The Influence of Phenobarbitone on Bilirubin Clearance

Abstract

The effect of phenobarbitone treatment on bilirubin clearance from the plasma was studied in 20 newborn infants (10 born at term and 10 premature). The results are compared to those of 20 controls receiving no drug. Following phenobarbitone treatment, a significant increase in bilirubin clearance was observed in both term and premature infants. In premature infants the rate of bilirubin clearance was so enhanced on the 5th day that it almost equalled that of term infants.