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7117328 
Journal Article 
A prospective, randomized, trial of phenobarbital versus benzodiazepines for acute alcohol withdrawal 
Hendey, GW; Dery, RA; Barnes, RL; Snowden, B; Mentler, P; , 
2011 
Yes 
American Journal of Emergency Medicine
ISSN: 0735-6757
EISSN: 1532-8171 
W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC 
PHILADELPHIA 
382-385 
20825805 
WOS:000290574600004 
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare phenobarbital (PB) versus lorazepam (LZ) in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the emergency department (ED) and at 48 hours.Methods: Prospectively, randomized, consenting patients were assessed using a modified Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) score and given intravenous PB (mean, 509 mg) or LZ (mean, 4.2 mg). At discharge, LZ patients received chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and PB patients received placebo.Results: Of 44 patients, 25 received PB, and 19 LZ. Both PB and LZ reduced CIWA scores from baseline to discharge (15.0-5.4 and 16.8-4.2, P < .0001). There were no differences between PB and LZ in baseline CIWA scores (P = .3), discharge scores (P = .4), ED length of stay (267 versus 256 minutes, P = .8), admissions (12% versus 16%, P = .8), or 48-hour follow-up CIWA scores (5.8 versus 7.2, P = .6).Conclusion: Phenobarbital and LZ were similarly effective in the treatment of mild/moderate alcohol withdrawal in the ED and at 48 hours. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.