Apronal

Apronal.svg

Apronal' is a barbiturate derivative that was developed in the mid-20th century. It is known for its sedative and hypnotic properties, making it useful in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders. Apronal is chemically related to other barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital, but it has distinct pharmacological properties.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Apronal, also known by its chemical name 5-(2-bromoallyl)-5-isopropylbarbituric acid, has a unique structure that contributes to its pharmacological effects. The presence of a bromoallyl group distinguishes it from other barbiturates, potentially affecting its lipophilicity and metabolism.

Pharmacology

Apronal acts on the central nervous system (CNS) by enhancing the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. This action results in increased GABAergic inhibition, leading to sedative and hypnotic effects. The drug binds to the GABA A receptor, which is a common target for many sedative-hypnotic agents.

Medical Uses

Apronal has been used primarily for its sedative and hypnotic effects. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia and for preoperative sedation. Due to its potential for dependence and abuse, the use of apronal is generally limited to situations where other treatments have failed.

Side Effects and Risks

The use of apronal, like other barbiturates, is associated with several side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. More severe side effects can include respiratory depression, hypotension, and dependence. Long-term use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Regulation and Legal Status

Due to its potential for abuse and dependence, apronal is classified as a controlled substance in many countries. Its use is strictly regulated, and it is typically only available by prescription.

History

Apronal was first synthesized in the mid-20th century as part of efforts to develop new sedative-hypnotic agents. It was introduced into clinical practice but has since seen a decline in use due to the development of newer, safer alternatives.

See Also

• Barbiturate
• Sedative
• Hypnotic
• Insomnia
• GABA A receptor

External Links

‎

---

Translate: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian