Use of DonnatalTM Elixir in the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

We present the case of a 6-week-old male infant with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in which DonnatalTM (phenobarbital, hyoscyamine, atropine, hyoscine) Elixir was used as an adjunct therapy. The infant was born to a mother taking 130mg of methadone per day since conception. Due to NAS, he was treated with a methadone taper and oral clonidine. Yet, despite the majority of symptoms being suppressed with these medications, he remained stricken with colicky pain, unresponsive to supplemental opioids. A trial of DonnatalTM resulted in relief of symptoms and completion of his opioid taper. We recommend DonnatalTM as part of the treatment plan for refractory abdominal symptoms in cases of NAS.