Phenobarbital Versus Lorazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal: Impact on Inpatient Length of Stay
Advisor(s)
Angela Spallinger
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Phenobarbital Versus Lorazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal: Impact on Inpatient Length of Stay
Problem: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs in approximately 2.3% of adult hospitalizations in the United States and can lead to serious complications such as seizures, delirium tremens, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs if not properly treated (Steel, 2024). Benzodiazepines, particularly lorazepam, are considered first-line treatment. However, emerging evidence suggests phenobarbital may provide effective symptom control and potentially shorten hospital length of stay. Variability in treatment protocols remains, and further evaluation is needed to determine whether phenobarbital results in shorter inpatient stays compared to lorazepam.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of phenobarbital in patients experiencing active alcohol withdrawal reduces hospital length of stay compared to lorazepam in an inpatient setting.
Methods: A quasi-experimental retrospective chart review design will be used. Patients were convenience sampled from those admitted to an inpatient facility within the last 30 days for acute AWS. Eligible adult patients will be categorized into two groups based on the primary pharmacologic management received: phenobarbital or lorazepam. Demographic data and hospital length of stay will be collected from the electronic medical record. Length of stay will be measured in total inpatient days from admission to discharge.
Conclusion: Phenobarbital may be an effective alternative to lorazepam for managing alcohol withdrawal and may reduce hospital length of stay. Findings may help inform evidence-based treatment protocols, though further research with larger samples and randomized designs is recommended.
Recommended Citation
Paphanchith, Madilyn, "Phenobarbital Versus Lorazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal: Impact on Inpatient Length of Stay" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 50.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/50
Open Access
Available to all.
Phenobarbital Versus Lorazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal: Impact on Inpatient Length of Stay
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Phenobarbital Versus Lorazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal: Impact on Inpatient Length of Stay
Problem: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs in approximately 2.3% of adult hospitalizations in the United States and can lead to serious complications such as seizures, delirium tremens, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs if not properly treated (Steel, 2024). Benzodiazepines, particularly lorazepam, are considered first-line treatment. However, emerging evidence suggests phenobarbital may provide effective symptom control and potentially shorten hospital length of stay. Variability in treatment protocols remains, and further evaluation is needed to determine whether phenobarbital results in shorter inpatient stays compared to lorazepam.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of phenobarbital in patients experiencing active alcohol withdrawal reduces hospital length of stay compared to lorazepam in an inpatient setting.
Methods: A quasi-experimental retrospective chart review design will be used. Patients were convenience sampled from those admitted to an inpatient facility within the last 30 days for acute AWS. Eligible adult patients will be categorized into two groups based on the primary pharmacologic management received: phenobarbital or lorazepam. Demographic data and hospital length of stay will be collected from the electronic medical record. Length of stay will be measured in total inpatient days from admission to discharge.
Conclusion: Phenobarbital may be an effective alternative to lorazepam for managing alcohol withdrawal and may reduce hospital length of stay. Findings may help inform evidence-based treatment protocols, though further research with larger samples and randomized designs is recommended.