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Comparative Effectiveness of Phenobarbital vs Diazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

JAMA internal medicine·October 12, 2026·PMID 42862568

Why it matters

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is common in acute care, and choice of initial pharmacotherapy affects resource use and safety. This study provides real-world evidence that phenobarbital and diazepam have similar effectiveness and safety, supporting flexibility in medication selection based on clinician preference and patient factors.

Infographic summary of Comparative Effectiveness of Phenobarbital vs Diazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.
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