BARBITURATES

Question 1

What is barbiturate?

Answer 1

This is a class of sedatives or sleep inducing drugs that are derived from barbituric acid.

Question 2

Give the pharmacology of some named barbiturates

Answer 2

1.Phenobarbital
Trade name: luminal
Class: sedative,anti-convulsants and barbiturate
Moa: long acting barbiturate,act as a sedative,hypnotic and anti convulsants by producing CNS depression. It increases the inhibitory activity on the nerve synapses.
Therapeutic uses: Pre anesthetic medication,sedation,hypnosis,epilepsy
Should be administered parenterally
Contraindications:Hypersensitivity.
Side effects: Headache,fever,megaloblastic anaemia,dizziness,hypotension,nausea,vomiting and epi gastric pain.
Doses: available in tablet form and ampoules
For sedation; 30-120mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.
For hypnosis; 100-320mg at bed time
For anti convulsants; 100-320mg,repeated as necessary.
For pre operative sedation; IM 130-200mg, 60-90mins before surgery.
If given overdose,the following manifestations are seen;
Tachycardia,hypothermia,respiratory depression,absent reflexes,circulatory collapse and vascular collapse.
Treatment of overdose /toxicity.
- Support circulation by vasopression and IV fluids as required
- Aspirate stomach content and take care to avoid pulmonary aspiration
- Diuretics may be given
Nursing considerations
-If given IV,closely monitor the rate of fluid,rapid administration may lead to respiration depression
-Avoid the use of alcoholic beverages
-Instruct the patient not to drive a car or operate other hazardous machinery after taking the medications.
-Take the medications only as prescribed
- If used for hypnosis,give 30 minutes before bedtime
- Teach your patient about signs and symptoms of toxicity and instruct your patient to report them to the treating physician
- If taking the drugs for 8weeks or more instruct the pay or to stop it immediately to avoid withdrawal symptom I.e convulsion
- Keep out of the reach of children

2.Secobarbital
Trade name: Secona
Class: Sedative,hypnotic and barbiturate
Moa: It’s a short acting barbiturate
Therapeutic uses: Short term use for insomnia,sedative to relief anxiety,preoperative sedation and sometimes given parenterally as anti convulsants.
Doses: Tablet form- 100my at bedtime