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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Barbiturates, plain
aprobarbital
N05CA05
Adult Dosing
- Sedation: 40 mg orally 3 times daily
- Hypnotic: 100 to 160 mg orally at bedtime
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia
- Preoperative sedation
Mechanism of Action
- Barbiturate that binds to GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition, decreasing central nervous system activity, and depressing the sensory cortex.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
- History of manifest or latent porphyria
- Severe respiratory depression
- Nephropathy or severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness
- Lethergy
- Hangover effect
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Physical dependence and tolerance
Drug Interactions
- Central nervous system depressants (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines) increase sedation and respiratory depression
- Induces hepatic CYP enzymes, potentially decreasing efficacy of warfarin, oral contraceptives, and corticosteroids
- Valproic acid inhibits barbiturate metabolism, increasing toxicity risk
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use