Barbiturates
- GABA-A positive modulators; high toxicity
- Phenobarbital: seizures + alcohol withdrawal
- Thiopental/methohexital: anesthesia niches
- Strong sedation + respiratory depression
- Tolerance, dependence + dangerous withdrawal
- Many induce hepatic enzymes
- Largely displaced by safer sedatives
Class at a glance
- GABA-A positive modulators; high toxicity
Members / distinctions
- Thiopental/methohexital: anesthesia niches
Safety / monitoring
- Phenobarbital: seizures + alcohol withdrawal
- Strong sedation + respiratory depression
Safety distinctions
- Tolerance, dependence + dangerous withdrawal
- Many induce hepatic enzymes
- Largely displaced by safer sedatives
Self-check
- Which barbiturate is used for seizures and alcohol withdrawal?
Phenobarbital. - How do many barbiturates affect hepatic enzymes?
They induce them.
Drugs in this class (6)
Barbiturates prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Sleep meds (1869–2026). Barbiturates highlighted from 1903.
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