pharmacies (e.g. Remedia, Boiron) supply medicating globules (saccharose) and liquid dilutions (ethanol-water) across a wide potency range.

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Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.