Narcobarbital
Narcobarbital is a barbiturate derivative that has been used in the past as a sedative and hypnotic medication. It is known for its central nervous system depressant effects, which make it effective in inducing sleep and reducing anxiety.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Narcobarbital belongs to the class of barbiturates, which are derivatives of barbituric acid. The chemical structure of narcobarbital includes a barbiturate core with specific substitutions that enhance its sedative properties.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Narcobarbital works by enhancing the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This action results in increased inhibitory effects, leading to sedation, hypnosis, and in higher doses, anesthesia. The drug binds to the GABA_A receptor, increasing the duration of chloride ion channel opening and thus hyperpolarizing the neuron.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
Historically, narcobarbital was used for its sedative and hypnotic properties. It was prescribed to patients suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and other conditions requiring sedation. However, due to the development of safer and more effective medications, the use of narcobarbital has significantly declined.
Side Effects and Risks[edit | edit source]
The use of narcobarbital, like other barbiturates, is associated with several side effects, including:
In higher doses, narcobarbital can cause severe respiratory depression, coma, and even death. The risk of dependence and addiction is also significant with prolonged use.
Regulation and Legal Status[edit | edit source]
Due to its potential for abuse and the availability of safer alternatives, narcobarbital is classified as a controlled substance in many countries. Its use is strictly regulated, and it is rarely prescribed in modern medical practice.
History[edit | edit source]
Narcobarbital was first synthesized in the early 20th century and was widely used during the mid-20th century. Its popularity declined with the advent of benzodiazepines and other safer sedative-hypnotic drugs.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - 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
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
