Questions and Answers
What are barbiturates primarily used for?
Barbiturates are commonly prescribed for chronic insomnia.
False
What is the most frequently used barbiturate as a hypnotic?
Phenobarbital
What is the mechanism of action of barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
Which barbiturate is used as an anesthetic agent?
Signup and view all the answers
Name the barbiturates more commonly used in the operating room.
Signup and view all the answers
What substances interact negatively with barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Barbiturates Overview
- Barbiturates are infrequently prescribed for insomnia, primarily suited for short-term use (up to 2 weeks).
- Their utilization is limited due to side effects, notably the potential for drug tolerance.
Insomnia Treatment
- Barbiturates can treat insomnia but are not commonly used for chronic cases due to the availability of less potent alternatives.
Commonly Used Barbiturates
- Phenobarbital is the most frequently used barbiturate as a hypnotic agent.
Administration of Phenobarbital
- Available via intravenous (IV) or oral (PO) routes.
- Continuous infusion is rare in practice.
Mechanism of Action
- Barbiturates enhance the effects of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to a depression of CNS activity.
Secobarbital Usage
- Primarily utilized as an anesthetic agent during infusion.
Barbiturates in the Operating Room
- Commonly used barbiturates include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital, frequently administered in surgical settings.
Drug Interactions
- Barbiturates interact with various substances, particularly:
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Other sedative hypnotics
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on barbiturates, a class of drugs used for the treatment of insomnia. This quiz will cover their uses, side effects, and prescribing guidelines. Perfect for pharmacy students looking to reinforce their understanding of pharmacology.
