Information AboutBarbiturates |
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Barbiturates are derivatives of Barbituric Acid . MEDICAL USES Today barbiturates are infrequently used as anticonvulsants and for the induction of Anesthesia . Benzodiazepine s were made as barbiturate alternatives and as such are more widely used and prescribed today than the barbiturate drugs. Some of the barbiturates available are:
Sometimes two or more barbiturates are combined in a single tablet or capsule; perhaps the most well-known of these combinations is Tuinal , which consists of amobarbital and secobarbital in equal proportions. RECREATIONAL USE Barbiturates were very popular in the first half of the 20th century. In moderate amounts, these drugs produce a state of intoxication that is remarkably similar to Alcohol Intoxication . Symptoms include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, and impaired judgment. Depending on the dose, frequency, and duration of use, one can rapidly develop Tolerance , physical dependence, and psychological dependence on barbiturates. With the development of tolerance, the margin of safety between the effective dose and the lethal dose becomes very narrow. That is, in order to obtain the same level of intoxication, the tolerant abuser may raise his or her dose to a level that may result in Coma or death. Although many individuals have taken barbiturates therapeutically without harm, concern about the addiction potential (withdrawal symptoms can include tonic-clonic or grand mal Seizure s potentially leading to permanent disability or even death) of barbiturates and the ever-increasing number of fatalities associated with them led to the development of alternative medications, namely Benzodiazepine s. Today, fewer than 10 percent of all sedative/hypnotic prescriptions in the United States are for barbiturates. OTHER NON-THERAPEUTICAL USE Barbiturates in high doses are used for Physician-assisted Suicide (PAS), and, in combination with a Muscle Relaxant , for Euthanasia and for Capital Punishment by Lethal Injection . HISTORY
POISONING Barbiturates are sedatives used for seizure disorders, induction of anesthesia, and management of increased intracranial pressure. Barbiturates enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid GABA and are general depressants to nerve and muscle tissue. Mild to moderate barbiturate toxicity mimics alcohol intoxication. Severe acute barbiturate toxicity results in CNS problems, including lethargy and coma. Constricted pupils, confusion, hypotension, poor coordination, respiratory depression, and coma may be found on physical exams. Although a barbituarte serum level may be obtained, the clinical presentation predicts the seriousness of the overdose. Attention must be given to the ABC's - airway, breathing and circulation. Gastric Lavage and multiple doses of activated charcoal may be used to decontaminate the GI system. IV fluids and forced diuresis and alkalinization should be used for long acting barbiturate intoxication. In severe cases, Hemodialysis may be necessary. Early death are usually a result of shock or cardiopulmonary arrest. Later death are usually the result of pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema. TRIVIA
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