offer the patient the opportunity to become physically or psychologically dependent
Section III. CLASSIFICATION OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTIC AGENTS
NOTE: The agents in this section are classified according to their duration of action
and whether they are barbiturates or nonbarbiturates.
7-8. BARBITURATE SEDATIVES AND HYPNOTICS
a.
Ultra Short-Acting Barbiturates.
(1) Basic information. Ultra short-acting barbiturates usually have a duration
of action of 15 to 30 minutes. They are administered intravenously in order to induce
anesthesia because of their high degree in lipid (fatty) materials. Ultra short-acting
barbiturates are used to counteract the convulsions associated with some chemical
substances (for example, tetanus toxin) or by the overdosage of certain drugs.
(2)
Examples of ultra short-acting barbiturates.
Methohexital (Brevital).
(a)
Thiopental (Pentothal).
(b)
b.
Short-Acting Barbiturates.
(1) Basic information. Short-acting barbiturates usually have a duration of
action that lasts from 2 hours to 4 hours. Short-acting barbiturates are effective
treatment--when taken by mouth--for the initial and short-term treatment of insomnia.
These agents are widely used intramuscularly (IM) for preanesthetic sedation in order to
calm the patient and to reduce anxiety often found in patients about to undergo surgery.
Pentobarbital and secobarbital (see below) may be used for short-term daytime
sedation in patients who suffer from anxiety.
(2)
Examples of short-acting barbiturates.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal).
(a)
Secobarbital (Seconal).
(b)
MD0804
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