Barbiturates and Barbiturate-Like Drugs

Question 1

Barbiturates Prototype

Answer 1

Phenobarbital

Question 2

Phenobarbital Indications

Answer 2

Long-term treatment of generalized tonic– clonic and cortical focal seizures, emergency control
of certain acute convulsive episodes (status epilepticus, tetanus, eclampsia, meningitis), and anticonvulsant treatment of generalized tonic–clonic seizures and focal seizures (parenteral).

Question 3

Phenobarbital Actions

Answer 3

General CNS depressant. inhibits impulse conduction in the ascending RAS, depresses the cerebral cortex, alters cerebellar function, depresses motor output, and can produce excitation, sedation, hypnosis, anesthesia, and deep coma.

Question 4

Phenobarbital Route

Answer 4

Oral, IM, subcutaneous, IV

Question 5

Phenobarbital Adverse Effects

Answer 5

Somnolence, insomnia, vertigo, nightmares, lethargy, nervousness, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, hypoventilation, respiratory depression, tissue necrosis at injection site, withdrawal syndrome.