Ethchlorvynol

Overview of the sedative and hypnotic drug Ethchlorvynol

Ethchlorvynol

Ethchlorvynol chemical structure

Ethchlorvynol is a sedative and hypnotic medication that was primarily used for the treatment of insomnia. It was first introduced in the 1950s and marketed under the brand name Placidyl. Ethchlorvynol is a member of the pyrrolidine class of drugs and acts as a central nervous system depressant.

Pharmacology

Ethchlorvynol works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in sedative and hypnotic effects. It is known to have a rapid onset of action, typically within 15 to 30 minutes, and its effects can last for several hours. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

Medical Uses

Ethchlorvynol was primarily prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia, particularly in patients who had difficulty falling asleep. It was also occasionally used as a pre-anesthetic medication due to its sedative properties.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ethchlorvynol include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. In some cases, it can cause paradoxical reactions such as agitation or excitement. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Synthesis

Ethchlorvynol synthesis pathway

The synthesis of ethchlorvynol involves the reaction of propargyl alcohol with trichloroethylene in the presence of a base to form the ethchlorvynol compound. This process highlights the chemical transformation necessary to produce the active sedative agent.

Regulation and Discontinuation

Due to concerns about its safety profile, including the risk of overdose and abuse, ethchlorvynol was gradually phased out in many countries. In the United States, the manufacturer discontinued its production in 1999, and it is no longer available for prescription.

Related Pages

• Sedative
• Hypnotic
• Insomnia
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Central nervous system depressant