Name: Pentobarbital
Class: Antianxiety-Sedative-Hypnotic Agent (Barbiturate)
Mechanism: Potentiates GABA transmission by interacting w/GABA receptor. High doses ® direct activation of Cl- channel ® global CNS synaptic depression.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.: Hepatic Metabolism ® inactive Metabolismolites. Signif. induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes ® potential for drug interactions.
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Dose-dependent depression of CNS fxn (mild sedation ® sleep ® coma ® coma w/resp. depression ® death). Chronic use of doses 2x-4x hypnotic dosage ® tolerance & psych/phys. dependence. W/drawal symptoms include grand mal seizures and DTs and are potentially lethal.
Utility: Rarely used as backup to other sedative-hypnotic drugs. Suicide.
Special Features: Short-acting agent