Comparison 4. Phenobarbital versus phenytoin as first‐line ASM in clinically diagnosed neonatal seizures.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
4.1 Proportion of infants who achieve seizure control after the first loading dose of ASM	2	179	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.92 [1.40, 2.64]
4.2 Mortality before hospital discharge	2	179	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.33 [0.79, 2.26]
4.3 Requirement of mechanical ventilation	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
4.4 Proportion of infants who develop sedation or drowsiness	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
4.5 Bradycardia	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
4.6 Proportion of infants with persistent seizures and/or requiring ASM at discharge	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected