BARBITURATES
Barbiturates are a type of sedative-hypnotic that is used to induce sleep, as an
anesthetic, and in high doses to control epileptic seizures. Barbiturates are clas-
sified by duration of action referred to as ultrashort-acting, short-acting, inter-
mediate acting, and long-acting.
Ultrashort-acting barbiturates such as thiopental sodium (Pentothal) is a com-
monly used anesthetic. Secobarbital (Seconal) and pentobarbital (Nembutal) are
short-acting barbiturates that induce sleep. For longer periods of sleep, patients
are prescribed intermediate acting such as amobarbital (Amytal), aprobarbital
(Alurate) and bubatabarbital (Butisol). Phenobarbital and mephobarbital are
long-acting barbiturates used for controlling epileptic seizures.
Barbiturates are Class II Controlled Substances and should be prescribed for
no more than two weeks because of the adverse side effect. Barbiturates increase
CNS depression in the elderly and should not be used for sleep.
See sedative-hypnotic: barbituates and others provided in the Appendix.
Detailed tables show doses, recommendations, expectations, side effects, con-
traindications, and more; available on the book’s Web site (see URL in Appendix).
CHAPTER 15 Nervous System Drugs^275
Other Barbiturates
Short-acting: Secobarbital sodium Preoperative sedation PO 100–200 mg before
(Seconal Sodium) Used to induce sleep surgery; hypnotic
Class II PO/IM 100–200 mg h.s.;
Statusepilepticus: IV;
5.5 mg/kg; repeat in
3–4 hours; with
spinal anesthesia IV;
50–100 mg.; infused over
30 seconds; maximum
dose of 250/mg
Intermediate- Amobarbital sodium Sleep sustainers PB 50–60%; half life
acting (Amytal Sodium) 20–40 hours; Sedative:
PO 30–50 mg bid-tid;
Hypnotic PO/IM
65–200 mg h.s., IV:
65–200 mg