← Search & browse all drugs
NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Barbiturates, plain
vinylbital
N05CA08
Forms & Strengths
- Oral capsules: 50 mg
- Oral tablets: 100 mg
- Combined oral formulations available in specific European markets
Adult Dosing
- Insomnia: 100 mg to 200 mg orally at bedtime
- Sedation: 50 mg orally 2 to 3 times daily
- Maximum daily dose generally should not exceed 400 mg
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
- Use in children is generally not recommended due to risks of paradoxical excitement and respiratory depression
Indications
- Short-term management of severe insomnia
- Pre-anesthetic sedation
Mechanism of Action
- Barbiturate derivative acting as a central nervous system depressant
- Enhances GABA-A receptor activity, prolonging the opening of chloride channels
- Decreases glutamate-induced excitation and inhibits reticular activating system
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to barbiturates
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Severe respiratory insufficiency or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- History of manifest or latent barbiturate dependence
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Central nervous system depression, drowsiness, lethargy, and hangover effect
- Paradoxical excitement or confusion, particularly in the elderly
- Respiratory depression and apnea at high doses
- Physical and psychological dependence with prolonged use
- Hypotension and bradycardia
Drug Interactions
- Potent inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4), accelerating metabolism of warfarin, oral contraceptives, and corticosteroids
- Additive CNS depression with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives
- Decreased efficacy of concurrent lamotrigine and other anticonvulsants
- Increased risk of toxicity when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use