Do barbiturates need to be taken on an empty stomach?

Question

My doctor prescribed me phenobarbital for sleep. I don't know if you're supposed to take it on an empty stomach or how long before you are supposed to go to sleep. I read that it reaches peak plasma levels after 8 hours. Do I take it 8 hours before bed?

I can NOT contact my doctor. He is on vacation until the first week in September. He has an assistant but she really just files paperwork and is a big airhead.

Answer 1

the directions should be on the bottle.  did your doctor give you samples or did you fill a prescription?  call your regular pharmacist for advice.

Answer 2

If it doesn't say on the bottle, or have a little colored sticky telling you, call a pharmacist. :)