barbital
Quick Summary
Barbital is a crystalline compound derived from barbituric acid, first synthesized in 1903. It belongs to the class of barbiturates, which are organic compounds used medically as sedatives and hypnotics. Barbital acts by depressing the central nervous system, particularly the brain.12
In medicine, barbital and similar long-acting barbiturates, like phenobarbital, can be used to prevent convulsions in epilepsy. They are also used to treat insomnia, with effects lasting for 6 to 12 hours. While effective, barbiturates have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines due to fewer side effects and lower abuse potential. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance and dependence, and overdose can be fatal.1
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- barbiturate
Barbital was first synthesized in 1903, and phenobarbital became available in 1912. Barbiturates act by depressing the central nervous system, particularly on certain portions of the brain, though they tend to depress the functioning of all the body’s tissues. Most of them exert a sedative…
Read MoreBarbital was first synthesized in 1903, and phenobarbital became available in 1912. Barbiturates act by depressing the central nervous system, particularly on certain portions of the brain, though they tend to depress the functioning of all the body’s tissues. Most of them exert a sedative…
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sedative-hypnotic drug…followed by the synthesis of barbital in 1903. Phenobarbital became available in 1912 and was followed, during the next 20 years, by a long series of other barbiturates. In the mid-20th century new types of sedative-hypnotic drugs were synthesized, chief among them the benzodiazepines (the so-called minor tranquilizers).
Read More…followed by the synthesis of barbital in 1903. Phenobarbital became available in 1912 and was followed, during the next 20 years, by a long series of other barbiturates. In the mid-20th century new types of sedative-hypnotic drugs were synthesized, chief among them the benzodiazepines (the so-called minor tranquilizers).
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