Barbiturates

Question 1

Thiopental
Class
MOA
SE

Answer 1

Ultra-short acting barbiturate

Bind Barb receptors in CNS to enhance GABA activity

CV & resp depression: hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction

Question 2

Thiopental

char

Answer 2

IV
30-45 sec: unconscious
1 min: 60% in brain
5-10 min: regain consciousness
“Truth serum”
Lethal injections
Not really used anymore – replaced by Propofol

Question 3

Pentobarbital
class
ind
MOA
Char

Answer 3

Short acting barbiturate
Insomnia
Pre-operative sedation
Physician-assisted suicide

Bind Barb receptors in CNS to enhance GABA activity

Oral or IV
Onset: 15-30 min
Duration: 6-8 hours
Schedule II

Question 4

Butalbital
class
Ind
MOA
Char

Answer 4

Intermediate acting barbiturate

Insomnia
Pre-operative sedation
Migrain/cluster HA (+ aspirin or acetaminophen)

Bind Barb receptors in CNS to enhance GABA activity

Oral
Onset: 20-40 min
Duration: 6 hours
Fiorinal: aspirin, Butalbital (Category IV), caffeine

Question 5

Phenoparbital
CLass
Ind
MOA
Se
Char

Answer 5

Long acting barbiturate

Seizure disorders

Bind Barb receptors in CNS to enhance GABA activity

Sedative & hypnotic properties

No longer used as anxiolytic b/c of SE & small therapeutic window

Question 6

What is the time frame for:
1. long acting
intermdeiate acting
Short acting
Ultra shor acting

Answer 6

> 8hr
4hr
<4hr
<1hr