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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Other hypnotics and sedatives
carbromal
N05CM04
Forms & Strengths
- Historically available as oral tablets (various strengths)
- Often combined with other sedatives/analgesics in legacy formulations
Adult Dosing
- Sedative: 300 mg to 1 g orally as needed
- Hypnotic: 600 mg to 1.5 g orally before retiring
- Obsolete in modern clinical practice due to toxicity and availability of safer alternatives
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended or established for pediatric use
Indications
- Historical use as a mild sedative and hypnotic
- Management of simple insomnia and nervous anxiety (obsolete)
Mechanism of Action
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressant
- Bromide moiety contributes to prolonged sedative and neurotoxic effects
- Enhances GABAergic neurotransmission similar to barbiturates and ureides
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to carbromal, bromides, or related ureides
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- Respiratory depression or severe pulmonary insufficiency
Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness, ataxia, and confusion with acute use
- Chronic toxicity (bromism): skin rashes, acneiform eruptions, cognitive impairment, psychosis, ataxia
- Paradoxical excitement
- Severe CNS and respiratory depression in overdose
Drug Interactions
- Alcohol: profound additive CNS and respiratory depression
- Other CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antipsychotics): increased risk of excessive sedation and respiratory failure
- Antihypertensives: potential for enhanced hypotensive effects
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use