Old sedative drug could tame ICU delirium better than antipsychotics
NCT ID NCT07548489
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether phenobarbital, an older sedative, can safely calm agitated delirium in ICU patients as well as standard antipsychotics. About 150 adults with hyperactive delirium will receive either phenobarbital or usual care. Researchers will compare how long patients stay in the ICU and hospital, and whether they need extra calming medications.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Phenobarbital
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simpler, possibly safer option to calm agitated ICU patients, potentially shortening their hospital stay.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage Phase 3 trial with only 150 participants. Phenobarbital may not work better than current drugs and carries risks like sedation or breathing problems.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Duke Regional Hospital
Durham, North Carolina, 27704, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Virtual reality headsets bring peace to ICU patients
- Music and breathing may ease delirium in ICU patients