Tetronal
Overview[edit | edit source]
Tetronal is a sedative and hypnotic drug that belongs to the class of barbiturates. It was first synthesized in the early 20th century and was used primarily for its calming effects and ability to induce sleep. Like other barbiturates, Tetronal acts on the central nervous system to produce its effects.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Tetronal is chemically known as 5,5-diethyl-2-thioxo-4,6(1H,5H)-pyrimidinedione. The structure of Tetronal includes a pyrimidine ring with two ethyl groups attached at the 5th position and a thioxo group at the 2nd position. This structure is typical of barbiturates, which are derivatives of barbituric acid.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Tetronal, like other barbiturates, works by enhancing the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and its activation leads to increased chloride ion influx into neurons, resulting in hyperpolarization and decreased neuronal excitability. This action produces the sedative and hypnotic effects of Tetronal.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Historically, Tetronal was used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. However, due to the development of safer and more effective medications, its use has declined significantly. Today, Tetronal is rarely used in clinical practice and is primarily of historical interest.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
The use of Tetronal can lead to several side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory depression. In higher doses, it can cause coma and death due to its potent depressant effects on the central nervous system. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
History[edit | edit source]
Tetronal was first synthesized in the early 1900s and was one of the many barbiturates developed during that time. It was used extensively until the mid-20th century when benzodiazepines and other safer sedatives became available. The decline in its use was also due to the high risk of overdose and addiction associated with barbiturates.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
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, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
